Fewer first-time homebuyers are finding a way to buy a house with a relatively low down payment as their options shrink and lenders’ down payment requirements rise. From April through June 2014, about 67 percent of first-time buyers made a down payment of 6 percent or less, down from 74 percent in 2009, according to the latest Realtor Confidence Index …
Even when a move goes off without a hitch, it still can be one of life’s most stressful events. The last thing you want is to be caught off guard by a case of identity theft just as you’re settling into your new home. Unfortunately, moving can put a big target on your back for identity thieves.
After a slow start this year, home sales are predicted to play catch up for the remainder of 2014, according to the Freddie Mac U.S. Economic and Housing Market Outlook for July. The report showed mixed data results for the housing recovery as we head into the second half of the year. While sales are predicted to improve, home sales …
The summer season is one of the best times of the year to hang out on your porch and hold gatherings there. But if your front porch is a little boring, you probably will not enjoy sitting there. Yes, this does incur some expenses, but if you follow our suggestions you can easily bring them down. Redoing your porch can …
For the potential home buyer and for all of those involved with them in the process, this flowchart may be extremely helpful in determining real estate readiness!
Are you searching for a new home? Which style do you like best? Are you looking for one that features huge dining rooms, an elaborate outdoor space, a highly advanced entertainment room? All of us love features like these, but do not forget that they are also adding to your budget. In many cases, as attractive as all the features …
The performance of the mortgage market is not the same anymore, even with the lower rates. Business has not been that good for the banks, and they have started to make their requirements less strict and offer a wider variety of loans. Among these are interest only mortgages, piggyback loans, adjustable rate mortgages and more attractive terms and conditions. What …
Do you want beautiful outdoor areas for your home? With a county garden, you can achieve a really attractive and serene look, while increasing the value of your home. A natural look hardly needing any trim, country gardens feature a bunch of flowers and shrubs that require little maintenance. We talked to some of the experts and here is what …
When it comes to buying or selling a home, there are a lot of moving parts that need to come together to ensure the transaction is a success. One key piece of the puzzle that can’t be ignored? Contingencies. Part of any standard home purchase contract, contingencies deal with items such as inspections, financing, insurance and agreed-upon repairs that must …
