Finance Blog
DIY Home Repair and Kitchen Remodeling on a Budget
Written by Ilyce Glink on September 7, 2012
No comments
The kitchen is often the heart of any home, and most homeowners are constantly seeking ways to improve the look and functionality of that space. But a full-blown kitchen remodel can be lengthy, disruptive, and expensive. The average kitchen remodel costs $26,000, according to the…
Green Real Estate Market Trends
Written by Ilyce Glink on September 5, 2012
No comments
Greening your home is no new trend, but what’s in—and what can help you with saving money—is always changing in the real estate market. From major installations like solar panels to smaller projects like adding spray foam insulation, green home improvements can save you money…
Four Rules For a Home Run Refinance
Written by Ilyce Glink on September 4, 2012
6 comments
With mortgage rates dropping almost every week, right now is a great time to refinance. We have never seen mortgage rates this low—ever—so if you have the ability to refinance, do it. Even if you have already refinanced, if you can qualify for a mortgage rate that’s a…
One Million Homeowners Are Back in the Black
Written by Steve Cook on August 27, 2012
1 comment
Negative equity—owing more on your mortgage than your house is worth—has been a devastating multi-headed hydra over the past six years. Negative equity makes homeowners vulnerable to foreclosure should they hit hard times. It has sapped the primary source of retirement wealth for working families, and it…
Finding Hidden Homes in Today’s Inventory Drought
Written by Steve Cook on July 31, 2012
No comments
It’s been nearly a decade since inventories of homes for sale were so low. Typically, inventories are seasonal, rising in the spring when the home-buying season begins and declining through the fall months as real estate markets quiet down over the holidays. This has not been true…
What Do Buyers Want in a Home?
Written by Ilyce Glink on July 17, 2012
4 comments
Ups and downs continue to dominate the housing market. According to recent data from the United States Census Bureau, the average sales price of new single-family homes sold in 2011 was $267,900—a significant decrease from average prices of $272,900 in 2010, $270,900 in 2009, and $292,600…
RSS Feeds