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26
Shedding Light on Replacement Windows
Windows can bring new life to existing homes by letting in fresh air, flooding rooms with natural light and opening up beautiful views. They also come in all shapes, sizes and materials. Important considerations for selecting the right window are type, material, style, climate and budget. Type A pocket window is perfect in situations where the home's existing window frame and surrounding wall are in good condition, but the sash is in need of improvement. Installing a complete replacement window is a good choice for projects involving more substantial renovation. Material The most common materials used for windows are vinyl, wood, clad-wood and aluminum. Your choice depends on what factors are most important to you. • Vinyl - A strong PVC material that is used for its durability, energy efficiency and ability to stand up to the elements. This material resists fading and won't flake, peel or rot. • Wood - Wood comes from trees with a range of characteristics, such as g...
23
Mortgage Rates Dip to Start 2014
Mortgage rates pulled back, with the benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage rate retreating to 4.64 percent, according to Bankrate.com's weekly national survey. The average 30-year fixed mortgage has an average of 0.34 discount and origination points.
The average 15-year fixed mortgage was down to 3.69 percent, while the larger jumbo 30-year fixed mortgage inched higher to 4.73 percent. Adjustable rate mortgages were mostly lower, with the average 5-year ARM settling at 3.46 percent and the 10-year ARM slumping to 4.19 percent.
Mortgage rates started out 2014 by pulling back, helped by a few down sessions in the stock market. This week's decline largely unwinds the increase in mortgage rates seen in the last week of 2013. Mortgage rates are closely related to yields o...
22
Average U.S. Home Insurance Premium Costs Decline to $823
According to the HomeInsurance.com RateReport, average 12-month U.S. home insurance premiums fell from December 2012 to December 2013. The average annual premium in December 2013 was about $823, down 9.5 percent from the $900 average at the end of 2012. Premiums had increased for three years in a row before that.
The average price of home insurance fell despite an increase in the median price paid for existing homes, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. The organization says the national median for existing homes in November 2013 was $196,300, up 9.4 percent from the same month in 2012.
The average 12-month cost of home insurance has fallen every month since March 2013. "We think policyholders benefit greatly by...
21
5 Things That Add instant Value to Your Home
Landscaping. Bring in a professional or DIY. However, avoid going over-board. "While a nice looking yard will add value, a high maintenance garden may put off any potential buyers who lack a green thumb," warns Litzner.
A usable garage. You might assume it's okay to leave junk in your garage whe...20
7 Steps for Millennials to Define Their Financial Future
Like other age groups, not saving enough for retirement is the biggest vulnerability facing Millennials. However, they're the only generation that doesn't seem to know it, as Millennials ranked more urgent needs like managing cash flow, getting out of debt and investing as higher priorities. Here are some steps Millennials can take to strike a better balance between the needs of today and tomorrow.
- Take control over your day-to-day finances. Millennials rank managing cash flow as their top priority. The first step is to find out where your money is going by looking at previous bank and credit card statements and categorizing them on a worksheet or a free site like Mint or Yodlee MoneyCenter t...