The Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee considered easing monetary accommodations implemented in response to stronger economic conditions according to its post-meeting statement issued November 3. The Fed started making trillions in monthly bond purchases when the pandemic started but slowed its purchasing pace to $120 billion per month in June 2020. The Fed will soon reduce its monthly bond purchases to $105 billion monthly. The Fed said it will continue to purchase bonds until the economy makes “substantial progress” toward its legally mandated goals of … [Read More...]
Curb appeal, or how your home looks from the street, is an essential part of preparing to sell your house. It's also where comparison with your neighbors' homes is inescapable which poses a problem if you're both on the market. Read on for five ways to boost your own curb appeal. Open Up: Garage Doors With Impact In most homes, the external facade is taken up largely by the garage door which means it's a big influence on how people see your home. Embrace that. Style your garage door to suit your home, touch up the paint or trim, or even do a full overhaul with a brand-new door. Balance Out: … [Read More...]
There are many people who are thinking about buying a home for the first time. Even though this is an exciting experience, there are also people who develop anxiety when purchasing a home. This is a major financial decision, and it is critical to get it right. What do people need to do if they want to overcome anxiety as first-time homebuyers? Maximize The Credit Score Before applying for a home loan, everyone should maximize their credit score. Everyone has the right to request one free credit report per year. This is an opportunity for people to take a look at their credit reports and … [Read More...]
Purchasing a home is a major decision, and it could be the most expensive financial transaction somebody ever makes. Therefore, it is important to get this right. One of the biggest hurdles for a new homeowner is coming up with enough money for the down payment. A lot of people believe they require 20 percent down to purchase a home. Saving this amount of money can be overwhelming, and some people are wondering, is this really necessary? There are several key points to keep in mind. Putting 20 Percent Down Is Not Really Necessary When taking a look at the prices of homes, putting 20 … [Read More...]
Last week’s economic reports included readings on home price growth from S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, data on new home sales, and the University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also published. Case-Shiller: Home Price Growth Slower, but Prices Aren’t Falling National home prices rose by a seasonally-adjusted annual pace of 19.80 percent in August, which was incrementally lower than July’s year-over-year home price growth rate. Analysts said that rising mortgage rates caused some buyers … [Read More...]
The idea of an idyllic beachfront home is appealing for many people, but there are a number of factors involved in this type of home purchase that should be considered before getting serious. Whether it's a home to live in full time, or a vacation property with investment potential, there are a number of issues to take note of. So, if you're on the fence regarding waterfront property, here are some things you should keep in mind if beach life might be right for you. The Ever-Shifting Shoreline It goes without saying that the times are changing, and erosion of beachfront property is set to be a … [Read More...]