As a real estate broker, I get asked all the time, is it worth doing this or that to our house before we sell it and will it help in getting us more money. Below is an article that may help you. Home remodels and upgrades have long been a way to increase the perceived value of a home. But belts are tightening in the current economy, and homeowners are turning away from big remodeling projects. In...
Mary’s Blog
The weirdness continues: Inflation is plunging but mortgage rates are nearing their October 2022 highs. Blame the Fed (hiking rates again) and Fitch (downgrading our sovereign credit rating) and a job market that (literally) just won’t quit. Homebuilders, seeing an opportunity to fill a dire need for houses, are exhibiting more confidence and have accelerated activity in recent months after a...
Home inspections, while not mandatory, are an important part of the homebuying process. They can help you spot potentially dangerous and expensive issues in a property before you buy it, which may be a valuable negotiating tool. But home inspectors aren’t infallible, and they may miss things sometimes. So, how can you ensure the inspection goes smoothly and potential problems are identified?...
7. Gather your loan paperwork Before you’re approved for a mortgage, your lender will ask you for financial records to verify your income, assets and debt, including: Proof of income and employment, such as tax returns, W-2s and 1099s. Statements for bank, retirement and brokerage accounts. Records of debt payments, such as student loans, auto loans or any real estate debt. ...
Mortgage selection tips 4. Explore mortgage options A variety of mortgages are available with varying down payment and eligibility requirements. Here are the main categories: Conventional mortgages are the most common type of home loan and are not guaranteed by the government. Some conventional loans targeted at first-time buyers require as little as 3% down. FHA loans are insured by the...
Preparing to buy tips 1. Start saving early When calculating how much money you need to buy a house, consider one- time expenses as well as new, recurring bills. Here are the main upfront costs to consider when saving for a home: Down payment: Your down payment requirement will depend on the type of mortgage you choose and the lender. Some conventional loans aimed at first-time home buyers with...
There are many benefits to owning your own home, which often outweigh the benefits of renting. Many individuals struggle with the decision of whether to rent or own in their lifetime. However, the American Dream of homeownership is still alive and strong Owning a home comes with personal reasons that are unique for each buyer. However, there are many commonalities, such as building wealth, gaining...
After May’s big surge in home building, things slowed down in June, as Housing Starts slipped slightly for the month. But, looking to the future, single-family Building Permits hit their highest level in 12 months. The market for new homes is clearly improving. NAHB homebuilder sentiment saw its seventh straight gain in July, hitting the highest reading in over a year, as a solid majority of...