Builder confidence in markets for new homes fell three points in February to a reading of 58. January's reading was revised upward to 61. Builders have repeatedly expressed concerns shortages of labor and lots for development, but continue to express confidence in future sales conditions. David Crowe, National Association of Home Builder's (NAHB) chief economist, said that builders are watching slowing economic trends, but also cited low mortgage rates, improving labor markets and pent-up demand for homes as factors for strong U.S. housing markets. The NAHB notes that any reading over 50 … [Read More...]
Last week's economic events included weekly releases on new jobless claims, mortgage rates and testimony by Fed Chair Janet Yellen concerning the Federal Reserve's monetary policy. Here are the details: Mortgage Rates, New Jobless Claims Drop Freddie Mac reported that average mortgage rates fell across the board last Thursday, with the rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage seven basis points lower at 3.65 percent. The average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage was six basis points lower at 2.95 percent, and the average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage was two basis points lower at … [Read More...]
It may seem like the holiday season has just passed, but it won't be too long before the flowers begin to bloom and spring peeks out from around the corner. While the tradition of spring cleaning that comes with the season may not be as common as it once was, it can actually be a great way to revive and refresh and prepare for the summer ahead. Begin With The Bedroom Start with your bed by washing all of the sheets and linens, and then move on to dusting, making sure that all of the spots missed throughout the year are wiped clean. Since you may find yourself purchasing some extra items in the … [Read More...]
Many people romanticize the idea of paying off their home mortgage early so they can enjoy their home in retirement, but when it comes to the later years of life, a big house can actually be too much to handle. If you've started to consider a smaller home and are wondering why it might be a good decision for you and yours, here are a few things you may want to consider. It's Much Easier To Maintain It is often the idea of the palatial estate with a pool that homeowners get excited about, but when it comes to reality, the larger the home, the harder it is going to be to take care of and … [Read More...]
Traditionally, getting a mortgage requires you to have a level of income appropriate to the size of home that you're buying. But for a lot of low-income and minority borrowers, a simple measure of one person's income isn't an accurate measure of whether or not that person can afford a home. Now, with the Home Ready mortgage from Fannie Mae, multigenerational and extended households can have easy access to mortgage funds. How does the Home Ready mortgage work? Here's what you need to know. Flexible Down Payment Requirements Make Home Ownership More Accessible Traditional mortgages require you … [Read More...]
With the cost of rent going up across the board and becoming even less affordable in metropolitan centers, it's never been a better time to seriously consider home ownership. While the price of a home and all the associated costs can certainly seem like a tight squeeze after years of renting, here are some reasons you may want to consider giving up your rental and springing for a home instead. It's An Automatic Savings It's a sure bet that the money you spend on rent is going down the drain as soon as the month is over, but investing your money into a home each month means that you're actually … [Read More...]
