December 4, 2012 - 10:15 AM
Low interest rates on loans? Incredibly low. Interest on money in the bank? Incredibly low. When these two come together with a market still generously stocked with distressed and foreclosed properties, it’s hard not to consider the idea of investing in real estate. But should you trust real estate with your... Read More
Low interest rates on loans? Incredibly low. Interest on money in the bank? Incredibly low. When these two come together with a market still generously stocked with distressed and foreclosed properties, it’s hard not to consider the idea of investing in real estate. But should you trust real estate with your retirement money? In other words, is real estate a better bet than a 401K?
Price Is Right?
December 3, 2012 - 10:03 AM
The two steps forward, one step back theme of national real estate recovery continued in October, as evidenced by foreclosure activity. On the negative side: After many months of decline, foreclosures on U.S. homes rose in October of 2012. On the positive side: The increase, while 3% over September of 2012... Read More
The two steps forward, one step back theme of national real estate recovery continued in October, as evidenced by foreclosure activity. On the negative side: After many months of decline, foreclosures on U.S. homes rose in October of 2012. On the positive side: The increase, while 3% over September of 2012, is still far better than October of 2011, when those filings were 19% higher.
November 30, 2012 - 2:53 PM
Tomorrow is December 1st, and many people will be hanging up advent calendars to track the countdown to Christmas. Growing up, we had a handcrafted felt advent calendar. If you don't already have one, here are a few DIY advent calendar ideas! Try one out this weekend!
Wooden Advent Tree
(A Beautiful... Read More
Tomorrow is December 1st, and many people will be hanging up advent calendars to track the countdown to Christmas. Growing up, we had a handcrafted felt advent calendar. If you don't already have one, here are a few DIY advent calendar ideas! Try one out this weekend!
November 29, 2012 - 10:29 AM
The Case-Shiller numbers rolled in on Tuesday and brought yet another good report: U.S. home prices continued to rise throughout the third quarter of 2012. The third quarter contains some of the warmest months of the year – July, August, September – and that’s reflected in increased buyer demand. More... Read More
November 28, 2012 - 9:50 AM
Last week we talked about the things you need to know to be a contender in today’s low inventory, high competition market. This week, part 2: 4 weapons that you can use to compete for, and win, the house of your dreams.
1. See your mortgage broker, credit union, or other loan expert. The absolute first... Read More
November 26, 2012 - 11:36 PM
Kitchens... we all want them and need them, but many of we first-time buyers won't get the perfect, ideal version in our first home. That doesn't mean we'll just have to eat out a lot. Actually, kitchen makeovers are fun. You can go big or small-- rehab the whole space or just sub in a new appliance. No need... Read More
Kitchens... we all want them and need them, but many of we first-time buyers won't get the perfect, ideal version in our first home. That doesn't mean we'll just have to eat out a lot. Actually, kitchen makeovers are fun. You can go big or small-- rehab the whole space or just sub in a new appliance. No need to do it all at once, either. Your taste and needs will probably change with time, so take that time, and enjoy the process as you grow into your home.
Today we offer ideas-- some of them quite new-- to get your started on the kichen you've always wanted.
November 26, 2012 - 10:00 AM
Foreclosures, for some buyers, represent the super sales of real estate, those hot bargains folks line up for in the wee hours of the morning. Of course, competition for foreclosures doesn't look the same as competition for Twilight, the movie, in DVD; but all of us interested in real estate recognize the... Read More
Foreclosures, for some buyers, represent the super sales of real estate, those hot bargains folks line up for in the wee hours of the morning. Of course, competition for foreclosures doesn't look the same as competition for Twilight, the movie, in DVD; but all of us interested in real estate recognize the importance of tracking foreclosures in both our local and national markets.
November 21, 2012 - 9:40 AM
Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and in honor of that day, we offer some new, and perhaps surprising, reasons to be thankful for homeownership.
Our Children Thank Us
Research shows: If parents want their kids to do better in school, one of the most important things they can do is buy a home. A 2012 study by Richard... Read More
Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and in honor of that day, we offer some new, and perhaps surprising, reasons to be thankful for homeownership.
Our Children Thank Us
November 20, 2012 - 10:28 AM
October data, despite the serious and tragic impact of Hurricane Sandy, are largely positive nationally. Today we look closer at the month behind us, and speculate on months to come.
Inventory
The current supply of homes was the lowest national number since February of 2006 this October. So, in a nutshell,... Read More
October data, despite the serious and tragic impact of Hurricane Sandy, are largely positive nationally. Today we look closer at the month behind us, and speculate on months to come.
Inventory
November 19, 2012 - 11:28 AM
Low inventory all over the country? This phenomenon, so far, shows no signs of going away. But neither do prospective homebuyers, as metro after metro area reports an increase in home sales—despite drastic reductions in available homes for sale. Yes, it’s a tough out there. Today we bring you part 1 in a 2... Read More
Low inventory all over the country? This phenomenon, so far, shows no signs of going away. But neither do prospective homebuyers, as metro after metro area reports an increase in home sales—despite drastic reductions in available homes for sale. Yes, it’s a tough out there. Today we bring you part 1 in a 2 part series: Tips for Buyers in Competitive Markets.
Last week we talked about the things you need to know to be a contender in today’s low inventory, high competition market. This week, part 2: 4 weapons that you can use to compete for, and win, the house of your dreams.
