Less-than-Great Credit Score? How to Improve It
Stay current with creditors tracked by credit score firms, but also do some homework: Understand credit scores and how they impact your life.
Metro Mortgages Can Be Cheaper than Paying Rent
In many areas, homeownership not only offers long-term wealth but also immediate cost benefits. For some FHA 3.5%-down buyers, monthly payments actually go down.
Mortgage Rates Unchanged this Week, Still at 2.87%
Rates continue to average less than 3% as signs show the economy – at least so far – appears to be outpacing the delta variant of COVID.
Real Estate Group Statements Back Biden Housing Plan
NAR President Oppler says Realtors have “long advocated for many of the policies,” though the promise of 100K homes “is just a small fraction” of the 6 million needed.
More Sellers Listing Homes as Buyers Seem to Hesitate
Realtor.com got 18K more new listings in Aug. 2021 than it did in Aug. 2020 – and more were affordable, entry-level homes. Realtor.com’s economist says it’s still a seller’s market, but a well-priced home might get 3 bids now compared to the 10 it would have received in 2020.
The Fla. Wall Street? Developers Focus on West Palm Beach
U.S. financial markets keep some New Yorkers in New York, and developers think a southern hub might give fence-sitting investors another reason to relocate.
U.S. Consumer Confidence: Delta Variant Dings Attitudes
Americans felt less confident in Aug. When the pandemic resurged, the confidence index fell to its lowest level since Feb – but it’s too soon to draw long-term conclusions.
Biden Releases Plan for 100K Affordable Housing Units in 3 Years
A cross section of federal agencies tinkered with policies in an effort to boost affordable housing and the middle class, according to the White House. For example, homesteading buyers will have more exclusive time (30 days) to buy foreclosed homes under FHFA.
Sept. Is High Hurricane Season: Post-Disaster Tips
A thousand things need doing after a hurricane or other natural disaster, but it’s hard to remember all of them. Deal with immediate needs first, then financial issues.
Study: Emerging Homeowners Forget About Security
After more than a year of staying at home, many owners forget basic safety precautions before they go out. One study found that 1 in 4 forgot to lock a door.