Need a Credit Score Boost Millions of consumers may soon see a boost to their credit scores, which could help when applying for a mortgage. One of the largest credit-reporting firms in the U.S., Experian PLC, announced it will give consumers the option to have their cellphone and utility payments factored into their credit scores …
Category: News
Dec 19
Discover the affordability of Home Ownership with a HomeReady Mortgage
Discover the affordability of Home Ownership with a HomeReady Mortgage For those with modest savings, a HomeReady Mortgage can be a great option. Thanks to features like a down payment as low as 3%, you are closer to home ownership more so than ever before. Whether you’re a first time home buyer, a repeat buyer …
Dec 18
FHA Raises Loan Limits for 2019
FHA Raises Loan Limits for 2019 The Federal Housing Administration has announced that most of the country will see an increase to loan limits in the new year. The loan limit for lower-cost areas will be set at $314,827—or 65 percent of the national conforming loan limit of $484,350. In high-cost areas, the new FHA …
Dec 17
Biggest Pests of 2018 for home owners
Biggest Pests of 2018 for home owners The biggest pest of 2018? Bedbugs. The second annual Terminix Entomologists’ Almanac took a look at the biggest pest trends from the past year based on social media chatter and internet queries. Bedbugs clinched the title for the second year in a row. Americans searched for information about bedbugs more …
Dec 14
Bigger Role in House Hunting: What Agents Rely On
Bigger Role in House Hunting: What Agents Rely On Consumers increasingly rely on the web in their home search, and real estate pros are finding it’s vital to meet them in that digital space. The top technology tools that pros say provide them with the highest quality of customer leads are: social media (47 percent); MLS …
Dec 13
How Long Does It Take to Pay Off a Net-Zero Home?
How Long Does It Take to Pay Off a Net-Zero Home? Net-zero homes—those that make as much energy as they put out—may cost more up front to build, but they can save homeowners money on their energy bills. Eventually, that savings adds up and the home can pay for itself, no matter where you live, …
Dec 12
Steps to Home ownership – made easy!
Steps to Home ownership – made easy! The home financing process can seem complex and somewhat confusing. Below is a snapshot of the key steps involved. I can help you understand each of the steps to home ownership more clearly and guide you toward the smoothest possible mortgage experience. A buyer obtains per-qualification from a …
Dec 11
Solar Panel Requirement on New Homes
Solar Panel Requirement on New Homes Starting in 2020, all new homes constructed in California will be required to have between 2 kilowatts and 3 kilowatts of electricity sourced directly from solar panels. State legislators, whom have been considering such a measure for some time, officially voted recently to amend state building codes. Other states …
Dec 10
Get your Flood Insurance today!
Get your Flood Insurance today! End-of-year negotiations among federal lawmakers have resulted in another short-term extension of the National Flood Insurance Program. Homeowners and buyers in areas at risk of flooding can get insurance through Dec. 21, when the program is scheduled to expire. Efforts are underway to secure longer-term authorization, possibly until the end …
Dec 07
Funding Home Renovations
Funding Home Renovations Secured financing is the key to how many homeowners are paying for home upgrades, according to a new survey from home remodeling website Houzz and Bank of America. Owners who used secured financing were able to fund much larger home improvement projects, too, at nearly three times the median spending of those who …
Dec 06
Home Design Trends to Watch in 2019
Home Design Trends to Watch in 2019 National home builder Taylor Morrison has its eye on pastels, unique finishes, and floral touches in the upcoming new year. The builder says it will be incorporating some of the freshly spotted hottest home design trends into its model homes that are set to debut in 2019. Some …
Dec 05
Thinking about up sizing or downsizing? Let us help you!
Thinking about up sizing or downsizing? Let us help you! Now that we’ve entered into a “buyer’s market” creating a positive first impression and showcasing the best attributes of your home are essential in today’s real estate market especially when you are thinking about up sizing or downsizing. Following these simple tips will help …
