Blog – Racheli Refael

03 May 2022

The Top Issues Homeowners Cannot Ignore

Home Care Tips

Owning a home can be a major investment, but it is also a significant responsibility. From time to time, issues can pop up, and it is important that homeowners do not to ignore them. Ignoring these issues can lead to significant repair bills down the road. What are some of the top issues that homeowners should not ignore? 1. Mold Mold is a sign that the humidity level in the home is off or that there is standing water present somewhere. Mold thrives in warm, moist conditions. If homeowners do not address mold as quickly as possible, it will proliferate throughout the house, damaging the structure. Mold can also lead to…

02 May 2022

By Mortgage Blog Content

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 2, 2022

Financial Reports

Last week’s economic reporting included readings from S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, the Federal Housing Finance Agency House Price Index, and the Commerce Department on sales of new homes. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also reported. S&P Case-Shiller, FHFA Report Near-Record Home Price Growth February home prices continued their rapid growth, but analysts hinted at a coming slowdown in-home price growth as would-be buyers were faced with rising mortgage rates and affordability concerns. S&P Case-Shiller’s National Home Price Index reported year-over-year home price growth of 19.80 percent as compared to January’s national home price growth rate of 19.10 percent. The 20-City Home Price Index reported the top three…

29 Apr 2022

By Mortgage Blog Content

There Are Several Great Reasons To Consider Buying A Condo Today

Mortgage

Many would-be homebuyers are now considering buying a condominium instead. Condominiums may be a good option for first-time buyers who are experiencing obstacles when searching for properties that meet their budgets and other criteria. Here’s why: Condos Might Offer More Budget-Friendly Options In today's housing market, supply constraints are a fact of life. Including condominiums in a home search might expand the pool of alternatives. Remember, condos are often less expensive because they have less room—the owner won't have their own garden, for example—and the overall square footage is typically less than that of a single-family house. Still, if budget is the obstacle, condos could be the solution. Condos Let Buyers Get Their Feet In The Door…

28 Apr 2022

By Mortgage Blog Content

Do You Want To Own A Second Home?

Mortgage

Build Wealth More Quickly One of the first benefits of owning a second home is that you can build wealth more quickly. One of the major benefits of investing in real estate is that you can leverage the bank's money to help you build wealth. Even though you may have only put down 20 percent, 100 percent of the property’s appreciation benefits you, as you own the home. If you own a second home, you can build wealth more quickly because you are doing this with two separate properties. Enjoy Switching Up The Scenery Many people like to own a second house because it allows them to switch up the scenery.…

27 Apr 2022

By Mortgage Blog Content

Case-Shiller, FHFA Post New Records for Home Price Growth

Financial Reports

S&P Case-Shiller’s National Home Price Index rose by 19.80 percent year-over-year in February and was the third-largest pace of home price growth since the National Home Price Index’s inception. The 20-City Home Price Index reported that Phoenix, Arizona held its first-place ranking with year-over-year home price growth of 32.90 percent. Tampa, Florida maintained its second-place standing with year-over-year home price growth of 32.60 percent. Miami, Florida reported year-over-year home price growth of 29.70 percent year-over-year. Home prices rose faster for all 20 cities in February than in January. Rapid Home Price Growth Expected to Slow as Rising Mortgage Rates Take Hold All 20 cities included in the 20-City Home Price Index…

26 Apr 2022

By Mortgage Blog Content

Exploring Homebuyer Assistance Programs: Assessing the Options Available

Mortgage

The traditional rule of thumb is that you should put down 20 percent of the cost of the house if you decide to become a homeowner. Unfortunately, the thought of saving 20 percent of the price of a home for a down payment can be daunting for people who are trying to buy a house for the first time. If you purchase a house worth $250,000, this means that you would have to save up $50,000 to put down. Fortunately, there are multiple down payment assistance programs that can make it easier for people to afford a home. The Traditional First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Programs If you are purchasing a home for…