What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 13, 2021

Last week’s economic reporting included readings on job openings and quits, month-to-month and year-over-year readings on inflation,  and the University of Michigan’s preliminary consumer sentiment survey for December. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released Job Openings Increase as Quits Decrease as Inflation Remains High The U.S. Labor Department reported that workers quit their jobs at record levels in October as job openings rose to 11 million openings as compared to expectations of 10.6 million job vacancies, which matched September’s reading for job openings. Fewer people quit jobs in October as 4.2 million workers left their…
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The Three R’s Of Fixing Historic Homes For Sale

If you enjoy history and fixing things, then it may be hard to drive by historic homes for sale without feeling the urge to buy one and fix it up.  Before you do, you need learn the three R's of fixing up historic homes and the differences between them. The three R's of fixing up historic homes are restoration, renovation and repair.  Some of the differences are minor, but they can make all the difference in cost, time and problems. Restoration "Restoration" literally means returning something to its original state.  Restoring historic homes for sale involve city and state programs.…
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$500 Renovations That Will Boost Your Home’s Value and Speed Up Your Sale

The idea of home renovations when you're selling your home can be unpopular because of the cost and time that can go into sprucing up a place you're about to leave behind. However, making a few simple, economical touches can go a long way to capitalizing on your home's value and making a difference in dollars. If you're curious about cheap options for an easier sale, here are a few that may make the deal a little sweeter. Kick Up The Kitchen A Notch With all of the time that a family spends in the kitchen, it's unsurprising that it…
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Qualifying For A Mortgage Credit Certificate

Purchasing a house can be expensive, but there are measures in place to make it easier, particularly for people buying a home for the first time. One option is a mortgage credit certificate. What is the certificate, and how does it work? A Mortgage Certificate Is A Tax Credit A mortgage credit certificate, usually shortened to MCC, is a credit issued to first-time homebuyers by the local or state government. This certificate allows first-time homeowners to claim a federal tax credit for mortgage interest paid on the loan, with a limit of up to $2,000. When someone takes out a…
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Tips For Buying A Home In Another State

There are many reasons why people need to move. Some people might be moving to be closer to a school. Other people might be moving to live closer to family members. Some people might have gotten a job in another state. Purchasing a home in another state can be a challenge, but technology has made it easier. Even though a lot of people still prefer to see a potential home in person, it is possible to take a virtual tour of a house. As a result, some people purchase homes they have never seen in person. On the other hand,…
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 6, 2021

Last week’s economic reports included readings on home price trends, pending home sales, labor-sector readings on public and private-sector job growth. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released. S&P Case-Shiller: Home Price Growth Slows in September The pace of national home price growth slowed for the first time since May 2020 in September according to S&P Case-Shiller’s National Home Price Index. Year-over-year home price growth slowed by 0.30 percent to 19.50 percent from August’s year-over-year home price growth reading of 19.80 percent. Demand for homes typically slows during fall and winter; some buyers were also sidelined…
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How To Sell A Home Around The Holidays

It is true that the summer months are a hot time for the real estate market. Many families with children prefer to move during the summer because they do not have to pull their kids out of school. On the other hand, it is possible to sell a home during the holidays. There are fewer homes on the market, so this could drive up prices. What are a few tips homeowners should follow for selling their houses around the holidays? Remove The Clutter When the temperature cools off, people spend more time inside. Therefore, it is easy for houses to…
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When Inventory Is Low, Sellers Win

The real estate market has gone through a number of changes during the past few months. When inventory is low, sellers win. They have the ability to pick a buyer, they can make more money, and they can sell a house faster. What are some of the biggest reasons why sellers win when inventory is low?  The Asking Price Goes Up One of the biggest reasons why sellers win when inventory is low is that the asking price goes up. When there are more buyers than there are sellers, a seller may have multiple offers on the table. Then, the…
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Decluttering A Home Can Make A Major Impact

There are numerous homeowners who are looking for a way to make more space. Even a small decluttering project can make a significant difference to the amount of space available in a home. This can also make it easier for homeowners to find what they are looking for. Furthermore, if a home is going on the market in the near future, it needs to be as clean as possible. That way, prospective buyers can see the potential of a home. What are a few examples of decluttering projects that can make a significant difference? Clean Under The Kitchen Sink The…
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What To Know About Property Values and Refinancing

There are many people who are thinking about refinancing their homes. For example, some people may be interested in reducing their monthly payments, while other people may be interested in tapping into the value of the home to fund a home improvement project. What is the relationship between property values and refinancing? There are several important points to keep in mind.  Property Values Tend To Rise First, it is important for homeowners to understand that property values tend to rise during the life of a mortgage. For example, someone may purchase a home valued at $250,000. Then, fifteen years later,…
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