As the year comes to an end, experts predict home remodeling spending will decline, ending the year 1.9% lower than last year. However, experts expect a jump in remodeling spending as we begin the new year and head into spring buying/selling season. Home sales have a strong correlation with home improvements as people selling their…

According to many recent news articles, tiny houses are trending across the country, but the latest Census report proves different. The median house size in the United States has increased 25 square feet yearly over the last ten years and is approximately 2,384 square feet, up from 1,525 square feet in 1970. While some may…

Thinking about adding on? There are a few important few things you should consider before getting started: Hiring professionals; be sure you hire an architect before hiring a builder. The addition should look as if it was a part of the original design.  Also, thoroughly research prospective professionals before you hire them. Cost; have a…

Housing starts and permits jumped last month as groundbreaking increased 6.3%, averaging 1.02 million-unit pace annually according to the Commerce Department. With interest rates falling this year, the housing market has made great strides toward recovery since 2007. An economist at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Michelle Meyers  said, “if you look at the trend,…

If you are nearing retirement and plan to sell your home, buy a new home, or downsize, it’s a smart idea to pay attention to the housing market and educate yourself in order to make the best financial decisions. Paying attention to pending home sales, building permits, new home sales, existing homes sales, home price…

In many locations in the United States, owning a home is less expensive than renting. A recent report by Trulia examining the costs for buying versus renting found that buying a home is approximately 38% cheaper than renting in the 100 largest metropolitan areas. Trulia’s chief economist, Jed Kolko said, “mortgage rates have come back…

It’s the perfect time of year to get out and complete some necessary tasks to ensure your home is well-maintained, safe, and looking its best. A few things you should add to your fall to-do checklist are: Clean out your gutters; seal cracks and gaps around doors and windows; inspect your home’s siding and roof,…

According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, U.S. home mortgage applications increased last week, and interest rates dropped. The MBA’s seasonally adjusted index of mortgage application activity grew 3.8%, and their seasonally adjusted index of refinancing applications also increased 5.0%. Additionally, the  loan requests for home purchases, a direct indicator of home sales, also jumped 2.4%…

Mortgage rates have slightly decreased, according to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey. The national average 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage fell 0.7% this week, averaging 4.12%. While the 15-year, fixed-rate mortgage also decreased 0.6% this week, averaging 3.36% nationally. Additionally, the five-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate-mortgage fell 0.1% averaging 3.05% nationally, and the 1-year Treasury-indexed ARM remained…

According to CoreLogic’s house price index, home prices increased 0.3% month over month in August, the highest increase seen in five months. Home prices have remained mostly steady over the last year, though data shows that August 2014 prices were only about half of the average monthly gain seen in August of 2012 and 2013.…