Pantone Colors: Should You Repaint Before You Sell?

Pantone is a universal language of color that you can use to select beautiful colors to paint the home. Interestingly, each year, Pantone selects a color of the year that embodies what's happening in society.  In 2021, the Pantone color of the year was awarded to two colors, Illuminating 13-0647 and Ultimate Gray 17-5104. These two colors highlight how two different elements can come together and support each other. This is the thought behind selecting them based on what has occurred over the last year.  The bold yellow and deeper gray capture feelings of promise, friendliness, and thoughtfulness, which may be a great reason to add those colors to a home. Should homeowners repaint their…
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How Does A Change In Mortgage Rates Impact A Family’s Housing Budget?

The housing market is extremely competitive right now because mortgage rates are still near record lows. While mortgage rates are rising this year, the rates are still attractive to many individuals and families who are looking to buy a home. At the same time, when mortgage rates change, families need to re-evaluate their budgets. A change in mortgage rates will impact the monthly mortgage payment, so families need to know what they can afford. Furthermore, because the market is so competitive, sale prices are going up as well. As mortgage rates and home prices rise, families need to determine what their monthly budget is. Even a small increase in the mortgage…
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3 Reasons Why the Lowest Mortgage Interest Rate Isn’t Always Your Best Option

One of the more common methods that home loan applicants use to find the best loan program available is to compare interest rates, but choosing the lowest rate possible is not always the best option available. In fact, in some cases, it may be one of the least advantageous options when all factors are considered. With a closer look, home mortgage applicants may decide to review other factors in combination with the interest rate to make a more informed decision when applying for a new loan. The Closing Costs Impact The Rate It is important to note that lenders can increase or decrease the interest rate with adjustments to closing costs,…
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 17, 2021

Last week’s economic reports included readings on inflation, core inflation, and the University of Michigan’s  Consumer Sentiment Index. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released. April Inflation Rate Hits 13-Year High The federal government’s Consumer Price Index rose by 0.80 percent in April as compared to the March reading of 0.60 percent. Analysts expected inflation to increase by 0.20 percent in April. Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and fuel sectors, rose by 0.90 percent in April. Analysts expected core inflation to grow by 0.30 percent in April which would have been unchanged from the March reading of 0.30 percent Core inflation rose month-to-month at the fastest…
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Avoiding Home Buyer Remorse: 5 Tips for a Happier Homeowner

The rush of excitement that comes with finding the home you've been looking for is ideal, but just because it seems like the perfect place, doesn't mean there aren't other factors to consider. Instead of getting hit with buyer's remorse, here are some tips so that your home purchase doesn't become something you'll regret. Forget About The Competition If you're contemplating a house and happen to be dragged into a bidding war, it's important to take a step back and determine if it's really the right home for you. It can be easy to get carried away and up your offer, but make sure you determine what the home is really…
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Top 8 Things New Homeowners Need

Moving into your first home is an exciting experience, but it can also be overwhelming. To manage the move properly, you need a wide variety of tools you may never have considered before. You may not realize you should have purchased a certain item until you need it.  To prepare for the move into your new home, make sure you have all of the items listed below.  Storage For Documents As a homeowner, you will need to keep and organize a variety of documents, including receipts, warranties and even your mortgage papers. Consider buying a fireproof box or cabinet to store these items. Fire Extinguisher Every homeowner should have at least…
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