NAHB: Housing Market Index Rises 1 Point in July

Home Builder sentiment rose one point in July according to the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index. 2019 builder confidence in housing market condition continued to fall short of 2018 levels. July's Housing Market Index reading of 65 was one point higher than June's reading. Component readings also rose one point each. Builder confidence in current housing market conditions rose to 72; the reading for builder confidence in market conditions for the next six months rose to 71. Builder confidence in buyer traffic in new housing developments rose to an index reading of 48; buyer traffic readings seldom…
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How To Find Hot Real Estate Markets

A hot market in real estate is identified by a few things, which include higher prices, lower amounts of unsold inventory, and desirable neighborhoods. Neighborhoods can increase in value because of having an excellent location, high-paying jobs, quality schools, and a variety of attractive amenities. Hot Markets Are After The Fact Properties in a hot market may sell faster, for higher prices, and without needing to be in perfect condition or staged for sale. Real estate investors do not necessarily benefit from learning about a hot market unless they already own property in that market area. It is nice to…
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 15th, 2019

Last week's economic releases included reports on inflation, core inflation and minutes from the Federal Open Market Committee Meeting held June 18 and 19. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims were also released. Inflation Rate Rises, but Grows at Lowest Pace in Four Months June's Consumer Price Index reported the lowest rate of inflation in four months with a year-over-year rate of 1.60 percent growth as compared to May's year-over-year inflation rate of 1.80 percent. Fuel prices were lower, which helped balance rising costs of rent, clothing and autos. Analysts said that falling inflation rates would be a…
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4 Times When Laminate Flooring Is Better Than Hardwood

Hardwood flooring is considered a premium flooring material. It's natural, long-lasting, durable and comes in a wide assortment of colors, wood, stains and plank widths. But hardwood flooring isn't always the best choice. If you're looking at homes to buy and eliminating the ones with laminate flooring, you could be overlooking some important considerations. Following are four times when laminate flooring is a better option than hardwood. 1. You Live In A Very Humid Climate Excess humidity isn't kind to hardwood floors. Wood is hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the surroundings. Too much moisture in the air can…
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Making Money Buying Homes And More From Estate Sales

An estate sale is the sale of the property owned by a person after a person dies. This sale may include real property, such as a home, and personal property, such as the home's contents. There are two ways to buy property through an estate sale. One way is to buy it from the person who inherited the property. The other way is to buy it from the estate through the executor of the estate. The executor is the person with the legal authority to dispose of the estate's assets according to the last will and testament of the person…
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