More Home Loan Options Now Available For Borrowers With Bad Credit

For a long time after the real estate housing crisis in 2008, buyers with a poor credit history had a difficult time finding mortgage financing. It was a problem that trapped those seeking to buy a home because so many lost their homes from the inability to pay their mortgages. Some suffered damage to their credit history that was severe. Millions filed for bankruptcy. Not only did mortgage lending requirements get stricter for home buyers, but the funds available for home loans were also severely reduced. Even those with a good credit history found it more difficult to qualify for…
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How To Create A Home-Buying Partnership

Many want to have a home, yet find it difficult to afford one by themselves. Some people are forming home-buying partnerships to buy a home and live in it together. Here are some considerations for those interested in forming a home-buying partnership. A home-buying partnership is a legal and personal relationship that is similar to having a permanent roommate. It has the feeling of being married to the other person in a legal way, not in a romantic way. Like any business partnership, there are advantages and disadvantages. Advantages Of A Home-Buying Partnership Buying a home is easier when sharing…
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4 Cool Green Material Ideas For Your New Home

If climate change is foremost in your mind, you may be interested in reducing your new home's carbon footprint. Choosing green materials is one way to promote sustainability and ensure you're doing your part to help the planet. Green Flooring  Flooring takes up all the square feet throughout your home. If you can opt for green flooring that will do a lot to reduce your new home's carbon footprint. Bamboo is a sustainable flooring option to consider. Bamboo grows at a rate that far outpaces any hardwood. For that reason, it's become a popular choice for homeowners looking for green…
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – September 30th, 2019

Last week’s economic reports included readings from Case-Shiller on home prices along with data on new and pending home sales. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and initial jobless claims were also released. Case-Shiller: Home Price Gains Slow to Lowest Pace in 7 Years Case-Shiller Home Price Indices reported slower home price growth in July with 3.20 percent growth year-over-year. There was no change in July’s reading for the 20-City Home Price Index as compared to June after seasonal adjustments. The top-three cities in Case-Shiller’s 20-City Home Price Index were Phoenix, Arizona with 5.80 percent home price growth year-over-year. Las Vegas,…
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Is It Possible To Have A Hurricane-Proof Home?

The recent total devastation of the Bahamas by hurricane Dorian reinforced the need for hurricane-proof homes in areas that are subject to this risk. Building codes have not kept up with the increasing severity of the weather. Wind Damage As an example, Florida communities, such as the Miami-Dade County area, have building codes that are designated by risk zones. The risk zones in Miami-Dade County are: Risk Category I - Buildings must be able to withstand 165 mph winds. Risk Category II - Buildings must be able to withstand 175 mph winds. Risk Category III - Buildings must be able…
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