How much home can I afford? It’s one of the most important questions you can ask yourself before embarking on a home buying search. Knowing the factors that lenders take into consideration when you apply for a home loan is a smart first step in the process. Key factors include: Debt to income ratio …
Tag: News
Nov 12
Budget More for Home Insurance
Budget More for Home Insurance Home insurance rates are climbing due to a rising number of natural disasters. As a result, homeowners, particularly those located in some at-risk markets, will need to brace for higher costs. Last year, there were 850 “natural catastrophes” worldwide that totaled some $350 billion, up from 500 disasters a decade …
Nov 11
Mortgage Rates Reverse Course
Mortgage Rates Reverse Course Following three consecutive weeks of increases, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage posted a drop this week. The average rate was 3.69%, Freddie Mac reports. “After a yearlong slide, mortgage rates hit a cycle low in September 2019 and have risen in six out of the last nine weeks due to modestly better …
Nov 08
Re-Acceleration in Home Prices
Re-Acceleration in Home Prices Good news for sellers: Home prices are on the rise. But buyers should brace for higher prices. Nearly all—93%—of the largest metros in the U.S. saw home prices rise in the third quarter over the past year. A shortage of homes for sale, combined with higher demand, continues to push home …
Nov 07
Wish List of First-Time Buyers
Wish List of First-Time Buyers Millennials tend to have higher expectations than older homeowners did about their ideal starter home, according to a new survey by Clovered, a home insurance resource. Millennials tend to want larger homes with modern designs. More millennials are entering the housing market for the first time. Clovered recently surveyed more …
Nov 06
Still renting? Your monthly rent could fund your dreams.
Still renting? Your monthly rent could fund your dreams. The leap from renter to owner is closer than you think. Many renters are discovering that they can qualify to buy a home of their own. Now might be the time to turn that monthly rental check into your first home while interest rates are still …
Nov 05
Instant Curb Appeal
Instant Curb Appeal From landscaping to exterior finishes, there are plenty of ways to make your listing a standout in curb appeal. Houzz, a home remodeling website, recently showed off a few high-impact ways to boost a home’s exterior aesthetic. Paint the front door. Put a fresh coat of paint on the front …
Nov 04
Mortgage Rates Rise Again
Mortgage Rates Rise Again For the third consecutive week, the interest rate for the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage increased. The rise came despite the Federal Reserve cutting its key benchmark rate for the third time this year. The Fed’s interest rate often influences mortgage rates. However, home buyers are still taking advantage of historically low mortgage …
Oct 31
A new testimonial from a client.
Testimonials from Kait and Tabius for 157 Logan St, Woodbury, NJ, 08096. “My boyfriend and I floated onto the idea of buying a home together in early 2019. We weren’t sure if we wanted to take it seriously just yet since we figured we were going to have a hard time finding someone we trusted …
Oct 31
Most Common Siding Used on Homes
Most Common Siding Used on Homes The most common siding used on new homes can vary by geographic region, but nationally, vinyl and stucco are the overall favorites. The most common exterior wall materials on homes started last year were vinyl and stucco, at 26% each, followed by brick or brick veneer at 21%, …
Oct 30
Will you be moving soon?
Will you be moving soon? See below for a check list that you need to go over.. Will you be moving to a new home this holiday season? John Coneys of Freedom Mortgage, and I understand that the holidays are busy enough and want to share this moving checklist to help you plan for your …
Oct 29
Down Payment Assistance Grows Homeownership
Down Payment Assistance Grows Homeownership Down payment assistance programs are helping more consumers become homeowners, according to a new study. Researchers with CBC Mortgage Agency, a national housing finance group, found that more than nine out of 10 home buyers would not have been able to purchase a home without down payment help. Further, …
