27 Jun 2019
By Aadil Nathoo

Case-Shiller: Annual Home Price Growth Slows for 13th Consecutive Month

Market Outlook, ,
Case-Shiller's 20-City Home Price Index for April showed further declines in home price growth with 2.50 percent year-over-year home price growth as compared to March home price growth of 2.60 percent. New York City home prices held steady month-to-month and Seattle, Washington's home prices were unchanged year-over-year after posting 13 percent home price growth in 2018. The top three cities with the highest rates of year-over-year home price growth were Las Vegas, Nevada with 7.10 percent growth; Phoenix, Arizona followed with 6.0 percent growth and Tampa, Florida reported 5.60 percent home price growth. All three cities were hard-hit during the…
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26 Jun 2019
By Aadil Nathoo

Simple Tips To Pay Off A Home Mortgage Loan Faster

Mortgage, ,
It is a major life decision to buy a home and yet many do not consider how much they will pay on the interest over the life of the loan. All they usually think about is if they can afford to pay the monthly mortgage payments. It is helpful to learn how different loan structures impact the amount of money wasted on the interest paid for a home loan. Here is a comparison of different loan lengths and payment options to show some helpful ways to reduce the total interest paid. Standard 30-Year Fixed Mortgage For a buyer who has…
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25 Jun 2019
By Aadil Nathoo

Fed Holds Key Rate Steady As It Watches Economic Trends

Market Outlook, ,
Federal Reserve policymakers held the federal funds rate at its current range of 2.25 to 2.50 percent. Analysts speculated that the Fed may lower its key rate based on signs of slowing economic growth and the President's encouragement to lower the Fed rate. Federal Open Market Committee members cited "uncertainties" in support of their decision not to change the Fed's key lending rate. A stiff month-to-month drop in jobs growth and worries over trade problems associated with recent tariffs assessed against China contributed to the Committee's decision to hold rates steady and closely watch domestic and global economic trends. Signs…
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24 Jun 2019
By Aadil Nathoo

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 24th, 2019

Financial Reports, ,
Last week's economic reports included monthly readings on housing market conditions, housing starts and building permits issued. Sales of pre-owned homes were released; the Federal Reserve announced its decision not to raise its key interest rate range. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released. NAHB: Home Builder Confidence Slips in June The National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index for June showed builder confidence was two points lower at an index reading of 64. Builders surveyed said ongoing concerns such as lot and labor shortages impacted their outlook, but builders were also concerned over…
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21 Jun 2019
By Aadil Nathoo

Pros And Cons Of Installing A Pet Door

Real Estate, ,
If you've just moved into your new home and you have a pet, you may be thinking of installing a pet door. A pet door is a permanent door feature that is cut into the bottom third of an entry door. Before making a permanent alteration to your door, consider the pros and cons of installing a pet door.  Pro: Your Pet Can Come And Go As Needed A pet door could cut down on indoor pet accidents if that's a problem you've had to deal with in the past. This is especially convenient if you get home late to…
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