DIY Home Projects: Creating a Study Space That Will Help Your Children Stay Focused
If you're a parent of school-aged children, you've likely been concerned with their study habits at some point. Sitting down in front of the television or at the dinner table to crack open the books is going to be less efficient than doing so in a quieter, more productive work space. Let's explore how to create a study space that will help keep your children focused and on task. Ask The Kids What They Need To Be Productive Before you get to work on creating a new studying space, it's a good idea to have a chat with those will be using it most. Ask the children what kind of surroundings they feel would help to keep them productive. Younger kids may only need a small desk area but would … [Read More...]
It’s Pre-approval Time: How to Get Your Finances in Order for Your Mortgage Approval
Buying a new home is one of the most exciting experiences a person or family can have. Of course, before you can step foot into your new dream home you will need to get prepared financially, especially if you are taking out a mortgage to cover some of the purchase price. Let's take a look at a few key steps that will help you to prepare for the financial background checks that are part of the mortgage process. Square Up With The Government The first place you'll want to start is making sure that you are fully caught up on any income or other taxes. Rest assured that your lender will be checking your financial history and being behind on government payments is a significant red flag. Make a … [Read More...]
NAHB: Builder Confidence Dips on Hurricane Damage
Home builders had less confidence in housing market conditions in September. In the aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, builders worried that ongoing shortages of construction labor and materials would worsen. NAHB Chairman Granger MacDonald said that concerns over labor and building materials were "intensified," but said that builder confidence was expected to return to high readings once rebuilding is underway. The National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index dropped three points to an index reading of 64 with all three component readings lower than they were in August. Builder confidence in current market conditions for new single-family homes dipped for points to … [Read More...]
How Much Is the Right Amount to Commit to Your Down Payment? Let’s Take a Look
Are you thinking about buying a new home? If you are going to take out mortgage financing, one consideration you will have is your down payment, which is the amount you pay up front in cash to cover some of the purchase cost. Let's consider a few points that will help you to decide how much is the right amount for your down payment. How Much Do You Have? The most obvious question you will need to answer is: how much do I realistically have to place as a down payment? Keep in mind that your down payment is money that you aren't going to see again until you sell your home. While you want to invest a significant amount for reasons we will share below, you still need to maintain a cash cushion … [Read More...]
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – September 18, 2017
Last week's economic readings release included reports on inflation, core inflation retail sales and retail sales excluding autos. Consumer sentiment, along with weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also reported. Inflation Exceeds Expectations, Retail Sales Lag Consumer prices rose 0.40 percent in August, which surpassed expectations of 0.30 percent growth and July's reading of 0.10 percent. Core consumer prices, which exclude volatile food and energy sectors, matched expectations with a reading of 0.20 percent growth and exceeded July's growth of 0.10 percent. August retail sales fell to -0.20 percent against expectations of no change from July's reading of 0.30 … [Read More...]
3 Useful Tips for First-time Homebuyers Trying to Navigate the System
Whether you're tired of renting, need more space or want to make an upgrade, buying your first home is the solution. However, if you have never participated in the market before it can be a bit daunting at first. Let's explore a few useful tips that are helpful for first-time homebuyers who are new to the process of buying real estate. Tip #1: Begin With The End In Mind Before you start exploring local home listings and shopping around, it's worth asking yourself both what you 'need' in a home and what you 'want' in a home. For example, are you single or married? If you are married or are likely to be in the near future, are you planning on having a family? Will you need space for pets? … [Read More...]
Speed up Your Mortgage Closing Process With This Handy Four-step Guide
Are you in the market for a new house or apartment? If you are financing the purchase by taking out a mortgage, you'll want to know how to make this transaction run as smooth as possible. In today's article, we'll share a quick four-step guide to speeding up the mortgage closing process. Step #1: Check In On Your Credit Score The first step before applying for your mortgage is to check in on your credit. Request a copy of your credit score and history from one of the major reporting firms. Go over this report, paying close attention to any old or outstanding items that you may have already dealt with. Many individuals have old delinquencies that must be challenged to be removed from the … [Read More...]
Kids Moving Out of the House? Here Are 3 Tips for Creating a Warm, Welcoming Guest Bedroom
If you're a homeowner with children, at some point, you'll be saying goodbye. They'll move off to college or to start their career and adult life. As children move out, you'll discover that you have extra bedrooms and other living spaces that will need a new purpose. Let's take a look at three ways that you can transform an unused bedroom into a welcoming place for guests to stay. Get Started With A Deep Clean The first thing you'll want to do is engage in a top-to-bottom deep clean of the room. Get everything out of the room so that nothing's left but the carpet. Clean the walls, windows, light fixtures and closets until they're sparkling clean. If the carpet is still in good condition and … [Read More...]
Worried About Interest Rates Rising? Here’s How You Can Prepare for an Upward Trend
Whether you are just starting to shop for a new home or you've been paying off your mortgage for years, the news of potential interest rate increases may be worrying. Of course, interest rates naturally cycle higher and lower over time, so is there anything to be genuinely concerned about? In today's article, we'll explore interest rates and how you can prepare for an upward trend in rates if and when the time comes. Speak With Your Mortgage Advisor First If you already have a mortgage, the first step would be to speak with your lender to discuss what's coming in regards to interest rates. If you are locked into a "fixed" rate, check and see how long you have left before this needs to be … [Read More...]
