Archive for August, 2010

How Much Should You Expect To Pay In Mortgage Closing Costs?

Posted in August 25th, 2010

How much does a mortgage cost? The answer depends on where you live. But no matter which your locale, chances are strong that you’ll pay more for a mortgage in 2010 as compared to 2009.

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Home Builder Confidence Falls Again; Home Buyers Gain Leverage?

Posted in August 24th, 2010

by Bill Lublin in Homebuilders, Local, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Real Estate

After reaching a 3-year high just 90 days ago, the National Association of Homebuilders’ Housing Market Index is now at a multi-year low after falling by almost half.

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Mortgage Rates Make New Lows For The 9th Week In A Row

Posted in August 23rd, 2010

by Bill Lublin in Mortgage Lending, Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates are (again) at their lowest levels in history.

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How Big Is The Foreclosure Market? It Depends On Where You Live, Of Course.

Posted in August 19th, 2010

by Bill Lublin in foreclosures

Foreclosure filings rose 4 percent nationwide last month versus June, according to foreclosure-tracking firm RealtyTrac.com. For the 17th straight month, total filings topped 300,000. 6 states dominated activity levels.

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Higher (And Lower) FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums Start October 4, 2010

Posted in August 18th, 2010

by Bill Lublin in FHA Mortgages, Mortgage Lending, Real Estate

Beginning with FHA case numbers issued on or after October 4, 2010, the FHA is changing its upfront and annual mortgage insurance premium structures.

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How To Unclog A Sink That Won’t Respond To Drano

Posted in August 17th, 2010

by Bill Lublin in Consumer Interest, Home How-To

Sometimes, a backed-up sink is too big of a job for a bottle of Drano. To clear the clog, you have to get your hands dirty. But what do you do? This quick, 2-minute video from Lowe’s is an excellent tutorial.

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What Does It Mean To Escrow Taxes And Insurance?

Posted in August 16th, 2010

by Bill Lublin in Budgeting, Mortgage Lending, Real Estate

The fiscal responsibility of a homeowner extends beyond the mortgage’s basic principal and interest repayments. Homeowners are also responsible for the real estate taxes on the home and its insurance premiums, too.

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Ex-Burglars Share Tips On Protecting Your Home From Break-Ins

Posted in August 13th, 2010

by Bill Lublin in Consumer Interest, Home Safety

This week marks the start of August, a popular vacation month for Americans. Maybe you’re among the many that will leave town for a few days — or a few weeks. But, before you leave your home, make sure you don’t leave clues for burglars.

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Are You Throwing Out Food Before It Goes Bad?

Posted in August 12th, 2010

by Bill Lublin in Home Safety, Just For Fun

Just because the expiration date has passed, that doesn’t mean that the food is spoiled. It’s a deep-seated misconception that results in the average American household wasting 14% of all food purchases. Learn what to pitch — and what to keep.

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As The Pending Home Sales Index Falls, Home Buyers See Dollar Signs

Posted in August 11th, 2010

by Bill Lublin in Economy, Pending Home Sales, Real Estate

June’s Pending Home Sales Index is weak by most measures, but if you’re a home buyer, the headlines aren’t so bad. Fewer home sales can push negotiation leverage to the buy-side of a transaction.

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