Mortgage RatesJanuary 1, 2019Can I unlock a mortgage if interest rates drop? Two ways to get a lower rate after you’ve lockedCan you unlock a mortgage if interest rates fall before your closing day? How much commitment does locking a mortgage require from you and your lender?
Real Estate NewsJanuary 1, 2019First-time vs. second-time home buyers diverge on “must-haves”First-time home buyers and veteran buyers have very different priorities, it seems. According to new survey data, experienced buyers have a much longer “must-have” list than the average first-timer, requiring things like double sinks, walk-in closets and hardwood flooring.
Real Estate NewsDecember 31, 2018Housing inventory is up — but there’s still room for improvementHousing inventory finally seems to be turning around. According to the latest data, inventory has increased for three months running, with a 0.4 uptick in November alone.
UncategorizedDecember 30, 2018Home renovation: Expect the unexpectedNearly half of those have ever bought a home experienced an unexpected home renovation during the first year. Here's how to prepare for the unexpected.
Celebrity Real EstateDecember 29, 2018House calls: home health amenities of the rich and famousThe best health amenities don't necessarily ensure the best health. But that doesn't keep the world's richest from trying -- from a home dentist office to off-the-charts wellness amenities, here's what the rich are putting in their homes.
Real Estate NewsDecember 28, 2018Housing “diet” means better home buying conditions come spring, expert saysHome price growth recently slowed to its lowest rate since January 2017 — but according to one expert, it doesn’t mean the market’s bottoming out. In fact, it may even indicate prime home buying conditions come spring.
FICO & Credit ScoresDecember 27, 2018Higher credit scores likely in 2019 and here’s whyExperian promises higher credit scores if only you will give them access to your bank account. Remember, these are the people who had security problems with more than 100 million accounts...
First-Time Home BuyersDecember 26, 2018Millennial first-time homebuyers would need 20 years to save 20 percent downMillennial first-time homebuyers face a long slog if they try to come up with the "standard" 20 percent down payment for a home. But luckily, they don't need 20 percent. Or even 5 percent.
Real Estate NewsDecember 26, 2018Mortgage rates continue downward fall, sending sales up with themMortgage rates are still on the decline, despite a recent rate hike from the Federal Reserve. This dip is likely behind the most recent increase in existing home sales — the first such jump in more than six months, according to Freddie Mac.
Real Estate NewsDecember 25, 2018Single women homeowners outrank Single men — especially in these citiesBuying a home before marriage is becoming increasingly more popular — particularly with women. According to new data, single women are almost twice as likely as single men to become homebuyers.
Mortgage RatesDecember 24, 2018Will change at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mean higher mortgage rates?Possible upcoming changes at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could cause higher mortgage rates. Here's what might happen, and what you can do about it. .
Buying a homeDecember 23, 2018Homeownership for millennials is top goalHomeownership for millennials equals personal and financial success according to this new study.
About MortgagesDecember 22, 2018Hard money, fast money: When a good investment won’t waitHow do experienced investors buy property fast without paying all-cash? With "hard money."
RefinanceDecember 21, 2018How to save thousands on your house payment without refinancingYou can save on your house payment without refinancing your mortgage. And it can be cheaper and faster. That's because your monthly housing expense is not just your mortgage principal and interest. It includes property taxes and homeowners insurance.
Real Estate NewsDecember 21, 2018These states see the most home burglary lossesWant to avoid a burglary or robbery in your newly purchased house? Then you might want to steer clear of Texas. According to a new study, the Lone Star State has the highest amount of burglary losses in the entire country.
Real Estate NewsDecember 20, 2018Investing in winter vacation rentals: The best places to buy and when to do itLooking to invest in winter vacation rentals? Then do it now. According to a new study, the best discounts historically happen between October and February — and time is running out.
Economic NewsDecember 20, 2018Recession coming? Take these steps to protect yourself nowRecent economic data indicate that a recession may be in the offing for 2019. How do the experts see a recession coming? The signs are there.
Federal ReserveDecember 19, 2018Federal Reserve increases rates for last time in 2018, projects fewer hikes in 2019Today's Federal Reserve (FOMC) meeting ended with a .25 percent increase in interest rates, surprising no one and having little impact on markets.
RefinanceDecember 19, 2018Couldn’t qualify to refinance last year? Lenders more likely to say yes in 2019If you have been wanting to refinance but had a hard time getting approved, 2019 might be your year. Lenders are allowing higher debt-to-income ratios, average credit scores for approved loans are falling, and down payments / equity are lower.
Real Estate NewsDecember 19, 2018Homebuyers: here’s where you’ll find the best deals in 2019Considering a home purchase in 2019? Then head to Miami. According to a new forecast, the Florida city will likely offer the most deals to homebuyers in the new year.