Last week's economic reports included Labor Department readings on private and public sector jobs, the national unemployment rate. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims were also released. Monthly reporting on construction spending was delayed due to the government shutdown. Public and Private-Sector Jobs Growth Exceeds Expectations ADP reported 271private sector jobs added in December as compared to 157,000 jobs added in November. Analysts expected 182,000 jobs added for December and said that December's reading was the highest number of jobs added in almost two … [Read More...]
Many sellers hire inspectors and appraisers to value their home prior to placing it on the market. It's important for buyers to hire their own inspector to get an independent opinion. If a buyer orders an inspection before the sale goes through, the seller may have to resolve any issues that arise. If you forego the inspection, you inherit any problems that come with the house. Importance Of Inspections Homes aren't always well cared for and it's relatively easy for an unethical owner to paint over a water stain rather than fix a leaky faucet. Clunky furnaces and loud A/C units are symptoms of … [Read More...]
Are you trying to decide if you should rent or buy? There are many reasons why home ownership is better than renting. Here are just a few to consider when you're making your decision. 1. Stability For Your Family When you own your home, the life of your family will be more stable. If you have children, this is a an even more valuable benefit. Your kids will be able to settle down into the routine of school and extracurricular activities. They'll be able to make lifelong friends in the neighborhood. You and your spouse will be able to feel a strong sense of community and belonging. 2. … [Read More...]
Home prices rose by 0.40 percent in October according to Case-Shiller's 20-City Home Price Index and were unchanged from September's year-over-year reading of 5.50 percent growth. Slower growth in home prices could help some would-be home buyers enter the market, but rapidly rising mortgage rates have sidelined buyers concerned with affordability and meeting strict mortgage lending requirements. High Mortgage Rates Stifle Demand for Homes October's year-over-year reading for home price growth was the lowest in two years, but home price growth continued to exceed wage increases; builders … [Read More...]
Last week's economic reports included readings from Case-Shiller Housing Market Indices, National Association of Realtors® on pending home sales and weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims. The Commerce Department's reading on sales of new homes was delayed due to the federal government's shutdown. Case-Shiller: Home Price Growth Lowest in Two Years Home price growth was nearly nil with October's month-to-month reading of 0.40 percent; The Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index showed a year-over-year home price growth rate of 5.50 percent, which matched September's … [Read More...]
When you walk through a house with your real estate agent, you're seeing if you and your family would be happy living there. But you're also probably looking for signs of trouble that might spell big expenses later on. Be careful, though. It's important to see the "bones" of the house rather than focusing on minor issues. Here are four flaws you can safely disregard. 1. Stained Carpet Stained carpet is more an indication of the owner's poor cleaning habits than of any real problems with the house. It's so easy to replace carpeting that it's not worth even paying attention to when you're … [Read More...]
