Blog – Page 696 of 763

25 Feb 2014

Existing Home Sales Lowest Since 2012

Housing Analysis

Sales of existing homes fell by 5.10 percent in January according to the National Association of REALTORS. Pre-owned home sales slowed to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 4.62 million homes against an expected reading of 4.65 million and December's reading of 4.87 million existing homes sold. Rising home prices are reducing the number of affordable homes and a shrinking inventory of available homes were said to be underlying causes to January's slump in existing home sales. Severe winter weather also contributed to lower sales. January's reading was the lowest for existing home sales since July of 2012. The national inventory…

24 Feb 2014

By Mark Feder

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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 24, 2014

Mortgage Rates

Last week's economic data supported recent reports indicating that housing markets are slowing, The National Association of Home builders/Wells Fargo Home Builders Index (HBI) dropped by 10 points to a reading of 46 for February. Home builder confidence dropped to its lowest reading in nine months, and fell below the benchmark of 50, which indicates that more builders are pessimistic about current market conditions than not. Severe weather was blamed for the lower builder confidence reading, which fell below the expected reading of 56. Regional readings of builder confidence were also lower: Northeast: Builder confidence fell from 41 to 33…

21 Feb 2014

By Mark Feder

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Smart Ways To Create Equity Within Your Home

Homeowner Tips

Home equity is the difference between what your home can sell for and what you owe on it. Generally, the longer you own your home, the more equity you build. This is money you can use before you sell your home through a home equity loan. Just keep in mind that a home equity loan is secured with your home. If you can't make the payments, you can lose your home. Use Your Home Equity In Smart Ways: Remodel Your Home - If you've wanted to add on a family room or modernize your kitchen, consider using your home's equity to fund…

20 Feb 2014

By Mark Feder

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What Are The Requirements To Sell A Home Using An FHA Loan?

Home Mortgage Tips

Before an owner can market a property to buyers that want to use a FHA loan, he will want to familiarize himself with the FHA's standards. FHA won't insure loans on just any property. While their standards aren't as stringent as they used to be, a home needs to be in relatively good condition to qualify for FHA financing. Location And Lot To qualify for FHA financing, the property has to be located on a road or easement that lets the owner freely enter and exit. The access also has to be paved with a surface that will work all…