Refinancings Soar as Mortgage Rates Remain Low
September 3, 2010 by Melodye · Leave a Comment
RISMEDIA, September 3, 2010—(MCT)—For anyone under the age of 57, mortgage rates are now the lowest they’ve been during your life. This fact isn’t lost on a growing number of homeowners who have started a new wave of refinancings.
The Mortgage Bankers Association reported this month that refinancing applications are up 26% during the past four [...]
Exceeding Expectations, Pending Home Sales Rise 5.2%
September 3, 2010 by Melodye · Leave a Comment
RISMEDIA, September 3, 2010—Following a sharp drop in the months immediately after the expiration of the home buyer tax credit, pending home sales have modestly risen, according to the National Association of Realtors.
The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator, rose 5.2% to 79.4 based on contracts signed in July from a downwardly revised 75.5 [...]
Around the Home: Back-to-School in Green Fashion
August 29, 2010 by Melodye · Leave a Comment
RISMEDIA, August 28, 2010—(MCT)—Back-to-school time brings the rush for new lunchboxes, school supplies and clothing. Most of the time, we’re so busy crossing items off our lists we don’t have time to worry about whether the item is eco-friendly or not.
If you are looking to reduce your eco footprint without spending extra money this back-to-school [...]
Repurposing Rooms Makes Home Feel New Again
August 29, 2010 by Melodye · Leave a Comment
RISMEDIA, August 28, 2010—(MCT)—While today’s real estate market is keeping many home buyers on the sidelines, there’s no need to feel stuck in your house. You can still move out and up within your own home. The latest lifestyle trend is shuffling the old floor plan—without adding on—to make our living spaces new again. Converting [...]
10 Staging Tips to Help Your Home Sell
August 29, 2010 by Melodye · Leave a Comment
RISMEDIA, March 19, 2010—(MCT)—Want to sell your home? Get out the bucket, mop and Mr. Clean. The key to making a positive first impression is simple, said Sandra Rinomato, host of HGTV’s popular “Property Virgins” show.
“Get it clean, clean, clean,” said Rinomato. “If your house isn’t clean, it instantly sends up negative thoughts that the [...]
Housing Remains Highly Affordable for Sixth Consecutive Quarter
August 24, 2010 by Melodye · Leave a Comment
RISMEDIA, August 24, 2010—Bolstered by favorable interest rates and low house prices, housing affordability remained near its highest level nationwide for the sixth consecutive month since the series was first compiled nearly two decades ago, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI).
The HOI indicated that 72.3% of all new [...]
School Performance Can Increase Home Value and Buyer Interest
August 24, 2010 by Melodye · Leave a Comment
RISMEDIA, August 24, 2010—While millions of Americans throughout the nation prepare for traditional back to school activities, some families are searching for affordable housing based on local schools or desirable school districts. In some cases, proximity to quality schools is so important buyers may choose to rent close to a preferred school until the right [...]
Really, What is a Credit Score?
August 23, 2010 by Melodye · Leave a Comment
Really, What Is a Credit Score?
Credit Issues by Jeff Mandel and Marlin Brandt
RISMEDIA, August 16, 2010—If you ask your neighbor, your friends or your banker what a credit score is, you’re likely to get all kinds of answers. Which one is right?
-Your credit score is technically a statistical method of assessing your ability and likelihood [...]
Pros and Cons of a Reverse Mortgage
August 23, 2010 by Melodye · Leave a Comment
By David S. Jones
RISMEDIA, August 23, 2010—(Real Estate Center) — Some parents are warning their kids not to bank on inheriting the homestead. Why? Because some parents are considering a reverse mortgage. Such mortgages may not be beneficial for everyone, but their popularity is definitely on the rise.
“Reverse mortgages are based on the home’s current [...]
Mortgage Rates Drop to New Lows
August 20, 2010 by Melodye · Leave a Comment
Mortgage Rates Drop to New Lows
Fixed mortgage rates have maintained recent lows or set new ones for more than two months now, sinking to 4.42 percent on 30-year loans for the week ended Aug. 19. The rate is down from 4.44 percent last week and is the lowest ever recorded since Freddie Mac launched its [...]
