With new housing data released last week, there are some glimmers of hope in the real estate market, which can lead to more sellers stepping out to sell their properties. The federal government is trying to keep interest rates low and stable by extending the federal funds rate near zero through 2014. This move helps … Continued
Here we are looking at another new year. We have 365 days to call our own, use as we choose and grow. How we grow and learn depends on each of us discovering our talents and adaptability. Essayist William Arthur Ward expressed it perfectly, when he wrote, “The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist … Continued
What do you want to do in 2012? Lose 100 pounds, win the $43 million lottery, chuck it all, buy an RV and wander around the country? All interesting goals, but most likely not attainable, and bound for failure. Frankly, we’d rather succeed with small goals that add up to big changes. Here are some … Continued
With mortgage interest rates at an all-time low, many homeowners are considering re-financing their loans (see here to avail stock loan on non-marginal securities and more from Easy Stock Loans). Depending on several variables, this could be a very wise move to lower your monthly payments and even shorten the length of your current mortgage. But before … Continued
The holiday season is here—well, if you looked in the stores, the season started just before Labor Day!—and our attention focuses on family, presents, food and fun. However, if you are selling your home, all of those things will work for you to attract buyers. Winter isn’t the peak selling season, but potential homebuyers who … Continued
The General Motors announcement that the company will invest $380 million to expand the Wentzville Assembly Plant, add at least 1,260 new jobs and in the near future expand the present line with a second shift of 400 workers, is all great news for the St. Charles County region. The expansion will produce the mid-sized … Continued
For the first time this year, Year to Date Units Sold exceed total units sold in 2010-3379 in 2011 to 3356 in 2010, but total volume sold still lags because Median Sale Price this year is lower, $163,00 to $173,000 last year. We still expect by 2011 year end, total volume may exceed last year. … Continued
Weather is unpredictable, regardless of the nightly forecasts. We checked the 2012 issue of Farmers’ Almanac as backup and, for the Midwest, predictions are average temperatures (whatever that is) and wetter than normal. Looks like our friends in the Northeast are going to take a pounding again this year. For potential homebuyers, weather can play … Continued
Realtors sell houses and help people from we buy houses Sacramento to buy homes . You have a relationship with your agent for a brief time and then both of you move on. Sounds simple enough. But, peel back the layers of that relationship, and you find how much of an impact your agent can … Continued
Are you a thoughtful buyer who has planned for a purchase now? Home prices in the St. Louis region declined 1.07 percent in February from a year ago, excluding distressed sales, according to Core Logic, a provider of financial, property and consumer information. Despite the decline, this is much less than previous years during this … Continued
“Annual Mortgage Insurance Premium Change” effective April 18, 2011. Let’s look at what this means for those hoping to secure an FHA mortgage in the future: The Annual Insurance Premium will increase .25% for standard forward mortgages. The Up Front Mortgage Insurance remains at 1.00%. NOW is the time to refinance your current home OR … Continued
Say the words “home inspection†and both home sellers and buyers quake a bit. There’s no sense in anticipating what may be wrong. Rather, look at a home inspection as an opportunity to offer or buy a home that has been well cared for and in great shape. Home inspections aren’t just for buyers. More … Continued
Getting ready to sell: Less is more! Buyers want smaller homes with efficient layouts and green features. Do you have a smaller home with an efficient floor plan and some green features? If so, your property just zoomed up the marketability scale. Buyers really do want less, but more in that space. According to a … Continued
Considering a short sale property? You’ll need an agent who knows the process, and lots of patience. Short sales can be a way to get into real estate, but the process is long and complicated. With more properties on the market, interest rates still reasonable and home affordability at its peak, potential homebuyers are considering … Continued
Getting Ready Buy: Now is the time to make that investment in your next home. Mortgage rates are down again and housing is at its most affordable. Mortgage rates, which began to climb on November 2010, have reached a back off point, declining to 5.125% for a 30-year fixed rate loan, which is a bit … Continued