Buying in a New Community: How to Meet and Make Friends with Your New Neighbors

October 29, 2015

One of the stresses of moving to a new area is giving up the familiarity that you have with your old neighbors and starting from scratch. Whether you’ve just moved to a different locale or you’re planning to relocate in the near future, there are some easy ways that you can make a home of your new neighborhood right from the start.

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Case-Shiller: August Home Prices Accelerate

October 28, 2015

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.

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Mortgages 101: How to Calculate How Much You Will Need for Your Down Payment

October 27, 2015

If you’re planning to buy a home in the near future, you’re probably already in the process of saving up for a down payment. But if you haven’t seen a mortgage advisor or started looking at properties yet, you probably don’t have a good idea of what a down payment will cost you.

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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 26, 2015

October 26, 2015

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.

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Sales of Pre-Owned Homes Hit Second Highest Level in 8 Years

October 23, 2015

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.

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Understanding the Reverse Mortgage and How to Best Use This Unique Financial Tool

October 22, 2015

If you’ve studied the real estate market recently, you’ve probably heard about the reverse mortgage. This unique tool is a financial arrangement designed for senior citizens who have limited incomes and want to use the equity in their homes to meet their everyday expenses. And although it’s becoming increasingly popular, few homeowners truly understand it.

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Locked in a Bidding War? 3 Tactics That Will Ensure That You Reign Supreme with a Winning Bid

October 21, 2015

Bidding wars can be ugly, nasty things – but with the right tactics, you can come out a winner without having to double your offer. Welcome to basic training – today, you’ll learn how to navigate the obstacle course that is a real estate bidding war and come out on top. Put these three strategies to use and you’ll easily win the home of your dreams.

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Can You Give a Relative a Gift of Cash for a Mortgage Down Payment? Yes – Here’s How

October 20, 2015

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.

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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 19, 2015

October 19, 2015

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.

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3 Autumn-inspired Decor Ideas That Will Spice Up Your Home

October 16, 2015

Whether you’re looking for a simple touch or a statement that will completely define a room, here are a few ideas for highlighting the best that autumn has to offer.

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