Today's Current News, Opinion & Advice
Tighter housing markets caused a seller’s market last year, with many sellers able to receive close-to-asking price for their homes. But we’re now in a market where new home sales fell to a three-year low and inventory has surged. Sellers that are trying to compete with higher inventory levels will need to be able to…
Buying a new home can be both intimidating and exciting, especially since it’s one of the biggest purchases you’ll make in your life. It pays, therefore, not to jump in without careful thought and questions. Since buying a home comes with risks and obstacles all its own, you’ll want to approach the market prepared. Below…
Building a new home can become a great source of stress if you haven’t done thorough planning. In addition to choosing finishes, you will need to determine the best layout for you and your family. It’s also important to consider any custom electronic options you want. Finally, your security is key. Keep Things Easy While…
FHA. 30-year conventional. 15-year term. With so many loan options out there, how do you know which is best? There is not one across-the-board winner because everyone’s situation is different. But there are pros and cons of each that might make one loan work better for you. We’re comparing and contrasting some of the most…
Investors clamoring for yields are often faced with choosing to invest in individual assets, be they dividend paying stocks, bonds, alternative assets such as mortgages, and the like, versus investing in pooled funds such as income mutual funds, or alternative funds such as REITs, or mortgage pool funds. This article focuses on the alternative market,…
Want to tap your home equity? If you have an FHA loan, the amount you can access just shrunk. “Refinancing your mortgage to take cash out using your home’s equity may not be as easy to do under new limitations on cash-out refinances released by the Department of Housing and Urban Development,” said Realtor Magazine.…
Not ready to buy a home for yourself but want to take advantage of great market conditions? Consider buying an investment property! It’s a trend that’s taking over real estate as savvy investors look to put their money in an appreciating asset. Here are seven reasons to make this smart move. 1. Rates are crazy…
Why haven’t you listed your house or condominium unit for sale? PJ Wade explores whether the decision not to sell and move is the result of your active exploration of housing and lifestyle options or inertia, and which is the smarter homeownership approach. You have not listed your house or condominium unit for sale. Why?…
Ever wonder how people achieve high credit scores? 750? 790? 800+? It’s not fantasy but there are those who are both dedicated to building a pristine credit file or simply pay their bills on time and their scores gradually rise. But getting these high numbers is no accident. There’s a method to all this and…
One of the primary ways to live sustainably is to reduce your reliance on energy produced through methods that pollute the air. A great way to do this is through the use of solar panels that provide your everyday energy needs. Solar panels work by absorbing sunlight to generate electricity and to generate energy. Solar…
Few things are more frustrating than being unable to sell a property you’ve put on the market. You’ve probably already spent a lot of time and effort trying to get it ready. You’re likely carrying heavy costs like the mortgage and insurance, and you’re putting in a constant effort trying to sell it. Fortunately, there…
Whether it’s for a personal upgrade or to add value to your property for a sale, DIY work can be an enjoyable challenge that pushes you both physically and creatively. While it’s easy to simply pick up the materials you need and get on the job, skimping on the necessary safety equipment is not worth…
Seasonal income is income that comes during a specific time of the year and not paid every month. Such income can be used to help qualify for a mortgage but only under very specific guidelines. Seasonal income might be income earned over the holidays or summer work when taking on a second job. Seasonal income…
We’ve all got one: a problem area you just don’t know what to do with. In our case, it’s this horrid glass block window in the bathroom. We can’t change it out to a standard window because we’re on a well-traveled corner lot and the window faces directly out to a street where there is…
When looking for a new home to buy, it’s very easy to overlook other facts when the home’s interior is designed perfectly. The home has all the amenities you want such as smart appliances, granite countertops, spacious rooms and that ceramic tile floor you wanted. While the home’s design and features are certainly something to…
According to home experts, the popularity of the small bedroom keeps increasing today. It’s because the minimalist decorating style becomes everyone’s favorite when it comes to a trendy home. However, to create a small bedroom which looks admirable and feel comfortable is not that easy. You have to deal with the limited space in placing…
If you’re frustrated with the lack of storage in your home, you’re not alone. Forbes reports that, “Most buyers are looking for extra storage space to organize and declutter their homes. Garage storage solutions and walk-in pantries rank high for organizing and concealing items.” Take a new look at your house Don’t have enough linen…
Canada’s crime rate rose by two per cent in 2018, with fewer break-and-enter cases reported but a sharp increase in fraud, including identity theft. The good news is that Canada’s crime rate is 17 per cent lower than it was 10 years ago. The bad news is that it crept up by two per cent…
One of the biggest challenges, if not the biggest challenge, is coming up with the money for a down payment on a home. Even if someone is taking advantage of the new conventional 3.0 percent down program or the FHA mortgage, most every loan requires some sort of a down payment. While 3.0 percent doesn’t…
The Federal Reserve just cut interest rates for the first time in 11 years. So what does that mean for consumers, especially those who are looking to buy a home? We’re breaking it down. Mortgages It’s important to remember that mortgage rates aren’t set by The Fed. And, as Bankrate puts it. “The Fed’s influence…
Moving into a new house is exciting and stressful. It’s easy to overlook tasks that would make the transition go more smoothly. Check out this essential list of things you shouldn’t forget. Do Repairs and Painting at the New Place First Before move-in day, go through the new place and jot down areas that need improvement. Is the…
Most homeowners don’t think about their driveways much at all, but if you can create a driveway that’s well-designed it can ultimately improve the overall curb appeal of your property and provide a very aesthetic appeal that can add a ton of value to your home. Upgrading your driveway offers an endless amount of possibilities…
When you’re remodeling or redecorating your home or office, what is the first thing you think of? For many people it’s, “what color do I want this space to be?” Color is one of the most, if not the most, important consideration when redoing the interior of your space. Color 101 Any discussion of color…
Sometimes it’s simply a small notion that someone at work mentioned. A coworker just bought a first home and they just keep talking about it. Or maybe you start noticing For Sale signs around that were there, but you never noticed them. Perhaps you real estate agent friend keeps telling you it’s time to buy…
