If you pay attention to your credit rating, you may be well aware that a single late payment reflected on your credit report can result in a decline in your scores. In some cases, the decline can be rather significant, and you will have to work hard to make regular payments over a period of time to show that you remain creditworthy and to rebuild your credit score.
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 9, 2015
Last weekâs economic news was scant on housing related reports, but several employment reports were released along with the national unemployment rate, which dipped to 5.50 percent. This was a full point below the Federal Reserveâs original target rate of 6.50 percent. Construction spending was incrementally lower than expected and mortgage rates also fell.
Three Inexpensive Makeovers That Will Boost Your Home’s Appeal to Young Buyers
If you have determined that there are many younger buyers moving into your area, you may want to make a few changes that will add appeal to this target audience. While you could spend tens of thousands of dollars or more completing a home makeover, there are a few budget-minded ideas that you may consider.
Buying for the First Time? The Ultimate Guide to Surviving the Mortgage Process
If you have heard nightmarish stories from friends and family members about the home mortgage application process, you are not alone. In fact, some of these stories may have even been a reason why you have held out on moving forward with your plans to purchase your first-home.
What Factors Determine Your Home’s Resale Value? Let’s Take a Look
There are several factors that will help you determine the value of your home when you want to sell it. Location, condition, layout, upgrades, and events relating to your home are all important when selling your home.
Buying a Second Home? Assessing Your Finances to Ensure You Can Afford a Second Mortgage
While there may be numerous benefits associated with the purchase of your second home, you may be concerned about how affordable it will be for you to manage the additional expense of a second mortgage payment.
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 2, 2015
Last week provided several housing-related reports including New Home Sales, Pending Home Sales and Existing Home Sales reports. Case-Shiller and FHFA also released data on home prices.
FHFA House Price Index Rises for 14th Consecutive Quarter
According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), U.S. home prices rose by 1.40 percent for the fourth quarter of 2014 and were up by 0.80 percent month-to-month from November. The seasonally adjusted FHFA House Price Index measures purchase transactions for homes connected with mortgages owned by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
3 Easy Ways to Put Aside a Bit of Extra Cash So You Can Pay off Your Mortgage Faster
If your personal budget is similar to many other people's budgets, your home mortgage payment is by far the largest expense that you pay for each month. In fact, this payment may easily account for 20 or 25 percent or more of your take-home income. Understandably, you may be focused on trying to pay this expense off early.
Case-Shiller: Rising Home Prices Boost Inflation
December home prices rose by 0.10 percent according to the Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index. The composite report tracks home prices in 20 U.S. cities. December's results boosted home prices by 4.50 percent year-over-year, which is approximately double the inflation rate for 2014.
