What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 26th, 2018

Last week's economic releases included readings on new and pre-owned home sales and the Federal Open Market Committee's customary post meeting statement. Fed Chair Jerome Powell gave his first press conference as Chair of the Federal Reserve and FOMC. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims were also released. February Sales of Pre-Owned Homes Exceed Expectations, New Home Sales Fall Short Sales of previously-owned homes exceeded expectations at a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 5.54 million sales. Analysts expected a rate of 5.40 million sales based on January's reading of 5.38 million sales. Lawrence Yun, National Association of Realtors® Chief…
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6 Top Trending Green Features To Consider When Remodeling

Sustainable materials, energy savings and smart home technology are high on the list of buyer wants in a home. But there are some other architectural and design trends that will change the way Americans live this year and beyond. When planning a remodel, it pays to pay attention to green features, as well as to improved floor plans that will make a home more comfortable, more appealing and more functional.  Here's a list of what's hot right now: Natural and Sustainable Materials Eco-consciousness and concerns about individual health and wellness prompted a return to natural woods and stone, as well as organic forms…
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What Changes Occurred In FHA And FNMA Rules During 2018?

The FNMA HomeReady Program Those who are involved in the mortgage industry must keep updated on changes to FHA, and Fannie Mae (FNMA) loans. Since loan limits and other changes are often made annually, keeping up with these changes helps make sure consumers get the right information at the time of their application. Many of the changes for 2018 are modest, but still impact existing, and new homeowners. Changes To Loan Limit Amounts FHA loan limits change on an annual basis as per the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. Using this, the FHA is required to base the…
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Thinking About Investing in Real Estate? Here’s What You’ll Need to Get a Second Mortgage

The decision to invest in a home is a big one for many people, but if you're making the foray into real estate the second time around, it's even more important to be financially aware and prepared. If you're wondering what you'll need in order to get approved for an investment property, here are some things that you'll want to consider before deciding a second property is in your future. A Larger Down Payment Due to the risk factor involved in taking on more than one loan, acquiring a second mortgage for an investment property will likely require you to…
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Living With a Small Green Space: How to Make the Most of a Smaller, Intimate Yard

It's great to have a yard in this day and age, but so many new developments in the city have limited green space for you to let your imagination run wild. If you're wondering what you can do with your patch of green space or small yard, here are a few options for making it aesthetically appealing and still maximizing its potential. Pick A Centerpiece In order to stretch the look of your green space, try adding a centerpiece or focal point that will draw the eye and instantly improve your yard's appeal. Whether you decide on a planter, a…
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