One of the most common questions homeowners have before listing their home for sale relates to the selling price. Understanding the value of the home is about far more than just comparing the square footage of the space with other homes that have recently sold in the area. While there are many factors that will play a part in a selling price, location is an important factor for several different reasons. Neighboring Properties The properties that are located next to the home for sale are critical to the property value. For example, a home that is located next to a park or a beautifully … [Read More...]
People look at pets as members of their families. They love and cherish them. At the same time, pets do not necessarily go well with rental properties. Even though their owners love them, the property owners generally do not. Pets can damage the property, stain the floors, and scratch up the furniture. Did you know that 72% of all renters own pets? Therefore, property owners who want to maximize their income need to create pet-friendly rentals to drive up demand. What are the biggest benefits, and what are a few ways to do exactly that? The Benefits Of A Pet-Friendly Rental There … [Read More...]
Buying a house is an exciting time, but homeowners also need to make the best financial decision to meet their needs. One of the biggest decisions potential homeowners will face is how much money to put down. A down payment is the amount of money that homeowners pay upfront when they purchase a home. Many homeowners believe they need to put down 20 percent; however, this is not always the case. What do homeowners need to know about putting a down payment on a house? 20 Percent Is Not Always Required The reason why homeowners often believe they need to put down 20 percent is that lenders … [Read More...]
Last week’s economic reporting included readings on construction spending, written testimony from Fed chair Jerome Powell and data on public and private sector jobs and national unemployment. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released. Fed Chair Hints at Rate Hikes in Written Testimony Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell indicated that consistent rate hikes of the Fed’s target interest rate range will likely occur throughout this year, but he said that the Fed would proceed carefully. Analysts interpreted Mr. Powell’s remarks to mean that he … [Read More...]
Sometimes a move is unavoidable, regardless of how much you or your kids' would rather stay in your current home. If your young ones are not looking forward to a change in scenery, here are a few tips to help them make a smoother transition into their new home. 1. Involve Them Involving your children in the moving process will not only help them to better understand the move, it will also make them feel as though they are more in control of the situation. By taking them to open houses they'll become familiar with the neighborhoods you're considering moving to, and will have the chance to see … [Read More...]
A monthly mortgage can seem like enough of a financial responsibility on its own, but there are many factors involved in home ownership that affect its fiscal feasibility. If you're in the market for a house and are wondering how your income will stack up against the rest of your expenses, here's how to determine a home cost that's reasonable for you. Determine Your Down Payment Before you start with anything else, you'll want to determine the amount of money you can put down so you can estimate your monthly payments. The traditional amount for a down payment is 20% of the home's purchase … [Read More...]
