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Blog

27 Nov 2018
By noelkelman

Buy Or Build Your Home? 5 Factors To Consider

Real Estate, ,
A home is one of the biggest investments you can make, and the American Dream for many. Most people spend significant time finding or designing their "dream home." The first decision is whether to buy or build.  As of September 2018, the average sales price of a new home was $377,200, according to joint data collected from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Existing homes sales price was approximately $258,100, according to the National Association of Realtors.  New homes attract bigger prices than existing ones, meaning building costs are also high. So, how do…
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26 Nov 2018
By noelkelman

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – November 26th, 2018

Financial Reports, ,
Last week's economic readings included readings from the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index, National Association of Realtors® report on sales of pre-owned homes and Commerce Department readings on housing starts and building permits issued. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims were also released. Housing Market Challenges Catch Up to Builder Sentiment According to the National Association of Home Builders, overall builder sentiment fell six points to November's reading of 60. This was the largest decline in builder sentiment since 2016. Ongoing concerns over lot and labor shortages and rising costs of building materials were…
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23 Nov 2018
By noelkelman

Guide to Quartz, Granite and Laminate Countertops

Real Estate, ,
It can be confusing choosing the right countertop material for your kitchen. Here is a list of some common countertop materials along with their pros and cons. Knowing the differences will help you choose the right material to serve your needs.  Quartz Countertops Quartz is available in different colors and can have a luxurious appearance because it is a manufactured product. It is durable, which means it will not chip or crack as easily as natural stones. Quartz countertops have a non-porous surface which makes it easy to maintain by being stain resistant and it not harboring bacteria or viruses.…
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21 Nov 2018
By noelkelman

3 Critical Tips for Buying a Home in a Short Sale

Real Estate, ,
You just found your perfect home, and you feel like everything is right including the price. But, what could be wrong with your ideal home? Maybe, it is being sold as a short sale, and that could present a major challenge if you want to become be the eventual homeowner. Short sales are different from other conventional real estate transactions since the property in question is usually listed at a price that is much lower than the amount of the outstanding mortgage debt. Unlike a regular sale, the homeowner must obtain permission from the lender before proceeding with the transaction.…
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20 Nov 2018
By noelkelman

5 Real Estate Professionals Who Assist You When You Buy Your First Home

Real Estate, ,
So you're set to buy your first house. But where do you begin? Buying a house for the first time can be nerve-racking. Most advice articles often concentrate on the steps involved in buying a house. To streamline things, let's focus on the people who will likely be involved in your purchase transaction. Concentrating on the finding the right professionals can help you navigate the entire buying process easier and more comfortably. Most people start with their home loan financing or locating a property with a real estate agent. Many of the other people involved in the transaction will be…
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19 Nov 2018
By noelkelman

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – November 19th, 2018

Financial Reports, ,
Last week's economic news included readings on inflation, core inflation and retail sales. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims were also released. Inflation, Retail Sales Rise in October Commerce Department readings for October showed higher inflation and retail sales. Consumer Price Index rose by 0.30 percent and met expectations. September's CPI reading was 0.10 percent. Core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy sectors, also met expectations with a reading of 0.20 percent growth. September's reading was 0.10 percent. Analysts attributed the highest reading in nine months to higher costs of fuel, rent and used cars. Retail…
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16 Nov 2018
By noelkelman

5 Home-Buying Pitfalls To Avoid

Real Estate, ,
Buying your home can be nerve-racking, especially if it's the first time. The buying process is exciting and often complex. The chances of making a mistake are relatively high.  In today's real estate market where demand surpasses supply, you can't afford to make mistakes. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. If you are in the market to buy a house, here are five pitfalls avoid.  Not Doing Your Homework Well  Fortune favors the prepared in real estate. And preparedness begins with understanding your finances. A wise buyer examines assets, analyzes debts and gets finances pre-approved before jumping…
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15 Nov 2018
By noelkelman

5 Creative Ways To Buy A Foreclosure

Real Estate, ,
Buying a foreclosed home is easy, right? After all, they sell for pennies on the dollar, right? Well, that could be a false assumption. Buying a foreclosed property appears easy on TV, but in reality, it can be overwhelming.  Foreclosure sales continue to decline in the market from 38.6 percent in 2011 to 14 percent in 2017 but ticking up a bit in 2018 according to Attom Data Solutions, a national property data company. As foreclosure sales drop, competition for these properties become stiffer and more complex. And as home prices increase in most cities, buyers often turn to foreclosures as…
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