Last week's economic news included the NAHB Housing Market Index, reports on housing starts, building reports and existing home sales. Minutes of the Federal Reserve's last FOMC meeting were also released.
3 Ikea Hacks That Can Be Done in a Weekend’s Time
Whether you're moving into your first apartment or preparing to purchase a second home, Ikea is a favorite for those trying to economically fill up the extra space in their home. While Ikea may have plenty of inexpensive options that you might not think can be dressed up, there are actually a lot of simple pieces that you can add to for a stylish, DIY look that will take no time at all.
How Are Mortgage Rates Determined?
If you've been paying attention to the mortgage rate news, you may be wondering exactly how it is banks decide what mortgage rates to offer. Do they just pick a number at random? Mortgage rates may seem somewhat arbitrary, but there's actually something of a science to them.
So how does your bank or lender determine what your interest rate will be? Here are just some of the factors that go into the equation.
NAHB: Home Builder Confidence Holds Steady in May
The National Association of Home Builders reported that home builder confidence in the U.S. housing market conditions held steady for the fourth consecutive month in May. Builder confidence stayed at a reading of 58, which was the number expected by analysts and was also the reading for April. Analysts said that the consistency in readings signified expansion in housing markets. Any reading over 50 indicates that more builders than not are confident about market conditions.
How to Determine the Price of Your Home for Sale
Many people rely on the price they paid for their home as a starting point for selling, but with the ever-shifting tides of the real estate market, the price paid is not always the best metric to go by. If you're putting your home up for sale and are looking for the ideal price point, here are some ways you can arrive at a number that will keep potential buyers interested.
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 16, 2016
Last week's economic news included reports on retail sales and consumer sentiment along with weekly releases on new jobless claims and mortgage rates.
‘Free Pizza for Life’ and Other Crazy Home Sales Gimmicks from Across the Nation
While you may not want to take the risk of making these bold moves yourself, here are some unusual things that some people did in hopes of getting their home off the market a little sooner.
5 Uncommon Mortgage Terms You Need to Know
When it comes to finding a new home, there are lots of complex ratios, terms, and contracts that you'll encounter - and at times, it'll feel like you're trying to navigate a minefield. If you're not careful, you may find yourself signing on for a mortgage that doesn't suit your needs - or one that could financially ruin you. Here are five mortgage terms you may not encounter regularly that you'll need to know when buying a home.
How to Smartly Leverage Your Home Equity
So you've been a homeowner for some time. You've been faithfully paying off your mortgage for years, and you have a fair bit of equity built up in your home - and that makes you proud. But now, you're wondering what good equity is if you're not using it.
How do you actually use home equity? And how do you leverage it to get a high return for low risk? Here are just a few options you may want to consider if you're looking for something to do with your equity.
Avoiding Home Buyer Remorse: 5 Tips for a Happier Homeowner
The rush of excitement that comes with finding the home you've been looking for is ideal, but just because it seems like the perfect place, it doesn't mean there aren't other factors to consider. Instead of getting hit with buyer's remorse, here are some tips so that your home purchase doesn't become something you'll regret.
