FOMC Minutes: Rate Hike May be Near

August 20, 2015

The minutes for the most recent meeting of the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) suggest that while committee members won’t specify a date, a rate hike could come sooner than later. Committee members continue to cite concerns over labor markets and other economic factors, but the minutes of the FOMC meeting held July 28 and 29 indicate that a majority of members see a rate change as likely in the near term.

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Buying an Investment Property? 3 Key Home Features That Will Help Ensure You Turn a Profit

August 19, 2015

The key to a successful real estate investment is choosing the right property. A great property will reap dividends for years to come. Look for these three features in your next investment property and you’ll have no trouble finding one that turns a profit.

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Understanding the “Adjustable Rate Mortgage” (ARM) and How This Type of Mortgage Works

August 18, 2015

Understanding what an adjustable rate mortgage, or ARM, is in comparison to a fixed rate mortgage can help applicants make a more informed decision about their mortgage plans.

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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 17, 2015

August 17, 2015

Last week’s economic reports related to housing were few and far between other than weekly reports on new jobless claims and Freddie Mac’s mortgage rates survey.

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House Hunting in a New City? Three Ways to Determine Which Neighborhoods Are Up and Coming

August 14, 2015

If you’re moving to a new city and you’re looking for an affordable home in a nice neighborhood, one great way to get a fantastic home without paying sky-high prices is by choosing a home in an up-and-coming neighborhood. Communities that are starting to gentrify make it easy to find an affordable home, especially if you buy before the prices start to rise.

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Five Required Mortgage Closing Costs – And A Few Tips On How To Minimize Them

August 13, 2015

Mortgages are expensive, and closing costs only add to the financial burden that homebuyers face. But with a little knowledge, you can pinpoint places to save on your mortgage closing costs and keep more money in your pocket. When you’re negotiating your next mortgage, use these tips to reduce required closing costs and keep more of your hard-earned money.

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Real Estate Terminology 101: What Exactly Is A “Buyer’s Market”?

August 12, 2015

If you’ve been following the real estate and mortgage industry for any length of time, you’ve probably heard the phrase “buyer’s market” at some point. And although the meaning may seem apparent, it takes some study to understand what actually constitutes a buyer’s market. Who decides whether it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market? What’s the threshold for deciding between the two? Here’s what you need to know.

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Will Missing Mortgage Payments Impact My FICO Score? Yes – and Here’s How

August 11, 2015

If you’re like most homeowners, you probably believe that one missed mortgage payment won’t have a noticeable impact on your FICO score. People get behind now and then, and besides, you’ve been faithfully making payments on time for years. How bad could it be?

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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 10, 2015

August 10, 2015

This week’s scheduled economic news includes reports on construction spending, a survey of senior loan officers, and reports on labor markets including ADP private sector jobs, the federal government’s reports on non-farm payrolls, core inflation and the national unemployment rate.

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Tiny, but Cozy: 3 Ways to Furnish Small Spaces to Make Them Feel Much Larger

August 7, 2015

When decorating a small space, there is a general desire to make the space look and feel larger than it is while also meeting basic functional needs in the room. By following a few important tips, it is possible to furnish smaller spaces so that they are functional and do not feel cramped.

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