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How Does Making Lump Sum Payments Affect Your Mortgage? Let's Take a Look
Periodically, many homeowners will receive a rather sizable amount of extra cash. This may be from a bonus from your employer, a refund on your tax return, a financial gift from a relative or something else altogether. Before you make your decision about how to spend your money, consider what impact your lump sum payment will have on your mortgage.
The Spring Rains Are Coming – Here's How to Prepare Your Home if You Live in a Flood Zone
If your home is located in a flood zone, it’s critical that you know how to get ready for those drenching spring rains. Here are some basic steps any homeowner can take to prepare for potentially devastating floods.
What's Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 13, 2015
Last weekâs economic news included the minutes from the most recent FOMC meeting, which indicated that the Fedâs monetary policymakers are eyeing a potential increase in the target federal funds rate, but donât expect to do so immediately.
FOMC Minutes: Housing Market Stable But Slow
The minutes of the March meeting of the Fedâs Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) were released Tuesday and included a staff review of current economic conditions. The minutes noted that while labor markets continued to grow, inflation to the Fedâs target rate of 2.00 percent was impeded by dropping fuel prices. The Committee noted that expectations for longer-term inflation remained stable.
Understanding Commissions and How Your Real Estate Agent is Compensated When Your Home Sells
When you make the decision to sell your home, you may eagerly seek assistance from a skilled real estate agent. With a closer look at how real estate commissions are earned, you will see that your agent will work hard for his or her compensation.
Pre-Sale Painting: Color Combinations to Use – and Avoid – When Painting Your Home
You have a rainbow of possibilities for your space when preparing your home for sale, but you want to choose colors that will have broad or universal appeal to buyers and that will showcase your home in the best possible light.
What's Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 6, 2015
Mortgage rates ticked upward for fixed rate loans and were unchanged for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages according to Freddie Mac. Weekly jobless claims were lower in spite of slower job growth reports.
Looking for a Fun DIY Project This Spring? How to Plant Your Own Vegetable Garden
When spring arrives, many people want to spend more time outdoors enjoying the fresh air and warmer temperatures. While you could lounge in a chair with a good book, you may find it more enjoyable to plant your own vegetable garden.
Buying a New Home This Spring? How to Avoid Overpaying as the Market Starts to Heat Up
While the real estate market in most areas may slow down considerably during the winter months, activity quickly picks up in the spring time. More listings are available for buyers to choose from, but there are typically many more buyers competing for those properties. By following a few important tips, you can take steps to ensure you get a great deal on your real estate purchase.
S&P Case-Shiller: Home Price Growth Slows in 2015
According to the S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Index report for January, home prices grew by 4.50 percent year-over-year as compared to January 2014âs year-over-year price growth rate of 10.50 percent. This was the lowest rate of home price growth since 2012.