Taking A Closer Look At Home Improvement In 2020

When it comes to home improvement in 2020, many people are spending more time in their homes than they ever have in the past. With kids attending school from home and people working from home, many homeowners are looking at ways to potentially improve the qualities of their homes through home improvement projects. With fall right around the corner, it is a great idea to take a closer look at some projects that can help homeowners stay safe while also saving money this winter. Do Not Neglect The HVAC System One of the most important points that all homeowners need to keep in mind involves the HVAC system. The HVAC system…
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 5, 2020

Last week’s economic news included readings from Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, along with Commerce Department readings on public and private-sector job growth and the University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index. Weekly reports on jobless claims and mortgage rates were also released. Case-Shiller: Home Price Growth Ramps Up as Demand for Homes Increases July home prices rose at a year-over-year rate of 4.80 percent in July as compared to June’s reading of 4.40 percent. Shortages of available homes were driven by demand. Homebuyers were looking for larger homes to accommodate working from home and also wanted to leave congested urban areas. Home prices in Case-Shiller’s 20-City Index rose by 3.90 percent year-over-year…
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Should Homeowners Refinance?

Most people have heard the saying that it might be a good idea to refinance if mortgage rates drop. For those who might not know, refinancing is essentially taking out a new loan to replace the old one because the new loan has a lower interest rate. This could shorten the time span of a long time and reduce monthly payments, or save money on the total cost of the home. At the same time, refinancing is not right for everyone. How can homeowners determine if refinancing is right for them?  Do They Qualify? Just because there are lower interest rates available does not mean that homeowners are going to qualify.…
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Case-Shiller: Home Price Growth Rate Increases in July

Home price growth fueled by high demand for single-family homes was higher in July according to Case-Shiller’s National Home Price Index. Analysts said that millennials seeking to purchase homes and the continued exodus from large urban areas propelled rising home prices. Home prices grew fastest in the West and Southeastern regions. While home prices grew moderately before the pandemic, high unemployment has not impeded rapid home price growth since the pandemic. Low mortgage rates and more demand for homes overcame consumers’ concerns about jobs and the economy. Analysts said that rapidly rising home prices could benefit homeowners struggling with mortgage payments as additional equity could provide more cash for relocation. 20-City…
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