Homeowners May Be Underinsured Homeowners’ insurance premiums have climbed by 34% in some states, according to a new study by QuoteWizard, a site operated by LendingTree. What’s more, increases in home prices and building material costs may have made many homeowners underinsured. The cost of rebuilding a home is about $36,000 more now than in 2020, …
Tag: tips
May 25
Tips for selling your home
May 25
Reality TV Skew Buyers’ Perceptions
Reality TV Skew Buyers’ Perceptions Reality TV shows may try to capture the glitz and glamor of the real estate market and what it takes to work in the profession. But Bess Freedman, CEO of Brown Harris Stevens, called the rise of reality TV shows featuring real estate “horrible” for the industry and alarming because …
May 24
Fixed-Rate Mortgages Dip but ARMs Rise
Fixed-Rate Mortgages Dip but ARMs Rise The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell slightly this week, a temporary retreat after weeks of steady increases. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.25%, Freddie Mac reports. Rates dropped following the 10-year Treasury yield trend this week. Last week’s average was 5.30%. “Economic uncertainty is causing mortgage rate volatility,” says Sam …
May 23
A Swimming Pool Isn’t Always a Goldmine
A Swimming Pool Isn’t Always a Goldmine Pools can be a selling point for some homes—but sometimes they can be a detriment. Many American homeowners may find owning a pool a little too risky and expensive, according to a new survey from ValuePenguin, an insurance resource. More than one in 10 Americans who have a …
May 23
Home Builders Feel Less Confident
Home Builders Feel Less Confident Builder confidence posted a significant drop in May as affordability challenges dimmed expectations. The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, which measures builder sentiment, fell in May for the fifth consecutive month and dropped to its lowest reading since June 2020. Rising mortgage rates and higher building …
May 20
Sellers With Record Profits May See a Tax Bill
Many home sellers are making a profit on their sale. But if that profit is high enough, they may be on the hook for capital gains taxes. Capital gains taxes kick in when profits exceed $250,000 for single sellers or $500,000 for married couples who file together. As home prices have soared, longtime homeowners may …
May 20
Still Renting.. Read more…
May 19
Top Commercial Real Estate Markets
Top Commercial Real Estate Markets Florida has five of the hottest commercial real estate metro markets in the first quarter: Orlando, Miami, Palm Beach Fort Lauderdale, and Fort Myers, according to new research from the National Association of REALTORS®. NAR’s Commercial Real Estate Market Conditions Index is calculated by factoring in 25 variables that reflect a …
May 19
Rental Costs Squeeze College Grads
Rental Costs Squeeze College Grads College grads are getting ready to start their careers, but they’re finding soaring rental costs could quickly zap away most of their newly earned paychecks. In 2020, the average starting salary for college graduates was about $55,000, up more than 14% about a decade ago, according to the National Association …
May 18
Most Popular Spaces to Remodel
Most Popular Spaces to Remodel Since the pandemic began, homeowners have been eager to spruce up their spaces. Even recently, homeowners are spending more on home improvement projects than they have—due partially to higher building material costs, but also to a desire to widen the scope of their projects. Kitchens and bathrooms continue to be …
May 18
Building Materials Press Even Higher
Building Materials Press Even Higher New-home buyers are facing higher prices, and a big reason is escalating building costs. Building material prices are up 19% over a year ago, according to a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Material costs have jumped by about 36% just since the pandemic began. Many builders are passing …