April readings for S&P Case-Shiller’s Housing Market Indices showed gains in home prices throughout the U.S. Rising prices were caused by shortages of previously-owned homes for sale and increasing buyer demand as the average 30-year mortgage rate exceeded six percent. The southeastern region lost its top spot on S&P Case-Shiller’s 20-City Home Price Index as Chicago, Illinois, Atlanta, Georgia, and Tampa, Florida held the top three year-over-year home price growth rates for April. Chicago, Illinois Breaks Southeast’s Lead on April Home Price Growth The top three cities with the highest home price growth rates as reported in April’s S&P … [Continue Reading...]
The bathroom is one of the most important and frequently used spaces in a home. Over time, it may start to show signs of wear and tear or become outdated. If you're considering renovating your bathroom, one of the first decisions you'll face is whether to tackle the project yourself or hire a professional. Both options have their pros and cons, and it's essential to weigh them carefully before deciding. DIY Renovation: One of the most significant advantages of a DIY bathroom renovation is the potential cost savings. By doing the work yourself, you eliminate the labor costs associated with hiring a professional. You have control over the materials and can find budget-friendly options to stay … [Continue Reading...]
Buying your first home is an exciting milestone in life, but it can also be overwhelming and filled with questions. As a first-time home buyer, you want to make informed decisions and ensure a smooth process. Below we will address some of the common questions that first-time home buyers often ask. 1. What Exactly Is a Mortgage? A mortgage is an agreement between you and a lender that allows you to borrow money to purchase or refinance a home and gives the lender the right to take your property if you fail to repay the money you've borrowed. 2. What is the Difference between Pre-Qualification and Pre-Approval? A Pre-Qualification is informal and can be done over the phone or internet with no … [Continue Reading...]
Last week’s scheduled economic reports included readings on housing starts, existing home sales, and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s congressional testimony. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released. National Home Builders Association Releases June Housing Market Index U.S. home builder confidence rose by five points to an index reading of 55 in June according to the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index. The June reading surpassed the expected reading of 51 and May’s housing market index reading of 50. Component readings for the Housing Market Index also rose as builder confidence in current market … [Continue Reading...]
Calculating mortgage payments involves several variables, including the loan amount, the interest rate, and the loan term. Here are the steps to calculate mortgage payments: Determine the loan amount: This is the amount you will borrow to purchase the property. For example, if you plan to buy a house for $300,000 and you plan to put down a 20% down payment ($60,000), your loan amount will be $240,000. Determine the interest rate: The interest rate is the cost of borrowing the money. It is expressed as a percentage. For example, if the interest rate is 4%, you will pay 4% of the loan amount in interest each year. Determine the loan term: This is the length of time over which you will repay … [Continue Reading...]
Buying a home is a significant investment, and one of the most important decisions to make when buying a home is whether to purchase a new or pre-owned property. Here are some pros and cons of each option: Pros of buying a new home: Customization: With a new home, you have the ability to customize and personalize the space to your liking, including choosing finishes, colors, and layouts. Energy Efficiency: New homes often come with energy-efficient features, such as double-pane windows, modern insulation, and energy-saving appliances, which can save you money on utility bills. Warranty: New homes usually come with a warranty that covers defects and repairs for a certain period of time. Low … [Continue Reading...]
