Last week’s economic reporting included readings on new and pending home sales, inflation, and consumer sentiment. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released. New home sales increase in December The Commerce Department reported new home sales rose to a seasonally-adjusted annual pace of 616,000 sales in December as compared to the expected pace of 615,000 new homes sales and November’s revised reading of 602,000 annual sales. December was the third consecutive month that the pace of new home sales rose, but new home sales remained well below the … [Read More...]
Members of the military, their family members, and veterans have access to a unique mortgage option called a VA loan. This can be a strong option because it provides borrowers with an opportunity to purchase a house for less than 20 percent down. While not everyone is eligible for a VA loan, there are a lot of people who are wondering, are VA loans assumable? There are a few key points to keep in mind. What Is An Assumable Loan? An assumable loan means that the buyer is essentially going to take over the mortgage held by the seller. Essentially, this means that the buyer is going to take over … [Read More...]
Are you in the market for a new house? If so, you might be thinking about building your own house. It can be exciting to go through the process of building a house, as you will be in control of just about everything. On the other hand, how much is it going to cost you to build a house? You need to make sure you have an estimate before you decide to move forward with your project. What Is The Actual Cost Of Building A House? First, it is important to go through the actual itemized list line by line. You will need to purchase land if you are interested in building a house. Then, you need … [Read More...]
If you are thinking of buying a condominium or a home that is part of a planned community, you have likely come across the term "homeowners' association" or HOA. In short, the HOA is a coalition of local homeowners who have banded together to manage the needs of the local community. Let's explore the concept of the homeowners' association, why they charge fees and what you can expect from your HOA if you buy a home that is part of one. HOA Fees Are Meant To Make Things Easier HOA fees are meant to make your life easier. Common sense dictates that all homeowners won't be able to commit to … [Read More...]
Are you interested in purchasing a rental property? Instead of buying a new one, you might want to convert your primary residence into a rental property, particularly if you plan on moving in the near future. At the same time, you might think it is better to sell the property and take the cash instead. Which option is best for you? Potential Issues Converting Your Primary Residence To A Rental Property If you want to convert your primary residence into a rental property, there are a few important issues to keep in mind. First, you must make sure you have lived in the home long enough to … [Read More...]
Last week’s economic reporting included readings from the National Association of Home Builders on U.S. housing markets, and Commerce Department data on housing starts and building permits issued. The National Association of Realtors® reported sales of previously owned homes, and weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released. NAHB: Homebuilder Sentiment Rises in December The National Association of Home Builders reported increased homebuilder confidence in U.S. housing market conditions in December; this was the first time in 12 months that homebuilder … [Read More...]
