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FHFA: Home Prices Rise 0.30 Percent in January
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) reported that home prices rose by a seasonally-adjusted rate of 0.30 percent in January, and were 5.10 percent higher as compared to home prices in January 2014. FHFA oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and its home price report is based on sales of homes financed by mortgages owned or backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
How Safe is Your Home from a Fire? Learn How to Run a Quick Fire Safety Assessment
A fire can rage through your home at a moment’s notice, and it can cause a significant amount of damage in a very short period of time. Damage from the flames, intense heat, smoke and soot can cause tens of thousands of dollars or more in some cases, and a severe fire event can result in a total loss for the homeowner.
What's Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 23, 2015
Last weekâs events included the National Association of Home Builderâs Housing Market Index, which fell to its lowest reading since last summer. Other news included reports on housing starts and building permits, the FOMC meeting statement and Fed Chair Janet Yellenâs press conference.
Spring DIY Projects: How to Build a Treehouse That the Kids Will Love
If you have children, no home is complete without a treehouse. Besides the fact that treehouses provide kids with hours of entertainment, they can also confer ancillary benefits that are hard to quantify. When building any type of treehouse, keep the following tips in mind.
FOMC Statement: Federal Reserve Discusses Rate Increase, but Concerned About Growth
The post-meeting statement of the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee indicated that while the Fed is considering raising its target rate as early as June, the agency is in no hurry to cast anything in cement. The statement cited stronger labor markets and low unemployment rates as encouraging, but noted that FOMC members remain concerned about economic growth due to low inflation failing to meet the FOMC goal of two percent.
Spring Cleaning: Follow Our Handy Guide to Organizing Your Garage, Basement and Attic
Spring is not far off, and your garage, basement and attic need your attention. From sweeping cobwebs to throwing out old, useless junk and organizing family photos, spring cleaning is essential to keeping a tidy house. Follow our handy guide to organizing your garage, basement and attic.
Tax Time 2015: How Buying a New Home Can Impact the Amount of Tax You'll Pay
Few people consider the tax implications of buying a home, but there are many. Here are a few ways buying a home can impact the amount of tax you pay.
What's Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 16, 2015
Last week’s economic reports included job openings, retail sales, retail sales except automotive, consumer sentiment for March and the usual reports on weekly jobless claims and mortgage rates.
Three Inexpensive Makeovers That Will Boost Your Home’s Appeal to Young Buyers
If you have determined that there are many younger buyers moving into your area, you may want to make a few changes that will add appeal to this target audience. While you could spend tens of thousands of dollars or more completing a home makeover, there are a few budget-minded ideas that you may consider.
Taking an Extended Vacation? Renting Your Home to Long-term Tenants is a Great Option
If you have the luxury of taking an extended vacation, you may have your sights set on adventure and relaxation. However, you also need to consider the practicality of leaving behind your home and belongings for an extended period of time. A great idea is to take on a long-term tenant for your home, and there are a number of benefits that you can enjoy by doing this.