You might have heard that more people are refinancing these days. During the refinancing process, you essentially take your current home loan and replace it with a different one. You can reduce your mortgage payments, shorten the life of your loan, or withdraw cash you can use for other purposes. What are a few of the signs that indicate you should consider refinancing? You Can Secure A Lower Interest Rate If you think you can secure a lower interest rate on your mortgage, it might be time to refinance. There are a number of reasons why you might be able to get a lower interest rate … [Read More...]
Last week’s economic reporting included a speech and press conference by Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell, data on pending home sales and sales of new homes, and the University of Michigan’s monthly reading on consumer sentiment. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also published. Fed Chair: Rate Hikes Above 0.25 Percent May be Needed to Ease Inflation Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell said that the Fed is willing to move beyond its recent 0.25 percent rate hike to control inflation. In a speech made to the National Business Association for Business … [Read More...]
It can be easy to forget, but the first thing people will see when they come to your home is the outside, so it's important to have a well-maintained and picturesque property that represents the inside of your home positively. If you're looking for a few ways to boost your outdoor space, here are a few tips to help with curb appeal. Plant A Flower Bed Whether you decide on a tiny plot or a much larger space, a splash of flowers is great for adding a warm, homey atmosphere to your front yard. This can easily be done by going to your local nursery, picking out some easy-to-maintain perennials … [Read More...]
Even though a lot of people have two incomes they can use to purchase a house (theirs and their partner’s), this is not necessarily required. There are lots of people who want to take advantage of current interest rates to purchase a house, and some people are trying to do it on their own. Even though it can be a challenge to buy a house with only one income, it is certainly not impossible. There are several tips that can make it easier for everyone to afford a house with just a single income. Always Check Your Credit Score If you want to buy a house on a single income, make sure … [Read More...]
Many people who rent sign a 12-month lease. With many people’s contracts up for renewal during the next few months, people may be surprised to see just how much their rent might be going up in the next year. Just as gas prices, car prices, and prices at the grocery store continue to increase, rent is going up as well. It is important to take a closer look at the reasons why, and what people can do to make their housing costs more affordable. Inflation Is Partly To Blame One of the reasons why rent is getting more expensive is that inflation has reached record levels. Inflation has … [Read More...]
Even though owning a home comes with some significant expenses, some of them are tax-deductible. With many people looking for ways to lower their income tax, there are a few expenses tied to the house that every homeowner should consider. This could make a significant difference in their final tax bills, and it could lead to a large tax refund. Home Repair Costs There are a lot of people who need to make repairs to their houses during the course of the year. In particular, if you have recently purchased a house, you may need to do a bunch of repairs before you move in. Be sure to save any … [Read More...]