FOMC Minutes Reveal Fed Policymakers U-Turn
Members of the Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee voted to hold the target range of the federal funds rate to its current range of 2.25 to 2.50 percent. The minutes of the most recent Committee meeting cited softening domestic and global economic conditions as reason for not raising the target federal funds range.
Can You Really Buy Off-Planet Real Estate?
Real estate agents are constantly looking for new listings, which will attract potential buyers. We no longer need to limit our search for good listings to planet Earth because Mars is now for sale.
3 Ways to Reduce the Environmental Impact of Your Home Renovation Project
The right home renovation strategy can increase property values and improve the comfort and utility of your space. However, your actions could have a harsh impact on our natural resources.
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 8th, 2019
Last week's economic news included readings on construction spending and inflation; labor sector reports on the national unemployment rate, public and private sector employment were also released. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released.
5 Options To Consider When Your Appraisal Comes In Low
Yikes! You are already set on buying the home that you picked out and the appraisal comes back at a lower amount than the amount needed for the home loan to be approved. What do you do? After you calm down your significant-other and then take three deep breaths, here are some options to consider.
Managing Finances Before Applying For A Mortgage
Are you planning on using a mortgage to help cover the cost of a new home? If so, you will want to prepare your finances and figure out how you will manage all those wallet-draining monthly expenses. Let's take a look at how to run a quick financial health check to ensure you are ready to apply for a mortgage.
Are Multi-Unit Properties the Right Move for You?
Real estate isn't a one-size-fits-all pursuit. Buying and renting multi-unit properties is one of the ways investors build residual income while increasing their property portfolios. However, multi-unit rentals come with some unique challenges. Are you ready to manage a multi-unit rental property?
When Is The Best Time To Do Your Roof Maintenance?
Perform roof maintenance on sunny days when there's less chance of slipping. Blocking off a weekend twice a year gives you plenty of time to complete the items below without rushing or taking unnecessary risks. The beginning of spring and fall present the best opportunities to complete your maintenance before the weather turns too hot or too cold.
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 1st, 2019
Last week's economic reports included readings from Case-Shiller on home price growth, Commerce Department readings on housing starts and building permits issued. The Conference Board issued its monthly reading on consumer confidence. Pending home sales and weekly reports on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims were also released.
States With The Best Opportunities To Acquire Investment Property
Real estate investors sometimes get stuck in a rut. They repeat the same type of investment that they did before. This is not necessarily a bad thing because a successful experience is worth repeating. However, it is also a good idea to occasionally take a look at the big picture as well, to see what else is out there for investment consideration.
Case-Shiller Home Price Growth Slower in January
Home price indices issued by S&P Case-Shiller showed further slowing in home price growth in January. The national home price index showed 4.30 percent home price growth for the three months ended in January. Analysts expected home prices to grow 4.20 percent for the same period in cities surveyed by Case-Shiller. More cities reported declines in home prices than those that posted gains in home prices.
3 Pros And Cons Of Renting Or Owning A Home
Home ownership is highly valued in our culture. However, buying a home isn't the best decision for everyone. Examine the differences between owning and renting your home to help you decide if now is the time to buy.