Down Payment Programs Remain Well Funded Our Fourth Quarter 2017 Homeownership Program Index (HPI) reports a new record high number of homebuyer programs — now 2,507 — available for today’s homebuyers. In addition, the programs remained well funded during 2017. More than 87 percent (87.4%) of programs currently have funds available for eligible homebuyers. While individual...
NAR Home Survey Homeowners want to buy close to their love ones As we head into the many possibilities of a New Year, one thing remains the same: the importance of friends and family to the experience of being a homeowner. Homeowners often want to locate close to their loved ones. According to the National Association of Realtor®’ (NAR’s) latest HOME (Housing Opportunities and Market Experience)...
Financial Literacy With schools focused on core subjects, there isn't a lot of room for teaching financial literacy. If you want your child to be smart about money, it's up to you. The need for children to receive a basic education in money matters is all too apparent now that the nation is facing what some experts are calling the most serious economic meltdown since the Great Depression. Not only...
Existing-Home Sales Slide in December 2016 Sales Best Since 2006 Existing-home sales had a banner 2016, amounting to 5.45 million—an increase from 5.25 million in 2015 and a decade-high from 6.48 million in 2006, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Overall, 2016 was a “good year for the housing market,” says NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “Solid job creation...
9 Reasons You Need An Agent Are you thinking of buying or selling a home this year, or know someone who is? Whether it’s your first time dipping your toe in the real estate world or your fifth, it’s important to have an agent you trust by your side to help you through the process and serve you after the sale. The information I’m sending this month outlines nine reasons to enlist the aid of an...
When a home has particular energy-related problems, homeowners (or potential buyers) can begin diagnostic process. Although it is not a replacement for professional evaluation, the Do It Yourself approach can uncover problems for quick fixes or further investigation. Inspect the items on the list and make notes about problems. The list and notes will serve as a to-do list for tackling problem areas and...
Some Tips To Help you Save...
A recent survey by Realtor.com® ranked the top 20 home features highlighted in listing descriptions in 2015. These attributes have become true selling points in the last five years. While suggestive of current preferences, the list also paints an insightful portrait of the features that contribute to the perceived and actual value of a home. If you are interested in getting a report showing the cost...