Getting a mortgage is a significant financial decision, and it is crucial to ensure that you are financially prepared before applying for one. Conducting a quick financial health check before applying for a mortgage can help you determine your financial standing and your ability to afford a mortgage payment. Here are some reasons why you should consider conducting a quick financial health check before applying for a mortgage: Check your credit score: Your credit score is an important factor that lenders consider when deciding whether to approve your mortgage application. Check your credit … [Read More...]
Nearly 70 million American households include at least one pet, but most prospective buyers won't want to see evidence of pets in a home on the market. Here are some tips about how to sell a pet-friendly home. Prior To Listing Point out special pet features to your real estate agent -- a cat door, feeding station or a pet shower, even a fenced back yard or a dog run can be a bonus to many buyers. It's important to remember that buyers want to imagine their pets in the home, not yours! Minimize your pet's presence by decluttering pet supplies as well as your personal items. While it … [Read More...]
Hiring a home contractor can be a daunting task, as the success of your home renovation or construction project depends largely on the competence of the contractor you choose. Here are some critical tips to consider when hiring a home contractor: Research: Do thorough research on potential contractors before hiring them. Check their credentials, licenses, certifications, and experience. Also, look for reviews and testimonials from past clients to get an idea of their work quality. Get multiple quotes: Request quotes from multiple contractors and compare them. This will give you an idea of the … [Read More...]
Last week’s scheduled economic reporting included readings on inflation, consumer sentiment, and weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims. Inflation Rate Rises in April, Slower Pace Expected in Coming Months The U.S. Labor Department reported the month-to-month pace of inflation rose by 0.40 percent in April and matched analysts’ expectations. April’s reading surpassed the March reading of 0.10 percent month-to-month inflationary growth. Inflation rose by 4.90 percent year-over-year in April. Analysts expect inflationary growth to continue, but at a slower … [Read More...]
There are many do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvement projects that can be completed on a budget and still have a significant impact. Enhancing the appearance and functionality of your home doesn't have to be costly or time-consuming. New Light Fixtures One simple and affordable way to update your home is by replacing old or outdated light fixtures. New light fixtures can give your home a fresh, modern look and can also help to improve the overall lighting in your living spaces. There is a wide variety of styles and price points to choose from, so you can find a light fixture that suits … [Read More...]
What is PMI? PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) is a type of insurance that lenders may require borrowers to pay if they have a down payment of less than 20% of the home's purchase price. The purpose of PMI is to protect the lender in case the borrower defaults on the loan. However, once you have paid off enough of your mortgage or your home has appreciated in value, you may be able to get rid of PMI. Here are some ways to do so: Pay down your mortgage: If you make extra payments on your mortgage or pay more than the required monthly payment, you can build equity in your home faster and reduce … [Read More...]
