Last week's economic news included an encouraging report from the National Association of Home Builders, whose housing market index held steady with a reading of 60 in July. This was the 13th consecutive month for readings over 50, which indicate that more builders are confident about housing markets than those who are not. July's reading was noteworthy as it was the highest since November 2005 prior to the recession.
NAHB: Home Builder Confidence Holds Steady
Home builder confidence remained steady at the highest reading in almost ten years according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Wells Fargo Housing Market Index for July.
House Hunting? Watch for These 5 Red Flags when Viewing Potential New Homes
While there are specific factors that buyers may be searching for in a new home, there are also a few warning signs that home buyers should keep their eyes open for. The following are among the top red flags that may serve as warning signs.
Mortgage 101: 3 Reasons to Avoid Giving Wrong Information on Your Mortgage Application
Completing a loan application is among the first steps mortgage applicants take when applying for a loan, and it is easy to overlook the importance of providing accurate information at this stage in the process. It is best to take time complete the loan application as accurately as possible as it is a legal requirement and because of the other negative consequences.
3 Reasons Why Your Closing Costs Will Vary Depending on the Type of Home You Buy
Savvy home buyers who are preparing to make a real estate purchase should do their research and understand that they need to save money for not only the down payment, but the closing costs as well. Some home buyers however, may not realize that the amount of closing costs can vary considerably based on the home that is purchased.
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 13, 2015
Last week's scheduled economic events were few due to the Independence Day holiday. Freddie Mac's weekly survey of mortgage rates brought good news as mortgage rates fell across the board. The Federal Reserve released the minutes of its most recent Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting and weekly jobless claims rose.
Dealing with the Summer Heat? How to Keep Your Home Cool Without Using a Ton of Energy
Many people look forward to the long, relaxed, sunny days of summer, but they also dread opening up their energy bills throughout the summer months. Cooling a home can be costly, and many are searching for convenient ways to lower cooling costs without sacrificing on comfort inside the home on the warmest days of the year.
The Pros and Cons of Paying Your Mortgage Bi-weekly Vs. Monthly
When applying for a new mortgage or after closing, many will have the option to choose between a single monthly mortgage payment or smaller bi-weekly payments. There are benefits and drawbacks associated with both options, and some personal financial considerations may need to be reviewed in order to make a decision that is best for the individual.
Let’s Talk Hardwood: Why Converting Your Home to Hardwood Flooring Will Boost Its Value
When a homeowner makes the decision to upgrade flooring in one area of the home or throughout the entire space, there are numerous materials that may be considered. While each material option has its unique benefits and advantages, many are drawn to hardwood flooring as an option.
Start with the Basics: How to Create a Budget to Determine How Much Mortgage You Can Afford
A mortgage is typically one of the biggest monthly payments and financial responsibilities that a person is responsible for. Mortgage payments usually impact the person's budget significantly for several decades or longer.
While there are mortgage calculators online that can be used to estimate an affordable mortgage payment, it is important to start with a basic budget. A budget will allow you to more accurately determine how large of a mortgage payment is truly affordable before applying for a new mortgage.
