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Most Recent Articles
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- Homebuyers Benefit From Tightening Lending Market
Some good news is knocking at the door of prospective homeowners worried about the recent surge in mortgage rates.
The previously booming home- loan industry is undergoing a contraction. In fact, the Mortgage Bankers Association predicts the industry will shrink by 14 percent in 2006. What's the good news? That means lenders are competing harder to win your business and you can take advantage. - Is Real Estate The New 401(k) For Retirees?
If you think you may have to work after you retire, you have lots of company. Two-thirds of baby boomers polled in a recent survey said the cost of living is too high to truly retire and never work again. And it seems they are right: According to the U. S. Department of Labor, nearly 1 million people age 75 and older are working at least part-time.
But there are better opportunities available for boomers looking to grow their nest eggs-and keep the cash coming in after they retire-by investing in real estate. - What Makes A Shopper Buy A Home?
Not all new home shoppers are created equal. A recent study found that new home shoppers' preferences differ regionally, but even more so by their life phase, family makeup and whether they are making their first or second home purchase. Here's a look at some results:
Regional Differences - Good Timing Opens Door To New Homes
While the adage that real estate is all about location, location, location may still hold true, timing can be just as critical. In today's fast-paced world, technology makes it possible to do things quicker than ever before-and finding the right home is no exception.
Today, the majority of buyers are beginning their home search on the Internet. Browsing listings online provides access to photo galleries, virtual tours, floor plans and detailed lists of amenities that help buyers learn more about a home than previously possible. This added knowledge often speeds up the decision-making process. In fact, it's not uncommon for people to buy a home after simply viewing the house online or seeing it once in person. - Concessions Greet Homebuyers
When visiting open houses these days, homebuyers may be greeted by something they haven't seen in a very long time: a variety of concessions from the sellers.
Residential real estate has shifted in many areas across the nation from sellers' markets to buyers' markets, so people with "For Sale" signs in front of their homes have had to change their tactics to attract buyers. Rather than simply waiting behind the sign for buyers to knock on the door, many sellers are now offering buyers something besides just the opportunity to purchase their home. - Good Neighbors Make Good Neighborhoods
It takes time and energy to help shape and promote the community values that make for better neighborhoods. Happily, there are many in small towns and large cities across the country who think it's worth it. A good example of this is the real estate professionals of the National Association of Realtors, who initiate community projects that help to improve the quality of life in communities across the country, neighborhood by neighborhood.
One such community project is an ongoing partnership they have with Habitat for Humanity to help families realize the dream of owning a home. For the past several years, Realtors have built a Habitat house in each of the cities hosting its annual conference. When Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit the Gulf Coast, Realtors' support for rebuilding the Gulf Coast began immediately. More than $4.6 million in financial assistance was distributed directly to hurricane victims in need. The association put even more muscle behind its commitment to help the Gulf Coast rebuild by sending supplies and volunteer labor; and Realtors continue to dedicate themselves to helping the region in its rebuilding and revitalization efforts. - 25,000 Houses And Counting: Turning Ugly Homes Around
Just as the Ugly Duckling was really a swan, an ugly house may really be a gold mine.
That's the attitude of savvy individuals who, through such companies as HomeVestors, have gotten into the business of buying, rehabbing and selling single-family homes as a full-time business. It's a win-win situation; investors make a profit and, after rehab and resale, a young family is able to afford a beautiful home. - Newlyweds Really Can Say "i Do" To Home Buying
Experts say one of the best investments a newly married couple can make is buying a home.
For couples planning to marry, making the purchase of a new home part of the long-term wedding plan can be an excellent way to get used to talking openly about money. Since you are already talking about wedding expenses, you can make a smooth transition into discussing your permanent finances. - Consider Energy Efficiency When Buying A New Home
By spending one day in the attic, many homeowners may improve their energy efficiency, lessen their environmental footprint and increase the salability of their home.
A new survey reveals Americans still have leverage when it comes to selling their homes. According to the survey, 96 percent of homebuyers consider energy efficiency when purchasing a new home and 71 percent are interested in a home that reduces overall impact on the environment. Adding insulation in the attic helps the home-seller appeal to both of these criteria. - Six Home-inspection Myths
Having faulty or misguided beliefs about home-inspection services can lead to poor buying processes and final decisions.
Dan Steward, president of Pillar To Post, North America's leading provider of home-inspection services, offers responses to some of the most common myths about home inspection. - Home Buying 101
Following a few basic buying tips can help open the door to home ownership.
For instance, something as simple as creating a budget that earmarks your spending for a year can help you know what you can afford-while signing up to have a portion of your paycheck automatically deposited in your savings account can help you be certain you'll have cash for the down payment. - Interest Is Building In Construction Trade Show
Home buyers aren't the only ones interested in construction. More than 100,000 housing professionals are expected to descend on Orlando, Fla., for The 2007 International Builders' Show (IBS). In today's slow housing market, the educational sessions, networking opportunities and state-of-the-art technology and products featured make attendance critical for any professional working in the industry. Hosted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the housing industry's largest annual light-construction trade show and exhibition will be held at the Orange County Convention Center, Feb. 7-10.
Wealth Of Opportunities - The Time To Invest May Be Now
Home prices aren't appreciating as fast as they were a few years ago. Time to get out of the real estate investment game, right? Maybe not.
When it comes to playing the stock market, the mantra on Wall Street has always been "buy low, sell high." The same advice applies to real estate investment. If you have the income to cover an additional mortgage payment, you may be able to lock in a great investment property at a low price and low interest rate. - Owner's Title Insurance
If you are buying a home, you may want to learn more about Owner's title insurance, otherwise known as an Owner's Policy.
Before you close and move in, a title company will conduct a search of the home's title to look for problems. Thirty-six percent of title searches reveal issues that need to be resolved before the property can change hands. - Making My House Your Home
You may love everything that makes your home uniquely yours, but to sell it, you may have to see your home a little differently.
Sentimental photographs and wallpaper patterns that represent personal taste can make it harder for potential buyers to envision themselves in your home.
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