Female single mortgage borrowers default less on their loans than male single borrowers, despite having weaker credit, a recently released report by the Urban Institute reveals. The results of the report’s analysis show the percentage of female single borrowers who are 90 or more days delinquent is lower than that of male single borrowers—evidence that lesser...
Maintaining a home, especially an older one, can be expensive—in fact, experts say homeowners should be prepared to spend roughly 1 percent of their home’s value every year on maintenance. The good news is, you can save on maintenance by completing simple tasks yourself. According to the experts at Underwriters, Inc. these include: Cleaning the Gutters – To...
A growing shortage of lots for new homes will push up home prices in many U.S. markets. That’s the word from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), which says the availability of new-home lots is at a historic low. In the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index survey for May, 64 percent of home builders reported the supply of new-home lots in their areas...
When you walk into what turns out to be your dream home, you’re blown away. It might be the color scheme or the vaulted ceilings or the massive fireplace that does it, but you’re going to notice something right away that really wows you. Every room after that will make you more and more excited. You might even be ready to make an offer after only seeing a few...
New state laws relating to real estate have taken effect over the summer, many of which could impact homeowners, homebuyers and sellers in certain states. One such law, enacted in California, equalizes the rules governing escrow services performed by real estate brokers, independent escrow companies and underwritten title companies (UTCs). The law, sponsored by the...
As the summer draws to a close and the Hamptons begin to empty out, supermodel Christie Brinkley is drawing attention to the locale…to the tune of $29.5 million. Brinkley, now an empty nester (her youngest recently graduated high school and is headed to the City) is ready to downsize and begin the next phase of her life in a space that won’t feel quite so overwhelming...
By Dixie Somers If you're looking to sell your home quickly and for full market value, don't neglect your yard. Good landscaping will show buyers that you pay attention to details and that your home is properly maintained overall. How does landscaping your yard add curb appeal and increase buyer interest? No One Likes Weeds or Brown Grass Neglecting to water your...
Call it a bump in the refinance road. , subjected to higher interest rates and limited loan offerings, The Wall Street Journal reports. The issue lies with hosts who rent rooms for a considerable amount of time in a given year—enough time for lenders to classify them as investors, despite maintaining the listing as their primary residence. Loans on investment properties...
By Meghan Belnap One of the worst things about living in a tiny house or apartment is the lack of storage space. When your belongings are constantly underfoot, it can be quite annoying. In this modern world, people tend to accumulate items much faster than they get rid of them. This can quickly turn an already cluttered small living space into a nightmare. If you...
With the arrival of the Zika virus, it’s more important than ever for homeowners to remain vigilant when it comes to standing water on their properties. Zika is primarily spread through a type of mosquito that prefers to breed in and around water collected in man-made containers. Washington’s King County Public Health Department offers the following tips to reduce...
