Posts from February 2014
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27
Home Values Expected to Rise Through 2018
A majority of more than 100 forecasters says they expect large-scale investors to sell off the bulk of homes in their portfolios in the next three to five years, boosting inventory and potentially contributing to a smoother market ahead, according to the latest Zillow® Home Price Expectations Survey. On average, panelists also says they expected nationwide home value appreciation of 4.5 percent this year, with a steady slowdown in appreciation rates each year through 2018.
The survey of 110 economists, real estate experts and investment and market strategists asked panelists to predict the path of the U.S. Zillow Home Value Indexi through 2018 and solicited opinions on investor activity and federal monetary policy. The survey was sponsored by leadi...
24
Insulation: The key to ending drafts and cutting utility bills
Whether it's the chill of winter or the heat of summer, our natural instincts are to adjust the indoor temperature so it is comfortable through every season. But if your home has any drafts or air leaks, expect indoor temperatures to fluctuate dramatically.
Leaks and drafts can hinder the performance of your heating-ventilation-air conditioning (HVAC) equipment and cause your utility bills to skyrocket. Why? Conditioned air continually escapes the home due to the gaps within the building envelope, and HVAC equipment will work overtime to reach the thermostat's set temperature. What's more, the U.S. Department of Energy suggests that air leakage contributes to potential moisture problems that can affect occupant health and the home's durability.
While traditional stop-gap solutions, such as placing runners by doors, may provide some relief, the U.S. Department of En...
21
Tips For Buying a House
Home may be where the heart is, but buying a house can easily become a headache.
To keep hassles to a minimum, take time to independently evaluate each professional you'll need, from lender to real estate agent to home inspector to title agent. Choose client-focused, experienced pros who are appropriately licensed.
Here are additional tips, based on my team's interviews with consumers and highly rated service providers:
Mortgage lender
Before you start looking at homes, find a reliable lender to preapprove you for financing. This is especially important now, given more stringent government regulation of home financing.
Seek a responsive bank or mortgage professional who keeps the terms of the agreement consistent, or gives fair warning of changes, and who communicates well so that paperwork flows in a timely way.
17
Fitness Tips from the U.S. Olympics Team
With all eyes focused on the Olympics, young athletes all over the country are gearing up to improve their own game. U.S. News and World Report polled America's 2014 Olympian women to get an inside look at what keeps them fit and focused:
• Work out with a buddy – Sharing workout routines with a friend keeps you motivated and provides encouragement. "Best of all, it keeps you committed," said figure skater Ashley Wagner.
• Ignore the competition – Alpine skier Stacey Cook tries not to worry about competitors. "You stand the best chance of winning if you put your energy into improving your personal best."
• Skip the last run – When practicing, the final time down the mountain is the most dangerous, said snowboarder Arielle Gold. "If you're tired, skip that last run or you open yourself up to injury."
• Stop a cold in its t...
13