Blog – Page 618 of 825

20 May 2016

3 Ikea Hacks That Can Be Done in a Weekend’s Time

Around The Home

Whether you're moving into your first apartment or preparing to purchase a second home, Ikea is a favorite for those trying to economically fill up the extra space in their home. While Ikea may have plenty of inexpensive options that you might not think can be dressed up, there are actually a lot of simple pieces that you can add to for a stylish, DIY look that will take no time at all. Cue The Cocktails The popularity of the bar cart has seen a resurgence, but many of these decorative pieces can be quite pricey for the person who…

18 May 2016

By Mark Feder

NAHB: Home Builder Confidence Holds Steady in May

Housing Market

The National Association of Home Builders reported that home builder confidence in the U.S. housing market conditions held steady for the fourth consecutive month in May. Builder confidence stayed at a reading of 58, which was the number expected by analysts and was also the reading for April. Analysts said that the consistency in readings signified expansion in housing markets. Any reading over 50 indicates that more builders than not are confident about market conditions. Components of the NAHB Housing Market Index include readings on builder confidence in current market conditions which held steady at 63 and builder confidence in…

17 May 2016

By Mark Feder

How to Determine the Price of Your Home for Sale

Home Seller Tips

Many people rely on the price they paid for their home as a starting point for selling, but with the ever-shifting tides of the real estate market, the price paid is not always the best metric to go by. If you're putting your home up for sale and are looking for the ideal price point, here are some ways you can arrive at a number that will keep potential buyers interested. Check Out Your Neighborhood Your house may have a lot of different features than the homes of your neighbors, but checking out what real estate in your area is…

16 May 2016

By Mark Feder

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 16, 2016

Mortgage Rates

Last week's economic news included reports on retail sales and consumer sentiment along with weekly releases on new jobless claims and mortgage rates. Retail sales jumped 1.30 percent in April as compared to the March reading of 0.30 percent. Retail sales excluding the automotive sector rose from 0.40 percent growth in March to 0.80 percent growth in April. Both retail sales reports exceeded expectations. Growth in consumer spending suggests higher confidence in economic conditions and may lead potential homebuyers to consider buying rather than renting their homes. Consumer sentiment jumped in May to a reading of 95.8 as compared to…