The Repair or Replace Dilemma – 5 Homeowner Tips. Unless you’re the owner of brand new home, it’s likely you’ll run up against the occasional ‘Repair or Replace?’ dilemma. Systems and appliances don’t come cheap, and we don’t all possess the enviable talent to function as our own handyman, so the decision generally comes down… Read More
What are closing costs?
Active Adults Playing a Huge Role in Home Builder’s Positive Outlook
Active Adults Playing a Huge Role in Home Builder’s Positive Outlook. Baby Boomers are entering the housing market in droves, some as first time buyers, others downsizing or relocating to a more retirement-friendly climate. The vacation home market in Arizona has seen a deluge of Boomers on the cusp of retirement, looking to bring a… Read More
Mortgage Closing Costs 101
Mortgage Closing Costs 101. It goes without saying that buying a home is a major financial investment. It is advisable that you understand how much more goes into budgeting for a new home other than monthly mortgage payments. Closing costs are one of those budget entries. Click to view “Who Pays for What?”. Closing costs… Read More
Report: Multi-Family Homes as Investment or Residence?
Report: Multi-Family Homes as Investment or Residence? Folks shopping for a place to live have rarely considered multi-family homes in the past, but maybe they should start. Investors long ago realized the value of multi-family properties as a more efficient, more profitable way to cover their mortgage and investment costs. Multi-Family doesn’t need to imply… Read More
You Know About Closing Costs, so How Much More Will You Spend?
You Know About Closing Costs, so How Much More Will You Spend? Whether you’re selling or buying a home, there are of course the little things like deposits and connection or disconnect fees for utilities, cable TV and WiFi. But as we all know, the little things add up quickly. Both Home Buyers and Home… Read More
The Surprisingly Simple Evolution from Renting to Home Buying
The Surprisingly Simple Evolution from Renting to Home Buying. As a long-time tenant you might not expect that you could be comfortable with the home buying process. But in my experience folks who have rented for years are often the most conscientious and well-informed home buyers. After working with several long-time renters-turned-buyers recently, I’ve come… Read More
Housing Starts Take a Nose-Dive After Months of Promising Development
Housing Starts Take a Nose-Dive After Months of Promising Development. Activity in the Residential New Construction arena has been disappointing of late. With residential resale inventory down and rental prices up, the real estate industry relies heavily on new construction to fill housing gaps. New construction completions are slow, due in part to a lack… Read More
Video: What’s the Word on Mortgage Lending Standards? Better.
Video: What’s the Word on Mortgage Lending Standards? Better. Mortgage lending regulations, along with mortgage interest rates, are fickle. Just when you think you’ve got a handle on them, they will change. Fortunately for home buyers mortgage lending standards have recently been changing for the better. At the end of last year and the first… Read More
Infographic: Does the Gender Pay-Gap Price Single Females Out of the Home Buying Market?
Infographic: Does the Gender Pay-Gap Price Single Females Out of the Home Buying Market? Of the single home-buyers I’ve dealt with over the past several years, I would estimate that 80% were female. My personal statistics do not square with the national average. On the other hand, Real Estate is still very reasonably priced in… Read More
Singles Now Recognizing the Value of FHA Home Loans
Singles Now Recognizing the Value of FHA Home Loans I’ve long been a fan of FHA loans. They do exactly what they were intended to do – ensure that homeownership is not out of reach for the average American, and stabilize the country’s Real Estate Market. Contrary to popular belief, an FHA home loan is… Read More