Last week’s economic news included several reports related to housing. The Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index for June rose to 4.50 percent as compared to Mayâs reading of 4.40 percent. Denver, Colorado was the only city to post double-digit year-over-year growth. FHFA also released its House Price Index for June. Home prices for properties associated with mortgages owned or backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac rose at a year-over-year rate of 5.60 percent in June as compared to Mayâs reading of 5.70 percent.
Entries from August 2015
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 31, 2015
August 31st, 2015 · Comments Off on What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 31, 2015
Tags: Market Outlook
From Big to Small: How to Downsize from a Large House to a Smaller, More Efficient Home
August 28th, 2015 · Comments Off on From Big to Small: How to Downsize from a Large House to a Smaller, More Efficient Home
If you’re moving from a large home into a smaller house or condo, youâre probably looking forward to enjoying a lower heating bill and not having to do as much cleaning. But before you move, you’ll want to take certain precautions to ensure that youâre not overwhelmed.
Tags: Real Estate Tips
How to Submit an Offer Below the Asking Price Without Spooking the Seller
August 27th, 2015 · Comments Off on How to Submit an Offer Below the Asking Price Without Spooking the Seller
Although you will be rolling the dice with an offer below asking price, there are ways that you can increase the likelihood that your offer will be successful. Before you submit your offer, use these three strategies to make it more appealing.
Tags: Home Buyer Tips
Case-Shiller: Home Prices Continue to Outpace Inflation
August 26th, 2015 · Comments Off on Case-Shiller: Home Prices Continue to Outpace Inflation
Denver, Colorado continues to woo homebuyers as home prices rose by 10.20 percent as of June according to the Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index. The Mile-High City was the only city included in the index that posted double-digit year-over-year growth in June. San Francisco, California posted a 9.50 percent year-over-year gain in home prices and Dallas, Texas rounds out the top three cities posting highest year-over-year home price growth with a reading of 8.20 percent.
Tags: Market Outlook
Will Missing Mortgage Payments Impact My FICO Score? Yes – and Here’s How
August 25th, 2015 · Comments Off on Will Missing Mortgage Payments Impact My FICO Score? Yes – and Here’s How
If you’re like most homeowners, you probably believe that one missed mortgage payment won’t have a noticeable impact on your FICO score. People get behind now and then, and besides, you’ve been faithfully making payments on time for years. How bad could it be?
Tags: Home Mortgage Tips
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 24, 2015
August 24th, 2015 · Comments Off on What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 24, 2015
Last week’s economic events included a number of readings on housing related topics. The National Association of Home Builders released its report on builder confidence in housing markets, Housing starts reached their highest level since the great recession, and existing home sales exceeded expectations and the prior month’s reading. The Federal Reserve released minutes for its most recent FOMC meeting, which indicated that while a majority of FOMC members are leaning toward raising the Fed’s target federal funds rate, concerns over certain aspects of the economy continue to keep the Fed from citing a date for raising its target interest rate.
Tags: Market Outlook
Buying an Investment Property? 3 Key Home Features That Will Help Ensure You Turn a Profit
August 21st, 2015 · Comments Off on Buying an Investment Property? 3 Key Home Features That Will Help Ensure You Turn a Profit
The key to a successful real estate investment is choosing the right property. A great property will reap dividends for years to come. Look for these three features in your next investment property and youâll have no trouble finding one that turns a profit.
Tags: Home Buyer Tips
FOMC Minutes: Rate Hike May be Near
August 20th, 2015 · Comments Off on FOMC Minutes: Rate Hike May be Near
The minutes for the most recent meeting of the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) suggest that while committee members won’t specify a date, a rate hike could come sooner than later. Committee members continue to cite concerns over labor markets and other economic factors, but the minutes of the FOMC meeting held July 28 and 29 indicate that a majority of members see a rate change as likely in the near term.
Tags: Market Outlook
Five Required Mortgage Closing Costs – And A Few Tips On How To Minimize Them
August 19th, 2015 · Comments Off on Five Required Mortgage Closing Costs – And A Few Tips On How To Minimize Them
Mortgages are expensive, and closing costs only add to the financial burden that homebuyers face. But with a little knowledge, you can pinpoint places to save on your mortgage closing costs and keep more money in your pocket. When youâre negotiating your next mortgage, use these tips to reduce required closing costs and keep more of your hard-earned money.
Tags: Home Mortgage Tips
House Hunting in a New City? Three Ways to Determine Which Neighborhoods Are Up and Coming
August 18th, 2015 · Comments Off on House Hunting in a New City? Three Ways to Determine Which Neighborhoods Are Up and Coming
If you’re moving to a new city and you’re looking for an affordable home in a nice neighborhood, one great way to get a fantastic home without paying sky-high prices is by choosing a home in an up-and-coming neighborhood. Communities that are starting to gentrify make it easy to find an affordable home, especially if you buy before the prices start to rise.
Tags: Home Buyer Tips