The average fees that mortgage lenders charge consumers to close on a home loan have increased in the past year in most states, with Hawaii being the most expensive. A homebuyer getting a $200,000 loan pays an average of about $2,400 in origination and third-party fees, such as the appraisal,… read more →
More money-flush homebuyers are plunking down cash for their properties, and they’re reaping a bevy of benefits that come with cutting lenders out of the buying equation. Sure, mortgage rates are low and enticing, but they can trigger red-tape migraines. At the closing table, more buyers are paying in green –… read more →
Living alone? You trendsetter, you. The Census says 33 million of us live solo. That’s a quarter of American households, according to the National Association of Realtors. The popularization of the solo life — in 1970, one-person households comprised just 17% of all households — is a historic change in human… read more →
For many couples, it makes sense to buy a home before tying the knot. It’s a decision more couples are now making. A recent survey found that 1 in 4 married couples between the ages of 18 and 34 purchased a first home together before marriage. The trend follows the increase in… read more →
Home prices and mortgage interest rates are rising, and people looking to buy a home for the first time are feeling the pressure. Rock-bottom inventory is fueling a run-up in home prices as interest rates rise and ratchet up pressure on buyers to act. Should you be desperate? Will prices… read more →
For the past two months we’ve seen about a 1,000 basis point movement for the worse in the mortgage market which is equivalent to 1% to 2% in an interest rate depending upon your credit score and the program your qualifying for. We haven’t seen activity like this for a… read more →
If you’re in the market for a mortgage, chances are you’ve been instructed to shop around for the best rates. But just because you’ve been told to shop around doesn’t mean you know how. After you organized your financial information and decide which loan is best for you, follow these… read more →
They say there are only two things certain in life: death and taxes. But even with taxes, your must-dos in a given year are far from certain, thanks to annual tax code changes and other trends. Some of the biggest changes for 2013, though, are in tax technology. Consumers and… read more →
One story living is hotter than ever and not just for baby boomers! Young families and singles opt for one level homes in today’s market. t’s only recently that an increasing number of homebuyers have been more interested in doing all of their living on one floor. In 1973, one-story homes made up… read more →
The bidding wars are back. While not every local real-estate market is experiencing bidding wars, some homebuyers find themselves competing for houses because not many are for sale in their markets. To compete in a bidding war, buyers need to prepare financially for the home purchase. They have to be… read more →