A great addition to many families is the beloved pet, but beyond the regular treats and pillows, there are plenty of ways to spoil your pet and let them know how much you love them. If you're looking for some neat concepts for your favorite pooch, here are some unique ideas you may want to try out. A Relaxing, Personal Place Many animals will gravitate towards your new couch, but by giving them their own special spot, you can make them happy and keep your living room looking great at the same time. Instead of a second-hand pillow, buy them their very own bed for their very own corner of the … [Read More...]
Last week's economic reporting included readings on construction spending and labor sector readings on employment and the national unemployment rate for March. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released. Commerce Department: February Construction Spending Falls The U.S. Commerce Department reported less construction spending in February than in January as construction spending fell by 0.10 percent to a year-over-year reading of $1.844 trillion for all types of construction. Year-over-year construction spending increased by 5.20 percent. While total … [Read More...]
If you dream of owning a house one day, you have probably realized that one of the biggest challenges is saving money for a down payment. You have already found your dream property, but then the lender asks you to put 20 percent down, which can be tens of thousands of dollars. Fortunately, there are alternative options available, and you may be able to purchase a home for no money down. VA Loans One option for qualifying borrowers is a VA loan. As the name suggests, this is a loan that is backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and eligible veterans may be able to qualify for a home loan … [Read More...]
Today's homebuyers can have specific ideas and personal preferences that influence their decision on what attracts them to a particular property. While some prefer a fixer-upper, many desire a home that’s as close to turn-key as possible. First time home sellers may help expedite the process with these six home selling tips. Determine Right Listing Price A home priced competitively in its market typically sells faster. Professional REALTORS® know the area and look at comparative listings to help determine the right listing price. First time home sellers often think their home … [Read More...]
If you are a homeowner thinking about a significant home renovation, you have probably already considered your budget. As with any large project, you need to have the ability to pay the expected costs plus have a little bit extra set aside, just in case. The great news is that if you are a homeowner with a mortgage, you may qualify for cash-out refinancing, which can be a helpful way to leverage some of your home equity to cover renovation costs. In today's blog post we'll explore the topic of cash-out refinancing and how this unique financial product can help to solve your budget woes. What … [Read More...]
Several generations ago, lenders required home buyers to have a 20 percent down payment in order to get a mortgage. While there were a few options out there for people who couldn't save this substantial amount, the reality was that for the majority of people, the 20 percent down was a requirement. It was the way to show that you were financially responsible enough for homeownership. And it was a strong way that the banks felt secure in making a home loan. Today, however, homebuyers have many options available to them as they shop for a new home, and those mortgage options mean that the 20 … [Read More...]
