Direct: (818) 435-6560 | tgrey@equitysmartloans.com

Blog

05
Jul
By Todd Grey
Home Buyer Tips, ,

The Role of Escrow in Real Estate Transactions

Purchasing or selling a property is a significant financial transaction that involves numerous parties, legalities, and a substantial amount of money. To ensure a smooth and secure process, the real estate industry relies heavily on a mechanism known as escrow. Understanding Escrow Escrow refers to a neutral third-party entity or professional, typically an escrow officer or a title company, entrusted with holding and disbursing funds and documents during a real estate transaction. It acts as a safeguard, ensuring that all parties fulfill their obligations and that the transaction progresses smoothly. How Escrow Works Once the buyer and seller have agreed…
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03
Jul
By Todd Grey
Financial Reports, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – Juy 3, 2023

Last week’s scheduled economic news includes readings on inflation, new home sales, pending home sales, and consumer sentiment. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell spoke at a banking conference in Spain. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released. New Home Sales Rise as Pending Home Sales Fall May readings for new and pending home sales showed mixed results for May. 763,000 new home sales were expected on a seasonally-adjusted annual basis. Analysts expected a reading of 675,000 sales based on April’s year-over-year reading of 680,000 new home sales. May’s increase in new home sales was the largest…
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30
Jun
By Todd Grey
Homebuyer Tips,

What to Look For During Your Home Inspection

Buying a new home is an exciting and significant milestone in anyone's life. However, it's essential to approach the homebuying process with caution and thoroughness to ensure that you're making a sound investment. One crucial step in the homebuying journey is the home inspection. A home inspection is a comprehensive evaluation of a property's condition, aiming to uncover any potential issues or concerns that could affect its value or safety. Below are some tips to remember when navigating a home inspection. Roof and Exterior: The roof is your home's first line of defense against the elements, so it's crucial to…
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29
Jun
By Todd Grey
Financial Reports, ,

S&P Case-Shiller Housing Market Indices: Short Supply of Homes for Sale Pushes Prices Up

April readings for S&P Case-Shiller’s Housing Market Indices showed gains in home prices throughout the U.S. Rising prices were caused by shortages of previously-owned homes for sale and increasing buyer demand as the average 30-year mortgage rate exceeded six percent.  The southeastern region lost its top spot on S&P Case-Shiller’s 20-City Home Price Index as Chicago, Illinois, Atlanta, Georgia, and Tampa, Florida held the top three year-over-year home price growth rates for April. Chicago, Illinois Breaks Southeast’s Lead on April Home Price Growth The top three cities with the highest home price growth rates as reported in April’s   S&P Case-Shiller’s…
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28
Jun
By Todd Grey
Home Values, ,

Renovating a Bathroom: DIY vs Hiring a Professional

The bathroom is one of the most important and frequently used spaces in a home. Over time, it may start to show signs of wear and tear or become outdated. If you're considering renovating your bathroom, one of the first decisions you'll face is whether to tackle the project yourself or hire a professional. Both options have their pros and cons, and it's essential to weigh them carefully before deciding. DIY Renovation: One of the most significant advantages of a DIY bathroom renovation is the potential cost savings. By doing the work yourself, you eliminate the labor costs associated with…
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