How Do we improve the air quality in our Homes?

Usually the most effective way to improve indoor air quality is to eliminate individual sources of air pollution or to reduce their emissions. Some sources, like those that contain asbestos, can be sealed or enclosed; others, like gas stoves, can be adjusted to decrease the amount of emissions. In many cases, source control for airContinue

Mortgage rates fell!

Economic data affects rates by motivating investors to seek out or avoid risk. Higher demand means higher prices and lower rates.  Investors are looking for clarity on the Fed’s plans regarding raising rates, among other things. From here on out, volatility becomes an increasing risk heading into the Fed’s Announcement next Wednesday. It can either workContinue

$10 Million in Grants to Aid Homeownership

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – HUD announced Wednesday that it is awarding $10 million in grants to four non-profit organizations that will create homes for hundreds of families. These grants are known as “Sweat Equity” grants, which combine efforts and labor from volunteers and homebuyers themselves.   The non-profit organizations recipients of these grants are: Community Frameworks Continue

Consumer Sentiment: Moving Forward!

Consumer confidence declined in September, rebounded in October and jumped more than two points in a preliminary November estimate, beating economic forecasts and hitting a more than seven-year high. The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan Index of Consumer Sentiment registered 89.4 in a mid-month reading, the best showing since July 2007. Economists had forecast the measureContinue

Opening Doors for Homebuyers!

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is the first of six financial regulators to release the final version of the long-awaited qualified residential mortgage (QRM) rule. The National Association of Realtors applauds this action because it will make possible to incorporate rules that include a broad definition for Qualified Mortgage standards implemented earlier this year. UnderContinue

September: Highest Consumer Confidence

Consumer confidence reached its highest level since the Great Recession in September, according to the Thomson Reuters and University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. September’s increase in consumer confidence is the result of optimistic outlooks on the overall economy and personal incomes.  The consumer expectations index rose 5.8 percent over the month of September, while theContinue

Mortgage Rates and Terms Beware!

Mortgage rates haven’t moved much this year, and the good news is they’ve been stuck at historically low levels. However, mortgage rates are expected to move higher as we head through the fall. While various groups report national mortgage rate averages each week, the rates you get can vary dramatically from that average, depending onContinue

Why NOW is a great time to buy a house!

There has never been a better time to buy a home; the advantage is on the buyer side. Buying is cheaper than renting in most markets. More people want to be homeowners, even younger buyers.  A recent Fannie Mae survey of younger renters and buyers finds out that younger renters prefer owning. They don’t wantContinue