Some Appraisals May Force FHA to Raise Costs Inflated home appraisals are partly responsible for what the Federal Housing Administration expects to be a $14.4 billion loss in mortgage insurance over the next few years—a cost that likely will be passed on to borrowers, according to an agency analysis. If the losses continue, the FHA …
Tag: News
Nov 19
Get ready for Luxury Real Estate to Hit the Auction Block
Get ready for Luxury Real Estate to Hit the Auction Block Real estate auctions have largely been considered an option for unloading foreclosures and distressed homes, but it’s becoming a growing option in the luxury market. The number of multimillion-dollar homes that have sold at auctions in the past year has nearly doubled, CNBC …
Nov 16
Surprise Home Repairs
Surprise Home Repairs In the first year of ownership, 44 percent of homeowners say they experienced an unexpected home repair. And 12 percent said they experienced a surprise repair within their first month of moving in, according to a new NerdWallet survey of about 2,000 U.S. adults. Nearly half—or 48 percent—of surveyed American homeowners say …
Nov 15
Master Bathroom Trends
Master Bathroom Trends Grays, mixed metals, and farmhouse styles are some of the most popular trends for remodelers taking on sprucing up their master bathroom. The 2018 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study is based on a survey of more than 1,100 homeowners who are planning or recently have completed a master bathroom renovation. Some of …
Nov 14
Home loan options to best serve you – purchase and refinance
Home loan options to best serve you – purchase and refinance We have solutions to help your home ownership dreams comes true. As a home buyer, you want flexible financing options, excellent customer service and a stress free home buying experience. At freedom mortgage we want to make those dreams a reality. As a top …
Nov 13
Mortgage Rates Climb to 7-Year High
Mortgage Rates Climb to 7-Year High Mortgage rates were on the rise this week, and as a result, home buyers faced higher borrowing costs. The 30-year fixed rate rose to its highest average in seven years, averaging 4.94 percent this week, Freddie Mac reports. “The economy continued to show resilience as strong business activity and …
Nov 12
Fed Votes to Leave Rates Low
Fed Votes to Leave Rates Low The Federal Reserve voted on Thursday to keep its key interest rate on hold, but signaled that rate hikes and tightened borrowing costs are likely on the horizon. The Fed kept its benchmark target for rates unchanged in the 2 percent to 2.25 percent range. The Fed’s rate does …
Nov 08
The Garage is still important
The Garage is still important The popularity of ride-sharing services and the coming of driverless cars paints a picture of garages disappearing from American homes. But we’re not there yet. Americans are still mostly dependent on their cars, and that means homeowners crave garage space—a lot of it. In fact, the majority of homeowners …
Nov 07
Moving Countdown
Moving Countdown Are your starting your moving countdown? Our checklist can help you plan for the big day! 90 Days before moving: Get moving company quotes Sort your items. Sell or donate what you don’t need 60 Days before moving: Organize paper work, create a moving folder, send change of address, transfer / …
Nov 06
Ideas for New Business in 2019
Ideas for New Business in 2019 What are some of the best untapped growth markets for you in the new year? There were idea galore at the REALTORS® Conference & Expo for finding new ways to sustain your business into the future, including uncovering “hidden” inventory, identifying market segments poised for growth, and boosting your …
Nov 05
Mortgage Rates Roll Back
Mortgage Rates Roll Back Mortgage rates took a slight breather this week as borrowing costs moved lower and offset last week’s uptick. Still, the housing market is trying to adjust to rates that are much higher than a year ago. “While higher mortgage rates have led to a decline in home sales this year, the …
Nov 02
Millennials Boosting U.S. Home ownership
Millennials Boosting U.S. Home ownership A larger number of Americans—notably fueled by millennials—entered home ownership during the summer months. The national home ownership rate rose to 64.4 percent in the third quarter—a half percentage point higher than a year ago, the U.S. Census Bureau reported this week. The increase was largely attributed to a …
