Last week's economic reports related to housing were few and far between other than weekly reports on new jobless claims and Freddie Mac's mortgage rates survey.
House Hunting in a New City? Three Ways to Determine Which Neighborhoods Are Up and Coming
If you're moving to a new city and you're looking for an affordable home in a nice neighborhood, one great way to get a fantastic home without paying sky-high prices is by choosing a home in an up-and-coming neighborhood. Communities that are starting to gentrify make it easy to find an affordable home, especially if you buy before the prices start to rise.
Five Required Mortgage Closing Costs – And A Few Tips On How To Minimize Them
Mortgages are expensive, and closing costs only add to the financial burden that homebuyers face. But with a little knowledge, you can pinpoint places to save on your mortgage closing costs and keep more money in your pocket. When youâre negotiating your next mortgage, use these tips to reduce required closing costs and keep more of your hard-earned money.
Real Estate Terminology 101: What Exactly Is A “Buyer’s Market”?
If you've been following the real estate and mortgage industry for any length of time, you've probably heard the phrase "buyer's market" at some point. And although the meaning may seem apparent, it takes some study to understand what actually constitutes a buyer's market. Who decides whether it's a buyer's or seller's market? What's the threshold for deciding between the two? Hereâs what you need to know.
Will Missing Mortgage Payments Impact My FICO Score? Yes – and Here’s How
If you're like most homeowners, you probably believe that one missed mortgage payment won't have a noticeable impact on your FICO score. People get behind now and then, and besides, you've been faithfully making payments on time for years. How bad could it be?
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 10, 2015
This week's scheduled economic news includes reports on construction spending, a survey of senior loan officers, and reports on labor markets including ADP private sector jobs, the federal government's reports on non-farm payrolls, core inflation and the national unemployment rate.
Tiny, but Cozy: 3 Ways to Furnish Small Spaces to Make Them Feel Much Larger
When decorating a small space, there is a general desire to make the space look and feel larger than it is while also meeting basic functional needs in the room. By following a few important tips, it is possible to furnish smaller spaces so that they are functional and do not feel cramped.
3 Closing Costs That Most Buyers Forget to Factor in and What You Can Expect to Pay
If you're in the process of buying a home, you probably have your deposit and monthly mortgage charges in a spreadsheet, along with a chart of your other expenses and your monthly income. But when it comes to buying a home, there are lots of different costs that will come into play - and it's easy to forget something. When you're preparing to close on your new home, make sure you consider these three closing costs that most buyers forget.
The Down Payment: Four Great Reasons To Make The Largest Down Payment You Can Afford
If youâre looking for a new home, youâve probably heard lots of advice about down payments. About how itâs okay to just have a five percent down payment â youâll still get approved. About how you should make the down payment as small as possible to avoid cash flow problems. Here are just four reasons why you should make the largest down payment possible.
A Guide for Those Intrested In Refinancing a Traditional Mortgage to a FHA Mortgage
Refinancing a mortgage can provide a homeowner with many benefits, and many are interested in refinancing their traditional mortgage into an FHA mortgage to take advantage of low interest rates. Depending on the specific circumstances, this step may lower the monthly payment, reduce interest charges, adjust the loan term so that it is more beneficial for achieving financial goals and more.
