Blog – Page 704 of 739

21 Aug 2013

It’s Important To Follow These Specific Steps When Using Gift Funds For Your Down Payment

Mortgage Tips

As lenders tighten mortgage guidelines for Solana Beach home buyers, minimum downpayment requirements are increasing. Several years ago, you could finance a home with nothing down. Today, most conventional mortgages require at least 5 - 10 percent. Incidentally, these guideline changes have led to an increase in the number of home buyers accepting cash gifts from family. Gifts are allowed in most cases but the problem is, if you don't accept the gift in a "lender-friendly" way, the mortgage underwriter could reject it, and negate it. Three Steps To Success With Your Down Payment Gift Funds You can't just deposit a…

20 Aug 2013

By Mark Feder

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Home Builder Confidence Highest Level In Nearly 8 Years

Housing Analysis

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported Thursday that its Housing Market Index rose three points to a reading of 59 for August. Confidence among builders is likely growing in connection with stronger housing markets and high demand for homes. These conditions are being driven by short supplies of homes for sale in many markets. Builder confidence in current market conditions rose by three points to a reading of 62, while builder confidence in market conditions within the next six months rose by one point to a reading of 68. Confidence in buyer foot traffic was unchanged from July’s…

19 Aug 2013

By Mark Feder

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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 19, 2013

Housing Analysis

Last week wasn't kind to stock market investors, but weekly jobless claims fell to an unexpected low of 320,000 new jobless claims filed, the lowest level in nearly six years. Here is a review of the major events of the week. Monday: The federal budget for July shows an increase in its deficit to -$98 billion, a deficit increase of $28 billion over June's figure of -$70 billion. The good news is that the deficit for the first 10 months of the fiscal year is $38 billion less than during the same period of the prior fiscal year. Thursday: Thursday was…

16 Aug 2013

By Mark Feder

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Tips For Helping Your Kids Adjust To A New School

Around The Home

August means it's time to get your children ready for school once more. Picking out backpacks, going clothes shopping and finding all the right school supplies can be hectic enough. However, when you've moved and your children have to start all over in a new district, there's even more to worry about! Summer fun can make the sunny months fly by. It's easy to forget that with the beginning of school comes excitement and anxiety for your little ones — especially if they're starting out somewhere new. So help them get adjusted with the back-to-a-new-school strategies below. Explain Why You'll…