It’s the lament of first-time homebuyers in just about every housing market: There aren’t enough entry-level homes available that are move-in ready. One solution is to broaden the search to fixer-uppers. With a renovation mortgage, you can get one home loan that combines the purchase price with the cost of improvements. Not enough affordable homes…
Owning a home can be expensive, and monthly costs can be volatile. You can prepare for your mortgage payment, but if a leaky roof catches you off guard, your entire budget could be thrown out of whack. About 3 in 10 homeowners (31%) don’t have money set aside for home repairs and improvements, according to the 2018…
First-time home buyers might have a couple of things to cheer about in the final three months of 2018, even as mortgage rates are expected to continue their slow rise. Here are three housing and mortgage trends to keep an eye on from October through the end of the year: Higher rates: If mortgage rates rise…
Mortgages are safer now than they were 10 years ago. That’s the main effect the 2008-09 financial crisis has had on the mortgage market. The following loan types were popular during the housing boom in the early- to mid-2000s but are unavailable now to most borrowers: Low-doc mortgages allowed borrowers to get loans without documenting income…
Moving day is here, your bags are packed, boxes loaded, and movers are en route. Everything seems to be going smoothly, then suddenly, you realize you can’t find Fido… More than 10 million pets go missing each year. A good number of those wander off while their families are preparing for a move. To avoid…
Buying a house is a minefield full of “I didn’t know thats.” From choosing the right home to qualifying for the best mortgage, you want to minimize the things you don’t know. Lower your “didn’t-know” ratio. With a shifting lending landscape, rising interest rates and down payment priorities based on your local market, here’s what you’ll…
Homebuying will remain competitive from July through September, with the edge going to buyers who act fast. And as mortgage rates rise, some homeowners will feel compelled to tap their equity rather than refinance or sell. Here are three housing and mortgage trends to watch for as summer 2018 slides into fall: Home sales will…
Despite its hanging in there through life’s ups and downs, it’s time to replace your garage door. A new garage door can improve the look of your entire home, but what should you expect to pay? Garage door installation — not including an opener — costs about $2,300, on average, according to the National Association of…
Granite countertops, durable, high-fashion and low-maintenance, are stars in kitchen and bathroom remodels nationwide. And you don’t need to buy the most expensive granite to get stunning results in your home. Here’s what to know about granite counters, how much they will set you back, and tips for cutting costs. Granite countertop costs Granite countertops…
