With all of the things that you need to fit into the kitchen, being economical with how you use your space can be a very important part of making it work. If you're looking for some new ideas for how to use your space to maximum capacity, here are some hacks that might just make a marked difference! Make Use of Magnets Using magnets to hold up some kitchen essentials will not only be effective and functional, it will make for a quirky, modern space with personality. Whether you decide on a magnetized knife block for the side of the fridge or purchase some magnetized spices for easy access, … [Read More...]
November sales of pre-owned homes dipped lower than expected and prior month's readings according to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). Analysts expected existing home sales to slow to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 5.30 million sales, which was based on October's reading of 5.32 million sales. Instead, November's reading dropped to 4.76 million sales. November's drop represented a decline of 10.50 percent drop in existing home sales month-to-month; existing home sales were 3.80 percent lower year-over-year. November's reading represented the first time since September 2014 … [Read More...]
When it comes to staging your home to sell, it can sometimes seem like there are so many things to do that it's hard to know what will make a real difference. Since staging is such an important aspect of successfully selling your home, here are the three golden rules for how you can make it work for you! Don't Forego The Front Homeowners often spend so much time inside of their home that it's the first thing they think about when it comes to staging, but the first thing a potential buyer is going to notice is the exterior so it's very important to keep this in mind. Ensure that the grass is … [Read More...]
Last week's scheduled economic reports included the NAHB Housing Market Index, Housing Starts, FOMC statement and Fed Chair Janet Yellen's press conference. In addition to weekly reports on jobless claims and mortgage rates, inflation reports were also released. Builder Confidence Slips, Housing Starts Increase According to the NAHB / Wells Fargo Housing Market Index for December, home builder confidence slipped by one point to a reading of 61 as compared to an expected reading of 63 and November's reading of 62. December's reading was three points higher year-over-year. Readings over 50 … [Read More...]
What Do Lenders Have To Tell You About Your Real Estate Loan? Federal "disclosure" forms define the information that creditor businesses MUST provide to consumers applying for real estate loans. As of Oct 1, 2015 lenders must provide TWO New "TRID" disclosure forms. for the most common kinds of real estate loans First, the Loan Estimate, which covers the key features, costs and risks of a mortgage loan. For an approved loan this must be returned to the consumer within 3 business days of loan application. If the loan goes forward, the Closing Disclosure form, covering key transaction costs, … [Read More...]
After prolonged speculation by economic analysts and news media, the Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve raised short-term interest rates for the first time in seven years. Committee members voted to raise the target federal funds rate to a range of 0.25 to 0.50 percent from a range of 0.00 to 0.25 percent to be effective December 17. The good news about the Fed's decision is that the Central Bank had enough confidence in improving economic conditions to warrant its decision. But how will the Fed's decision affect mortgage rates?December's FOMC statement cited improving job … [Read More...]