Landscaping Trends Ornate landscaping and weaving in a blue color palette are two big trends for yards in the new year, according to the National Association of Landscape Professionals. The association recently released its list of the top landscaping trends in the new year. “Foundational landscape elements remain on homeowners’ wish lists, but modern updates …
Tag: News
Jan 06
Owners Take Cash-Out Refis
Owners Take Cash-Out Refis More homeowners are refinancing to take equity out through a cash-out tranaction. They’re then using the extra cash to pay down credit card debts, renovate their home, or even invest in a new home. Over the past two years that has resulted in a large number of homeowners who are taking …
Jan 03
Help Boost Homeownership
Help Boost Homeownership A recent study shows that the use of algorithms for online mortgage lending may actually help reduce discrimination against some minority groups. The study, conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research, calls for banks to embrace more artificial intelligence tools to help end bias in home loans and lending decisions. According …
Jan 02
A pre-approval puts you in control.
A pre-approval puts you in control. A pre-approval is documentation that is provided by a lender that has checked your income, credit history and documentation to determine the mortgage amount you’re qualified to borrow. See the image to find out more about this. Then give me a call to discuss. Getting a pre-approval before looking …
Dec 31
Bathroom Trends of 2019
Bathroom Trends of 2019 Shaker-style cabinets, brass accents, and white-and-wood combos dominated bathroom trends in 2019, according to Houzz, a home remodeling website. The following are the most-saved bathroom photos that were uploaded to Houzz in 2019. Brass accents. Add some bling: Brass finishes—whether antiqued, brushed, or polished—grew in popularity in 2019, particularly with cabinet …
Dec 30
Popular Living Room Styles
Popular Living Room Styles Living room layouts enabling greater social interaction, as well as design accents like built-ins, were big trends this year. Houzz, a popular home remodeling site, recently rounded up the living room and family room photos uploaded to its site this year that the highest number of users saved. 1. Shiplap: Add …
Dec 27
New-Home Sales Surge
New-Home Sales Surge More home shoppers purchased newly constructed homes in November, bringing new-home sales to their best three-month performance since 2007, the U.S. Commerce Department reported Monday. Economists credit low mortgage rates, low unemployment, and strong income growth for the sales uptick. Sales of new single-family homes increased 1.3% to an annualized pace of …
Dec 26
Home Design for the next Decade
Home Design for the next Decade Off-trend may become the new trend in interior home design in the new year. Bigger, bolder statements are coming in favor over all-white or neutral interiors. Forbes.com recently interviewed interior and furniture designers to find out the hottest looks they expect to emerge over the next decade. Statement lighting. …
Dec 24
Credit Scores Surge
Credit Scores Surge Americans are boosting their credit scores, which bodes well for applicants seeking a mortgage to snag the lowest rates. The average credit score hit its highest level since 2011, reaching 682–two points higher than a year ago, Experian reports in its State of Credit report. Consumers also are taking on more mortgage …
Dec 23
Mortgage Rates Hold Steady
Mortgage Rates Hold Steady The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.73%, unchanged from a week ago, Freddie Mac reports. “The economy continued to pick up momentum with a solid increase in residential construction, improvement in industrial output in our nation’s factories and a rise in job openings,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “While the …
Dec 20
November home sales slip
November home sales slip Existing-home sales decreased in November, offsetting October’s gains. But Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of REALTORS®, says there’s no reason to believe the drop indicates a lasting downward trend heading into the new year. Total existing-home sales—completed transactions for single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and co-ops—slipped 1.7% in November, …
