If you are looking for a house for the first time, you might be wondering whether you should purchase a starter home or a forever home. A starter home is a home in which you intend to live for a few years before you sell it and upgrade to a better home. A forever home is a home that you intend to be in for ten years or more. You can see yourself moving into the house and potentially spending your entire life there. How do you decide which type of home you should purchase? A Starter Home If your budget is relatively tight right now, you might be thinking about purchasing a starter home. A … [Read More...]
Last week’s economic reporting included readings and forecasts on inflation and the University of Michigan’s preliminary consumer sentiment survey. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released. Inflation Reports: Mixed Results for April Commerce Department readings on consumer inflation showed mixed results in April; the Consumer Price Index dropped to 0.30 percent growth from the March reading of 1.20 percent inflation. Analysts expected 0.30 percent growth from March to April. The Core Consumer Price Index, which excludes volatile food and fuel sectors, … [Read More...]
One of the factors involved in feeling truly comfortable in your community is the relationships that you've been able to establish with the locals in your neighborhood, but it can be hard to know how to nurture a good relationship. Whether you're moving to a new home soon or are wondering how to make some nearby friends, here are some simple tips for ingratiating the ones that live closest to you. Offer up Your Favorite Dish It might seem like a bit of a risk, but one of the best ways to get to know your neighbors is to knock on their door and bring along your favorite treat as an offering. … [Read More...]
There are a lot of different types of homes available, and it is important for people to understand the differences. When people are considering purchasing a house, particularly a rental property, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the different houses available. Some of the most common options include manufactured homes, mobile homes, and modular homes. What are the differences? A Mobile Home A mobile home is a home that has been built with axles directly underneath the house. The axles make it easier to transport the home from place to place. The axles stay on the home even if people live in … [Read More...]
The current real estate market is incredibly competitive, and a lot of potential homeowners are wondering how they can separate themselves from the crowd. In the past, many people would think about how much under the asking price they could offer and still get the house. Now, it appears that the market has flipped. It is not unusual for a seller to have dozens of offers on the first day, so what do potential buyers need to do to be competitive? Houses Are Selling Quickly The current market is highly abnormal. According to statistics that have been published, the average house receives close to … [Read More...]
There was a time when a higher percentage of people were married before they committed to buying a home together, but it's a lot more common to co-habit and invest in a home together. If you're considering the commitment of a mortgage without being married, here are some things to be aware of before you start searching the market. Relationship Status Won't Affect Your Rates It might seem like there are greater risks involved if two individuals purchasing a property are not legally bound, but it actually makes no difference to the mortgage lender. If two people are buying a home together, the … [Read More...]
