Posts in category 'Real Estate Blogs'
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17
Don't Delay Buying a Home – It Can Cost You
If you are on the fence about buying a home, consider this: waiting to buy could cost thousands in accumulated wealth. According to a recent realtor.com® report, the financial penalties of delaying or forgoing on a home purchase have become very steep – the average buyer is estimated to gain $217,726 (in today's dollars) in wealth over a 30-year period.
Although some markets are more buyer-friendly than others, national data shows homeowners see significant financial benefits as compared to lifetime renters. In nearly 90 percent of metro areas, buying a home produces a financial benefit of at least $100,000 over 30 years.
"This analysis looks solely at the financial reasons to buy a home, based on assumptions about rising mortgage rates and changes in home values," realtor.com® Chief Economist Jonathan Smo...
10
Overseas Volatility Pushes Mortgage Rates Down
Mortgage rates recently dropped in response to global uncertainty, helping to keep buyer activity strong toward the close of the homebuying season, according to Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®).
The results of the survey found the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaging 4.04 percent, and the 15-year FRM averaging 3.20 percent. The 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) averaged 2.93 percent. The 1-year Treasury-indexed ARM averaged 2.50 percent.
"Yields on Treasury securities declined this week in response to investor concerns about events in Greece and China," explains Freddie Mac Chief Economist Sean Becketti. "Mortgage rates fell as well, although not by as much as government bond yields.
"Overseas volatility is likely to persist for some time, providing so...
3
6 Good Credit Habits for Buyers and Renters
Your credit score has a critical impact on your housing options, and healthy credit is essential to buying a home or renting one. "An important step to finding a home, whether you're renting or buying, is ensuring that you have a good credit history," says Frank Keating, president and CEO of the American Bankers Association (ABA). "A strong credit score can open doors to better homes and lower mortgage rates."
To build a good credit history, the ABA recommends adopting these habits.
1. Request a copy of your credit report–and make sure it is correct. Your credit report illustrates your credit performance, and it needs to be accurate so that you can apply for other loans, such as a mortgage. Everyone is entitled to receive a free copy of his or her credit report annually from each of th...
29
6 Ways to Finance a Renovation
(BPT) - If you're planning to take on a home improvement project, you're in good company. A recent report by the Joint Center of Housing Studies at Harvard University predicts that the home improvement industry is expected to post record-level spending this year. As you prepare for your renovation, it's important to review your financing options based on the size of the project, your intended repayment plan and whether you plan to use a contractor or do it yourself. Some financing options to consider:
Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) - A HELOC can provide ongoing access to funds using the equity in your home, which typically results in lower interest rates than unsecured credit. This type of credit may also provide you potential tax benefits. Consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility o...
26
A Guide to Mortgages, HELOCs and More
(BPT) - Whether you're looking to make a first-time purchase, refresh an existing home or simply leverage built-up equity for other reasons, it's important to figure out which path is right for you and understand the lending options available.
First-time buyers must start with determining what is affordable. In addition to the mortgage payment, housing costs will include property taxes, homeowners insurance and fees, such as homeowner association dues. Altogether, costs should be no more than 28 percent of monthly gross income and should leave room to continue servicing other debt, such as student loans, credit cards or auto loans.
When preparing to buy a home, work through credit pre-approval to be ready with a strong offer when the opportunity arises. In addition to reviewing credit history, a loan origi...