The post-election period is often one of uncertainty, and the time since the 2016 election has been no different with regards to market force and the financial world. With a new administration taking office, there are many questions regarding how Donald Trump's presidency will impact the market and your mortgage. If you're wondering what the predictions are for the coming year, here are a few things the experts are considering. An Increase In Rates Due to an expected hike in rates by the Federal Reserve, it's unlikely that potential homebuyers will be able to get the low interest rates of … [Read More...]
Whether you're new to the real estate game or you've bought and sold a home before, there are many details involved in selling. It can be enticing to think about taking on the responsibility yourself and going it alone, but there are a number of reasons it's wise to use a real estate agent. Before you make a decision on selling your home, ensure you consider all the details you'll have to deal with. Misunderstanding Of The Market It's entirely possible for a home seller to look at the MLS listings and determine a price range for their home, but the right real estate agent will have a wealth of … [Read More...]
Last week's scheduled economic readings were limited and included new jobless claims and Freddie Mac's mortgage rates survey. In other news, all types of mortgage applications rose by 2.30 percent this week as compared to the prior week. Mortgage Rates Lower, Home Loan Applications Rise Freddie Mac reported lower mortgage rates for fixed rate and 5/1 adjustable mortgages; the average rate for 30-year fixed rate mortgages dropped two basis points to 4.17 percent. Average rates for 15-year mortgages also dropped two basis points to 3.39 percent. 5/1 adjustable mortgage rates averaged 3.21 … [Read More...]
Now that 2017 is here, it's time to consider which upgrades you will make to your home. If you don't have any major renovations planned, you can still tackle smaller projects or theme rooms. In today's post we'll explore some of the home decor trends expected to be popular in 2017. Paint Colors: Confident, Composed & Comfortable According to the color experts at paint company Behr, 2017's trend colors express confidence, composition and comfort. If you plan on painting accent walls, rooms or even your entire home this year, these are worth exploring. Confident palette colors include the … [Read More...]
Whether you're planning to sell or not, if you can afford to upgrade your home it's almost always worth it. But the question is: which renovations add value to your life, as well as your house? Let's explore how adding an in-ground pool to your backyard can boost your home's value. The Ultimate In Functional Luxury It's true that there are many home upgrades that add a ton of value. Kitchen renovations, home solar panels and other long-term investments tend to pay off. But few are as luxurious and fun as installing your own in-ground pool. Not only will you get to enjoy having a swim whenever … [Read More...]
When it comes to real estate, there are always going to be upswings in the market that will have an impact on your mortgage payment and overall financial health. However, with a fluctuating market here to stay, you may be wondering how you can guard your biggest investment and your finances against rate increases. If you're concerned about rates on the rise, here are a few tips to test out you're fiscal well-being. Calculate Your Debt-To-Income Ratio It's beneficial to determine your DTI ratio prior to purchasing a home, but since debt and housing costs are always fluctuating, calculating this … [Read More...]
