Last week’s economic reports included readings on inflation, core inflation, and the University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released. April Inflation Rate Hits 13-Year High The federal government’s Consumer Price Index rose by 0.80 percent in April as compared to the March reading of 0.60 percent. Analysts expected inflation to increase by 0.20 percent in April. Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and fuel sectors, rose by 0.90 percent in April. Analysts expected core inflation to grow … [Read More...]
Becoming a homeowner for the first time is exciting. However, for many potential buyers, the process can also be confusing. Below is an overview of the steps you need to complete in order to buy your first home. Work Out The Finances The first step in buying a home is deciding on a price range. This price range will be determined by your income, as well as your own comfort level with home prices and monthly payments. Consider all of these factors to determine the maximum amount you are willing to spend on your new home. In most cases, you will be required to pay the downpayment and … [Read More...]
If you’re selling a home today, you know that it’s a seller's market in many areas throughout the country. What you may not know, though, is that there are still things you can do to make your home even more desirable. From adding SMART home features to properly staging a home, there are plenty of things you can do to drive up the price and create a frenzy of bidding activity for your home. One of those things is to add green features to your home. What Are Green Home Features? Adding green features to your home doesn’t mean you’re painting the walls green or going for … [Read More...]
While some home buyers only want to live in a brand new home and will custom build a home to their specifications, others are drawn to the historic character and charm of a classic home. Older homes may have incredible architectural detail and special features that you simply do not want to change. However, there are some essential features that should be upgraded as soon as possible after you take ownership of your classic home. The Electrical Panel Many older homes were built at a time when electricity use was at a minimum, but the reliance on electricity has increased over the years. Older … [Read More...]
Aside from owning a business, owning rental property has been one of the top investment choices for people, most commonly done through buying a second home. Handled right, income properties can generate significant gains for investors, both in terms of real estate appreciation as well as monthly income from tenants. However, it’s not sure a surefire approach to financial success. There are a lot of ways that a budding real estate investor can go sideways with an investment property home purchase as well. Watch Out for the Seller-Renter Many times people will sell a home but then offer to … [Read More...]
There can be a lot of excitement when it comes to the realization that you've inherited a home, but simply because it's an inheritance doesn't mean there aren't a few strings attached. Whether you're expecting to be gifted with a home in the future or you're currently going through this process, here are a few things you may need to watch out for. The State Of The Mortgage Once a home has been effectively handed over to you, it's important to determine the status of the mortgage with the lender and if anything is still owed. While you have the option of taking over the mortgage in a lot of … [Read More...]
