C21AGVoices

According to the Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index, U.S. home prices increased by 0.40 percent in August, which boosted year-over-year home price growth to 5.10 percent. Denver, Colorado continued to lead in home price gains with a monthly increase of 0.90 percent and a year-over-year gain of 10.70 percent. San Francisco, California also posted a year-over-year gain of 10.70 percent, but posted a month-to-month loss of -0.10 percent. Portland, Oregon posted a year-over-year gain of 9.40 percent with a month-to-month gain of 1.10 percent.

[Read more →]

Despite all of the excitement that comes along with moving to a new area or home, it can also be a time of considerable stress. Whether you’re just getting prepared to put your house on the market or you’ve been up to bat for a while and are feeling the effects, here are some pointers for how you can keep your stress level low and your attitude positive.

[Read more →]

Last week’s economic news included the National Association of Home Builders Index, Housing Starts and FHFA’s report on August home sales. The National Association of Realtors released its monthly report on sales of previously owned homes.

[Read more →]

Housing markets show continued strength as the National Association of Realtors reported that sales of existing homes reached their second highest level since February 2007. Sales of pre-owned homes increased by 4.70 percent and reached 5.55 million sales on a seasonally adjusted annual basis against analyst expectations of 5.34 million sales and August’s reading of 5.30 million sales of previously owned homes.

[Read more →]

If you’ve been searching the real estate market for a while and you’ve finally come across a home that you love, it’s possible you may be ready to pounce at any price. However, if you’re hoping to bring the seller’s price down for a deal that’s closer to what you want to spend, here are some ways you may be able to have your home and pay the right price too.

[Read more →]

A new house is a major investment. Even if you have a mortgage, the bank and the seller will still expect a sizable down payment. That’s why lots of people regularly gift down payments to friends and relatives – it’s a great way to help young people start out on the path of home ownership.

[Read more →]

The idea of impressing potential buyers can be a matter rife with stress, but there are a few things you can do before a viewing to ensure your home is seen in the best light. If you’ve recently put your house on the market and you’re looking for some fast and easy fix-ups, here are a handful of ways you can be sure to create a positive first impression.

[Read more →]

Last week’s economic reports included Consumer Price Index and Core index for September, the minutes of the FOMC meeting held September 15 and 17, and weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims.

[Read more →]

Whether you’re planning on selling your home soon or you want to do a few minor renovations for your own enjoyment, an ailing hardwood floor may be on your list of things to tackle. Here are five reasons you may want to move it to the top of your renovation list.

[Read more →]

If you’re in the market for a new home, you’re probably trying to budget for all of the expenses that come with a home purchase. After all, the asking price isn’t necessarily the entire amount that you’ll pay – there are other expenses that will factor in to the final price. One such expense is your closing costs.

[Read more →]