In recognition of American Housing Month in June, the American Bankers Association Foundation is reminding consumers of the critical impact credit scores can have on their housing options. “An important step to finding a home, whether you’re renting or buying, is ensuring that you have a good credit history,” says Frank Keating, ABA president and CEO. “A strong credit score …
After a notable run-up, both fixed and adjustable mortgage rates are taking a breather, reports Bankrate.com. Mortgage rates moved down slightly with the benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage rate slipping to 4.13 percent and the average 15-year fixed mortgage sliding to 3.35 percent. Adjustable rate mortgages (ARM) have lowered as well, with the 5-year ARM down to 3.22 percent, and the …
Summer is a time for fun and relaxation, but all those summer activities can wreak havoc on your savings account. To avoid depleting your savings (don’t forget about that new home you’re saving for), the National Foundation for Credit Counseling© (NFCC©) recommends steering clear of these top money wasters:
Remarkably negative findings from the 2015 How Housing Matters survey released this week by the MacArthur Foundation were punctuated by two critically important findings. Attitudes on the value of housing as an excellent long term investment have flip-flopped and Millennials put a higher priority on the dream of homeownership than their elders.
There’s no doubt hurricanes can be devastating to both property and finances. Residents in hurricane-prone areas should prepare their properties and protect their finances sooner rather than later, advises Julie Rochman, president and CEO of the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). “Now is also the time for property owners – even those purchasing a new home – …
With more Americans preferring to buy instead of rent and others believing now is a good time to sell, housing is right on track with forecasted improvements this year, a Fannie Mae survey recently reported. Based on the survey, a growing number of Americans say now is a good time to buy a house, climbing back up to 66 percent. …
When you’re not soaking up the sun on the beach or taking in a game at the ball park, your backyard is likely playing host to summertime activities. To crank up the good times in your new home, add these unconventional upgrades served up on your patio for endless fun all summer long. 1. Chandelier and Sconces – Today’s outdoor lighting …
Did you know that more than 40 percent of U.S. homes have dropped their home landline phone service and gone completely wireless? This amazing statistic from the federal government’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) says a great deal about today’s modern world, one where people have more control over their homes than ever – in large part because of …
With interest rates and home prices expected to climb in the next year, the financial penalties of delaying or forgoing a home purchase in today’s market have become very steep, according to the inaugural Opportunity Cost Report released recently by realtor.com®, a leading provider of online real estate services operated by News Corp subsidiary Move, Inc. The proprietary report examines …
