There are a lot of pests that may try to make their way into your home, and they can cause significant health and safety issues in addition to detracting from your property values. It can be very difficult to remove infestations once they have infiltrated your home, so it is always better to prevent them from happening. What are a few tips you should keep in mind? Seal The Doors And Windows One of the easiest ways for pests to get into your home is to crawl through open doors and windows. Therefore, you should start by sealing your doors and windows from time to time. You may want to reach out to an expert who can evaluate your doors and windows for possible cracks and crevices. By … [Continue Reading...]
If you are interested in purchasing a home, how much money should you put down? This is a difficult question that all potential homeowners need to answer, as it will dictate the size and location of the house you can afford. There are a number of factors to consider, so what do you need to know? Generally, Putting More Down Is Better There is a solid chance that a home loan is going to be the largest loan you will ever take out in your life. Therefore, there is some risk involved, and you must make sure you can pay it back. You can reduce the risk you take on by putting more money down. That way, you don't necessarily have to take out such a large loan, and your lender may provide you with a … [Continue Reading...]
Last week’s economic reporting included readings on new home sales and consumer sentiment. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also published. No economic data was published Thursday or Friday due to the Thanksgiving holiday. New Home Sales Surpass Expectations in October The Commerce Department reported higher-than-expected sales of new homes during October. New homes sold at a seasonally-adjusted annual pace of 632,000 homes sold. Analysts expected new homes to sell at an annual pace of 570,000 sales as compared to the revised annual pace of 588,000 new home sales in September. The supply of available new homes rose by 1.50 percent between September and … [Continue Reading...]
Just because you live in a small space doesn't mean your home needs to feel cramped. There are several renovations that are popular among interior designers to make a space feel larger. Incorporate them into your own home to give it a more open, spacious feel. 1. Crystal Clear Glass is an absolutely phenomenal way to make a small space feel larger as it removes visual barriers to show off additional square footage, making it seem as though it's part of the room. Whether you choose a glass railing for a staircases or room divider or incorporate a glass shower into a small bathroom, glass can help your home feel more spacious. 2. Make The Most Of Mirrors Similar to glass, mirrors can make a … [Continue Reading...]
There are many complicated terms thrown around regarding your mortgage, and one of them is an escrow account. You will probably hear that your lender will collect some additional money every month for escrow payments. If you take a look at your mortgage statement, you will see your interest, your principal, and your escrow. What does this mean, and why do you have to pay additional money that isn't going toward the balance of your loan? The Definition Of An Escrow Account An escrow account is an extra account that your lender opens on your behalf to make sure certain expenses are covered. Because your mortgage investor has a lien against the property, the mortgage company has an interest in … [Continue Reading...]
Last week’s economic reporting included readings on U.S housing markets, housing starts, and building permits issued. Data on sales of previously-owned homes were released along with weekly reports on mortgage rates and jobless claims. Builder Sentiment on Housing Markets Declines in November November’s National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index fell five points to an index reading of 33; analysts expected a reading of 36. November’s reading was the lowest since June 2012 except during the pandemic. All three indices contributing to the Housing Market Index were lower in November than in October. Homebuilder sentiment regarding current sales conditions fell … [Continue Reading...]