Category — Uncategorized

While the specifics still vary from place to place, more and more positive real estate reports are rolling in from around the country. In places with rapid real estate decline, the housing market has slowed or stalled. In markets that have already reached rock bottom, realtors are seeing a modest improvement in the market. Some markets are already making more than modest comebacks. This means that if you’ve been thinking about buying and are waiting for the best time to buy, it may be here now or may even be already passing!

Mortgage rates have dropped again in the past few weeks. In fact, 15-year mortgage rates have just reached a record low! 30-year mortgage rates are near their lowest point, too. If you’ve been thinking about buying but have been holding off – don’t wait too much longer! These rates represent an offer you can’t refuse; don’t miss out on the best deal in history!

With many people getting a tax refund back around now, everyone has questions about how best to use it. Some people use it for a vacation, or to buy that thing they’ve been wanting. Other people put it in savings, or use it to pay off credit card debt. If you want to do something responsible with your tax refund, but aren’t sure what – try investing your tax refund in buying or refinancing a home!

A recent report issued by one of the largest lenders in the United States reveals that things in the mortgage industry are looking up – which is great news for everyone! The report revealed that the lender is making more money from new mortgages, and curbing losses from old ones – which means that the economy is improving. What is the most important takeaway from these facts?

If you already own a home and want to make some improvements, or if you’re thinking of buying a home and know you’ll want to make improvements down the road, one of the most difficult aspects of making those improvements is deciding how to finance them. Homeowners have a lot of options to pay for home improvements. The best option for you varies depending on your situation and individual needs, but these are the most common ways of paying for home improvements:

You know what they say about April showers – in much of the country, the rainy spring season is upon us. While that may curb outdoor activities, it’s actually a great time to check out new homes. Rainy season gives you an excellent opportunity to check for drainage issues on a property; issues which can be extremely expensive to resolve but might not appear at all in another season. What do you need to know about drainage?

When you view a home that has beautiful landscaping, it often has a strong emotional pull. Homes that are well-landscaped look pleasant, the air often smells nice; it’s gratifying to think of living in such a beautiful home. Landscaping adds drastically to curb appeal. Unfortunately, lavish landscaping does have a downside; when you look at a beautifully-landscaped home, make sure you consider the cost and time involved in keeping it looking that way.

Whether you’re buying a new home or selling one, there is one thing that concerns all homeowners, current and future: home value. Homeowners are hoping that their homes will appreciate in value, and may add features and renovations that add value. Sellers want to maximize the value of their home to get the best price when they sell. Whether you’re buying or selling, one thing to consider to instantly add up to 15% to the value of your home is: landscaping. A survey conducted by the Journal of Environmental Horticulture reveals that landscaping can increase the value of your home by anywhere from 5 to 15 percent.

If you’re a seller, you’re probably thrilled that the spring market is just around the corner. Maybe you’ve been waiting for spring to place your home on the market, because you’ve heard that you can get the best prices and are virtually guaranteed to sell your home during this time of year. While the spring market traditionally is advantageous to sellers, it’s important to keep in mind that selling in the spring market isn’t a sure deal. Regional market influences could mean that your market is flooded with good properties; you still need to do your best to ensure people see and want your home.

When you’re shopping for a home in the Spring market, things can quickly become a madhouse. Much of home buying and selling occurs during this time of year, which makes it busy for buyers, sellers, real estate agents, attorneys and lenders. When you’re shopping in the Spring market, it helps to do as much as you can on a unique schedule – and plan ahead to give yourself the time you need when working with a group of busy individuals.