Last week’s economic news included reports on job openings, retail sales and recurring reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims. Job openings and hiring increased, which provided further evidence of stronger economic conditions. Retail sales were flat in July, new unemployment claims dropped and mortgage rates changed little.
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Buying a Home This Summer? Use These Four Tips to Uncover Hidden Flaws and Issues
In a hot market it’s easy to be blinded by the competition and succumb to the pressure to make an offer on a home before you’ve adequately assessed it. If you’re looking to buy a home this summer, use these four tips to uncover hidden flaws before you put your offer in.
Thinking about a ‘Fixer Upper’? Understanding the Balance Between Purchase and Reno Costs
Fixer uppers can come with huge price benefits and opportunity, as well as problems. Make sure you understand what you’re getting yourself into before you purchase a home that needs significant restoration.
Need a DIY Summer Project? How to Paint Your Home’s Exterior in a Weekend or Two
If you want something hands-on to do this summer, look no further than the outside of your house. There are many reasons to refresh the paint job on your house, including increased protection against weathering, and increased curb appeal. Whatever your reason, read on to learn just what you’ll need, and need to do, to paint your home’s exterior.
Three Key Points to Remember When Investing in a Cottage or Waterfront Getaway
If you’re looking to invest in a cottage or waterfront getaway, there are three key things to keep in mind throughout your search.
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 8, 2016
Last week’s economic reports included construction spending, personal income, and multiple reports on employment. Freddie Mac’s mortgage rates survey and new jobless claims were also released.
Selling Your Home? Here’s Why You’ll Want to Keep Your Emotions out of It
Selling your home can be an extremely emotional process, but it’s important that you don’t let your emotions get the best of you. Learn which common mistakes emotional sellers make when selling their home so that you can identify them during your own sale and overcome them before it’s too late.
5 Tips to Make Moving With Kids Easier
Sometimes a move is unavoidable, regardless of how much you or your kids’ would rather stay in your current home. If your young ones are not looking forward to a change in scenery, here are a few tips to help them make a smoother transition into their new home.
3 Smart Home Gadgets That Are Worth the Investment
It’s no secret that high-tech homes can provide a more effortless living experience while also being just really, really cool. If you’re looking to up-the-ante and introduce high-tech gadgets into your home, check out our top three smart-home suggestions in this post.
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 1, 2016
Last week’s economic reports included S&P Case-Shiller Housing Market Indices, reports on new and pending home sales, Freddie Mac’s weekly mortgage rates survey. The Federal Reserve released its customary statement after the scheduled Federal Open Market Committee meeting concluded; the Committee did not raise the federal funds rate of 0.25 percent, but indicated that economic risks were fewer, which suggested that the key Fed rate may be increased in September.