Housing Economics
Why 2014 is a good year to buy a home
If you didn’t buy a home in 2013, you may be kicking yourself now. Home prices climbed nationally an average of 13.6 percent in the past 12 months, according to Tuesday’s release of the Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller 20-city home price index. Don’t make the same mistake in 2014, suggests Benjamin Weinstock, real estate attorney and partner at…
Read MoreDo you know why buying a home is cheaper than renting?
Buying costs less than renting in all 100 large U.S. metros, according to the Rent vs. Buy Report from Trulia (TRLA). Rising mortgage rates and home prices have narrowed the gap between renting and buying, though rates have recently dropped and price gains are slowing. Low mortgage rates have kept homeownership from becoming more expensive than renting. In some markets,…
Read More5 Things Homebuyers Should Know, but Don't
by John Maxfield, The Motley Fool Oct 13th 2013 2:47PM A house is the biggest asset that the majority of Americans will ever own. But while most of us delude ourselves into thinking that we actually know something about real estate, the truth is that few of us have any idea what we’re talking about. It’s for…
Read MoreForm Letter to Get the Lowest Bid
Dear Contractor, As you can see, money is tight and we want to get the best bang for our buck. In order to achieve this we respectfully request that you follow these guidelines as you assemble your estimate: Please use the cheapest materials you can find. They can even be used or leftover from other jobs…
Read MoreRent vs. Buy: Why Buying a House Generally Wins
By Anand Chokkavelu, CFA | More Articles Rent vs. buy. In finance circles, it’s a bigger debate than “paper vs. plastic” or “tastes great vs. less filling.” It remains a debate fought by smart people on both sides, because the variables make calculus look like third-grade math. Advocates of buying will use arguments that feature phrases such as…
Read More7 Reasons to Buy a House Before 2014
By SABAH KARIMI If you’ve been thinking about taking the plunge and buying a home, the last quarter of 2013 might just be the time to do it. Rates on fixed-rate loans are still appealing, and experts say it’s still cheaper to buy than rent. Some financial institutions are also a little more lax with their loan…
Read MoreHomeowners Insurance: What is Covered and What is Not!
by Monica Perdue Homeowners Insurance can be a life saver in many instances and obviously it is a must have, but not many homeowners think twice about the insurance that protects their investment. What does the standard homeowners insurance policy really cover? While policies may vary, it’s important to know what is covered and what’s…
Read MoreAlternative Ways to Come Up With the Down Payment on a Home
To successfully purchase a home today, you will need a down payment of at least 3.5 percent of the purchase price. Gone are the days of no down payment alternatives, down payment assistance and seller-offered programs to come up with the money needed to buy a home. Instead, let’s look at the five ways you can come up with…
Read MoreMortgage Applications Rise as Rates Dip
Applications for mortgages jump 1.3% as borrowing costs ease a tad, making homes more affordable and decision to refinance easier. NEW YORK — A dip in mortgage rates gave Americans a good reason to take out home-related loans last week, as applications for mortgages jumped 1.3%, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. The jump in…
Read MoreMike Kegley of The BOLD Company on Cincinnati Business Talk #93
Mike Kegley of BOLD featured on Cincinnati Business Talk Click to hear.
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