Lori Blank

30

Jan

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Housing Analysis

Case Shiller Price Index Shows Homeowners A Rise In Home Equity

According to the S&P/Case-Shiller 10 and 20-City Home Price Indices released Tuesday, the U.S. Housing Market is on a roll based on year-over-year increases in average home values, but month-to-month results were mixed. The 10 and 20-City Home Price Indices showed year-over-year growth of 13.80 and 13.70 percent respectively. Highlights Include: Dallas, Texas posted its highest rate of annual growth since 2000. Chicago's average home price rose by 11.00 percent, its highest annual gain since December 1988. The 10 and 20-City Indices posted their best November home prices since 2005. Top year-over-year gains in home prices included Las Vegas, Nevada…

29

Jan

By Lori Blank

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Home Seller Tips

What’s Your Home’s Real Value?

As a society, it seems like we've gotten away from appreciating our homes for their emotional and sentimental worth. Instead, we focus solely on their monetary value. An Appraiser Can Estimate A Home's Monetary Value, But To Gain A True Concept Of Your Home's Worth, You Must Also Take Into Consideration: Pride Of Ownership. You don't buy a pair of Prada shoes because you're going to be able to resell them and make a profit. You buy them because they make you look good and feel good. Security And Stability.Your home provides a roof over your head that's in your…

28

Jan

By Lori Blank

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Housing Analysis

Existing Home Sales Reach Highest Level In 7 Years

The NAR provided great year-end news as existing home sales in December pushed 2013 sales of existing homes to a 7 year high. December's reading of 4.86 sales of pre-owned homes came in at 4.87 million on a seasonally adjusted annual basis. Although projections had been for 4.89 million sales, the December reading topped November's revised sales of 4.82 million pre-owned homes. December's reading showed the first gain in existing home sales in three months. NAR reported that existing home sales for 2013 reached 5.09 million, which represented a 9.10 percent increase over 2012. More Good News: Median Price Of…

27

Jan

By Lori Blank

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Mortgage Rates

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 27, 2014

Last week was an action-packed week for economic news, and all of it was packed into Thursday: Weekly Jobless claims came in at 326,000 which was lower than the expected 330,000 new claims. This week's claims were higher than the prior week's 325,000 new jobless claims filed. The NAR released its Existing Home Sales Report for December; sales of existing homes sold at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.86 million. December's reading fell shy of estimates of 490 million existing home sales, but the estimate was based on November sales that were later adjusted downward to 4.82 million sales…

24

Jan

By Lori Blank

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Around The Home

Inspect And Maintain Your Garage

In most parts of the country, garages are especially appreciated at this time of year. Even if you don't live in a colder climate, it's important to do an annual inspection and routine maintenance to keep everything in working order. Make sure yours is doing its job well by following the care tips below. Check The Tracks You'll want to make sure the garage door can go up and down smoothly. Get your leaf blower and blow any cobwebs, bugs or leaves from the track. With older doors, you'll also need to oil the metal rollers, hinges and tracks in…

23

Jan

By Lori Blank

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Around The Home

Top 10 Indoor Houseplants For Your Air Quality

Houseplants are great for decorating. They can brighten up any room. Plus, houseplants can increase the air quality in a room. That makes you happier, healthier and reduces stress. Speaking of stress, these plants won't create any at all. All of the plants on this list are great at producing oxygen and require very little care. 10. Heartleaf Philodendron A tough plant that's a good filter for toxins like formaldehyde, Heartleaf Philodendron makes a great houseplant. The only downside is that it's toxic to eat, so it may not be the best choice for those with kids or pets. But…

22

Jan

By Lori Blank

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Around The Home

Stay Organized Under The Kitchen Sink

Kitchen space is a valuable commodity. If you feel stretched for storage space, you could throw away all the flatware your mother-in-law gave you, or you could keep the flatware and learn to use the space you have – more efficiently. The number one most likely spot to find extra storage space is right under your kitchen sink. Organize your under sink area and it will free up space all over your kitchen. Clean It Up The cabinet below the sink has a nasty reputation. It's home to rusty pipes, water stains, and dead ladybugs. First thing is first – clean…

21

Jan

By Lori Blank

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Around The Home

Why You Should Think About A Wood Burning Stove

Now that it's cold again, you may want to consider a traditional wood-burning stove before you reach for the thermostat. You can install one in the center of a room, and the heat will radiate through the whole house. It's an elegant solution to the winter cold, and makes for a much cozier warmth than the furnace. Here's why you should consider getting one. Energy Bills Save money. Stop paying each month to keep your house warm. You can do it yourself, with a wood-burning stove and a pile of wood. One well-placed stove can heat a whole house, and…

20

Jan

By Lori Blank

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Mortgage Rates

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 20, 2014

Welcome news arrived last week as lower mortgage rates and a higher number of housing starts were reported. Other economic news was mixed: The Federal Reserve released its Beige Book Report released last Tuesday indicated modest economic growth throughout the 12 Federal Reserve districts. Analysts predicted that this would cause the Fed to further reduce the volume of monthly asset purchases made under its quantitative easing program. The Atlanta, Cleveland and Kansas City districts reported slower home sales, which supported recent expectations of slowing gains in home prices. Mortgage Rates Dip, Housing Starts Up According to Freddie Mac, average mortgage…

17

Jan

By Lori Blank

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Around The Home

The Simplest Ways To Lower Your Home Heating Bill This Winter

When the holiday season starts and the winter chill comes around, the heating bill at your property will naturally increase as you keep yourself warm and cosy. However, if your home is not being heated efficiently, you are essentially letting your hard earned dollars escape into the air as wasted energy. What are some simple and inexpensive ways that you can cut down your heating expenses this winter and save yourself some money? Only Heat The Rooms You Are Using If you work from home and are spending eight hours of the day sitting in your home office, there is…