Hello Friend and Colleague, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very Happy, Healthy, and Safe Holiday Season. In addition, I would like you to know that the holidays are a great time to sell your home. Attached you will find a list of the “12 Top Reasons […]
12 Top Reasons for Selling Your Home During the Holidays Read More »
Home prices rose strongly in the lion’s share of U.S. metro areas in the fourth quarter of 2013, data from the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® shows. As homes became more expensive, however, they became less affordable, particularly for Western homebuyers. The national median existing single-family home price was $196,900 in the fourth quarter, up 10.1%
Rising Home Prices Create Affordability Issues for Homebuyers Read More »
A raft of new mortgage lending rules going into effect this month change the way consumers borrow and pay back home loans. Designed to put behind us the irresponsible lending that disrupted the housing market and badly damaged the U.S. economy, the changes: Protect you from bad mortgage lenders. Set clear standards for what a
How Much Tougher is It to Get Approved for a Mortgage? Read More »
Think it took a long time to close your last purchase or refi mortgage? How about more than seven hours? That’s what happened to a couple of folks I know in Texas, and theirs is just one of many stories I’ve heard about things, ranging from interest rates that rise to mysterious appearance of random
Want to Complain About Your Lousy Mortgage Closing? Read More »
Low interest rates, an improving job market, and an increase in the number of new and existing homes for sale fueled a 3.3% increase in the number of homes under contract to sell in July, data from the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® show. “Steady job additions to the economy are helping family finances and giving
As a Homebuyer You Have More Choices in Many Markets Read More »
If you’re thinking of sprucing up your yard, install what you love; but also pick upgrades that will increase your home’s value and, someday, attract buyers. The new “2014 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends Survey” by the American Society of Landscape Architects clues you in on what outdoor features are trending up: 1. Outdoor lighting (98.3%
Gleaning the Most Value Out of Your Outdoor Spaces Read More »
1. Soak Brushes in Fabric Softener to Keep Bristles Soft Every DIY painter has been privy to the horrors of a day-old brush with stiff bristles that makes round two nearly impossible. To prevent your brushes from becoming hard and unusable, make sure to rinse thoroughly (no soap), and swish them in a mixture of
They’ll Think You Cheated and Hired a Pro If You Use These 5 Painting Hacks Read More »
5 Good Reasons to Amend Your Tax Return — and How Your home is a great source of tax savings if you know what qualifies and don’t forget to claim deductions and credits. If you missed any of these five, you can go back in time — roughly two to three years — by amending
Image: Summer Hogan Day or night, this cozy deck is the place to be. Plush furniture and an outdoor rug maximize comfort, and string lights cast a warm glow. When your mom told you to turn off the TV and play outdoors already, she knew what she was talking about. Hanging outside is good for
Use Your Outdoor Space More With These 7 Ideas Read More »
With spring in full bloom and the great weather now upon us we are starting to see larger crowds at open houses, and even greater competition for the best properties. Inventories are beginning to grow on a daily basis but at a slow pace, motivating many sellers to make offers on the same great properties.
Opportunities Gain Momentum in Spring Housing Market Read More »
