National Association of Realtors, Existing Home Sales Slip in August

Sales of previously owned homes fell in August according to the National Association of REALTORS. This was the first decline in sales in five months. Although not welcome news to homeowners and real estate pros, there is good news…

House Hunting: Watch for These Five Small Signs That Can Indicate Much Bigger Problems with a Home

It’s not uncommon for homebuyers to recount horror stories about properties that appeared to be fine at first glance, but were actually hiding very expensive problems.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – Sept 22, 2014

Last week’s economic news largely concerned the Federal Reserve’s FOMC meeting statement and a post-meeting conference given by Fed Chair Janet Yellen. The FOMC statement indicated that the Fed continued its wind-down of Treasury and mortgage-backed securities and that its purchases are expected to cease after the next FOMC meeting.

Federal Open Market Committee, Fed Chair: No Rush to Raise Rates

Wednesday’s customary post-meeting statement issued by the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) of the Federal Reserve provided some relief to investors and analysts concerned that the Fed may soon raise its target federal funds rate.

Thinking About a New Floor? Five Excellent Reasons to Choose Hardwood Flooring when Remodeling

A new hardwood floor will give your home an impressive look and prevent scratches and stains. Here are five very good reasons why you should consider a hardwood floor for your next remodeling project.

It’s Not Just for Cooking! Five Excellent Uses for Olive Oil That Don’t Involve a Stove

Olive oil contains heart-healthy fats, making it a great choice for those concerned about a healthy diet. However, this amazing oil also can be used to solve a variety of household and beauty problems.

Roof Restoration 101: Preparing Your Roof for the Harsh Winter – and when to Call in Professional Help

One of the best steps that you can take now while the weather is warm is to restore your roof to prepare for the harsh winter ahead. Here are some steps you can take to winterize your roof before the weather gets colder.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – Sept 15, 2014

Last week’s housing related economic reports were slim, but an unexpected increase in weekly jobless claims gained attention. Analysts calmed concerns by noting that last week’s reading of 315,000 new jobless claims was not far removed from jobless claim levels before the recession.

Truth

A recent blog post about the word skeptical got me thinking about recent events. I think I like curious better as a word choice when seeking to find the truth in a situation. Skeptical has a somewhat negative connotation for me that somehow you are not telling the truth. Curious or seeking alignment has a […]

Turned Down for a Mortgage? What to Do if You are Declined – and How to Get Second Opinion

If you have been declined for a mortgage, you may think that home ownership is out of reach. However, there are ways to turn a rejection into an approval and to find a more accessible loan. Here are just a few steps you can take to learn about your loan options and get the mortgage that works for you.