Blog – Page 344 of 367

27

Aug

Financial ReportsFinancial Reports, Interest Rates, Mortgage Rates

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 27th, 2018

Last week's economic readings included reports on sales of new and previously-owned homes, and weekly reports on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims. Sales of New and Pre-owned Homes Falter in July Home sales were lower in July, with new and pre-owned home sales falling short of projections and June sales. According to the Commerce Department, new homes sold at an annual rate of 627,000 sales as compared to 640,000 new home sales projected and a pace of 638,000 homes sold in June. Downward revisions for previous months contributed to a lower sales pace reported in July; but the average…

24

Aug

By support

Real EstateReal Estate

4 Things To Know About Homestead Exemptions

Homeowners are well aware that peripheral costs swell over time and can put a strain on incomes. Utility bills increase, home insurance creeps up annually and taxes rise with the cost of schools and road repair. That's why many communities have enacted homestead exemptions that can help stabilize and even lower tax bills in some cases. Although these exemptions are not well publicized, knowing how they work and how to apply could save you a good deal of money. Understanding The Homestead Exemption A homestead exemption helps homeowners lower and/or fix the amount you pay in local taxes. Qualifying property…

23

Aug

By support

Real EstateInvestment Property, Real Estate, Retirement Home

4 Reasons Millennials Should Buy A Retirement Home First

There’s an idea running through marketing and business circles that anything that is popular, the opposite will likely be popular as well. Consider that sugar and caffeinated beverages such as Coca-Cola have seemingly opposite products like Coke Zero. That product, in turn, is offset in the marketplace by high-sugar, high-caffeine energy drinks such as Monster and Red Bull. In the housing industry, reverse living homes enjoy popularity. Basically, the bedrooms are downstairs while the kitchen, living room and other gathering spaces are upstairs. This concept of doing the opposite brings us to the idea about buying a first home. The…

22

Aug

By support

Real EstateDecorating, Home Improvement, Real Estate

Easy Decor Tricks That Make Any Home A Standout

If your home's style currently wouldn't win any awards, there's no reason to put off a redo indefinitely. With a little ingenuity and a few hours of time, it's possible to transform a "Plain Jane" into a trendsetter. Here's how: Paint and Pattern Almost any designer will tell you that color is the best way to alter the character of a room. It doesn't have to be dramatic; even a subtle change of tone, texture or pattern on a single wall can be a distinctive focal point. If your home lacks architectural detail, you might consider adding wood paneling to…

21

Aug

By support

Real EstateFixer-upper, Home Renovations, Real Estate

When It Makes Sense To Buy An Ugly Duckling

"Move-in ready" homes are desirable -- there's no doubt about it! But sometimes it makes better financial sense to opt for a house with dated decor and a less than trendy kitchen or master bath. You may not get your dream home immediately, but the opportunity to transform a property into your own swan can be rewarding. It can also be easy on the pocketbook. When looking at Ugly Ducklings, however, look first to structural integrity and the condition of major home systems. including plumbing and septic, driveway and drainage. A home inspection is invaluable, even though no inspector can…