Jessica Rojas's Blog Posts

What are some of the most important factors that buyers take into consideration when looking for a new home? There are the obvious things like price, square footage, location and lot size. Those

Millennial Home Buyers: What You Need To Know In the past, you’ve likely read about how the Millennial generation is opting to rent rather than buy property. While this still holds true for many

The housing market has been trending in a positive direction and economic indicators point to new home construction going vertical. Following the housing bubble and sluggish post-recession,

Homeowners are well aware that peripheral costs swell over time and can put a strain on incomes. Utility bills increase, home insurance creeps up annually and taxes rise with the cost of schools and

There’s an idea running through marketing and business circles that anything that is popular, the opposite will likely be popular as well. Consider that sugar and caffeinated beverages such as

“Move-in ready” homes are desirable — there’s no doubt about it! But sometimes it makes better financial sense to opt for a house with dated decor and a less than trendy kitchen or master

Last week’s economic reports included readings from the National Association of Home Builders and Commerce Department releases on Housing Starts and Building Permits issued. Weekly readings on

First impressions matter when you’re selling your home. Curb appeal is what draws potential buyers to your home. It can make or break a home sale Attractive landscaping or an appealing entryway

With Baby Boomers already rolling into retirement and Gen X looking forward to shrugging off the stress of the 40-hour work week, downsizing could be a strategic move. For many Americans,

Last week’s economic reports included readings on job openings and inflation along with weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims. Job Openings Hit Third Highest Reading on

Positive economic growth numbers are always cause for celebration and the second quarter GDP just went vertical. After nearly four years of sub-par growth, the real GDP hit 4.1 percent in the second

Urban and suburban life offers wonderful conveniences and cultural benefits. But a downside that many families are experiencing is the pervasive use of electronics and disconnectedness from nature.

You can make the most of a small home with smart design strategies and careful planning. Maybe your youngest has finally gone away to college, and you have much more space than you really need. Or

Last week’s economic reports included readings from Case-Shiller, Commerce Department reports on pending home sales and construction spending and an FOMC statement. Labor sector reports on job

A-Frame houses have spiked in popularity over the last couple of years. These adorable homes can be quirky or sleek and modern. They are shaped like a triangle — hence the name. A-Frame houses are

Popular TV shows like Fixer Upper and Property Brothers have brought the charms of owning a fixer upper to light. A fixer-upper can be a great option if you are prepared for the experience of owning

Whether you are a homeowner looking to get the maximum return on investment, a buyer interested in fair market value or an industry insider grappling with the moving parts of the real estate,

The garage is often the last thing on seller’s minds when it comes to home staging. It is prudent to make sure your kitchen and bathrooms are perfect for showings. Make sure that you don’t

There’s perhaps no better indicator that we are living in the technology age than Smart gadgets infiltrating the kitchen. Whether they are little conveniences or big-ticket items, the chef in

Historians like to say that those who do not learn the lessons of the past are doomed to repeat them. In the real estate industry, the chances of that happening are slim because agents and other

The perfect home has been found, the one in the right neighborhood with the right amount of bedrooms and bathrooms. The home inspection is complete, but a few issues have been found. At this point,

Once you and the seller have negotiated an offer and you’ve been pre-approved for a mortgage, you might think that you are in the clear as far as your closing goes. However, that is not always the

While a kitchen herb garden or pot-grown tomatoes may be commonplace in both suburban backyards and on urban condo patios, an increasingly large number of homeowners look to backyard farming as a

5 Critical Tips For Buying In A Seller’s MarketThis summer, quality homes are being scooped up almost as fast as they’re being listed – and for top price. Yes, it’s a seller’s market

Last Week’s economic readings included reports on inflation, mortgage rates, new jobless claims and consumer sentiment. Inflation Slows in June The Consumer Price Index for June inched down to

Many homeowners are looking for ways to maximize on their investment. One idea that is gaining popularity is a space set aside for aging parents known as an In-law apartments. These additions are

Buying a home comes with numerous financial planning obligations. It’s far from a turn-key operation and one of the significant challenges involves developing a working knowledge about things

Carving out space for a home office isn’t always easy, but if you have the option to work from home even part of the time, it’s essential to have a space that works for you. Here are 5 great

Last week’s economic releases included monthly readings on construction spending, public and private sector job growth and June’s national unemployment rate. Weekly readings included Freddie Mac

Top Uses Of A HELOC Homeowners who have equity built up in their homes can tap into that equity using a home equity line of credit, or HELOC. This financial tool can be a great way to accomplish a

Seller-Paid Closing Costs In A Seller’s Market? Yes, It’s Still Possible For first-time home buyers, closing costs are a major hurdle for home ownership. Coming up with a down payment and

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 2nd, 2018Last week’s economic reports included readings from Case-Shiller housing market indices and data released on new and pending home.

The rise in Millennial home buyers will inevitably change the items that promote faster and more lucrative home sales. Consider trends over the past decades that have included conveniences such as

Understanding the Factors That Impact Your Credit Score Most consumers believe if they pay their bills on time, they need not worry about their credit score. Oftentimes, it is a rude awakening when

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 25th, 2018 Last week’s economic reports included readings from the National Association of Home Builders, Commerce Department reports on

In the ideal home-buying scenario, you’d have plenty of time to find the perfect home. However, this is not always possible. Maybe you are relocating for a job and have to buy a house from across

Home buyers are typically advised to put at least 20% down for a mortgage. Coming up with that amount can seem almost impossible if you have little to no money left over after paying bills each

In an ideal world, you’d have plenty of time to find the perfect home. However, that does not always happen. Maybe you are relocating because of a job transfer. Fortunately, it doesn’t have

How To Manage Investment Property While Working Full-Time In 2017, upwards of 75 percent of independent rental property owners in the U.S. reportedly worked another job on top of being a landlord.

Last week’s economic reports included the post-meeting statement by the Fed’s Federal Open Market Committee along with readings on retail sales and inflation. Weekly reports on mortgage rates

Buying a new home is exciting. Buying a brand new home can be even more so with the realization of being the first owner and possibly being able to choose your own layout and finishes. The

Buying A Foreclosure: 5 Things To Know Buying a property out of foreclosure can be a very smart move, financially. But it can also be complicated, expensive, and stressful. Here are 5 things

Rates have settled back into the mid 4% range for a 30 year fixed rate mortgage today (for borrowers with A credit). It has been a bit of a see-saw the last two weeks with the political turmoil

On the surface, a short sale seems like the perfect deal. However, before you take the plunge, you need to understand how this type of home purchase works. What Is a Short Sale? A short sale is

Pros And Cons Of Buying A Foreclosure When a homeowner stops making regular mortgage payments, the bank can foreclose on the property. This means that the bank takes possession of the property in

Last week’s economic reports included readings on Case-Shiller home prices, pending home sales and construction spending. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were released,

Borrowers who cannot qualify for a conventional mortgage are often able to obtain an FHA loan. However, to secure this type of loan, you must still meet certain requirements. What Is an FHA?

When you are filling out a mortgage application, the lender will be asking you for specific financial information. One of the reasons they ask for this information is to enable the underwriter to

Home Updates That Make Good Multi-Generational SenseMulti-generational households and the growing preference on the part of many retirees toward “aging in place”have altered home design in

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 29th, 2018 Last week’s economic reports included readings on sales of new and previously-owned homes along with weekly readings on mortgage

Is it worth it to add smart appliances or automated features if you’re selling a home? Just how much connectivity do buyers want? And what exactly do the terms refer to in terms of home.

When you are a homeowner looking to reduce your carbon footprint, there are a number of steps you can take to make your home earth-friendly. From passive solar heating to solar panels, you can make

If your financial situation is limited, yet you’re handy with a hammer and nails, then purchasing a fixer-upper home can be an attractive option. Fixer-uppers typically require a bevy of updates

Nearly 70 million American households include at least one pet, but most prospective buyers won’t want to see evidence of pets in a home on the market. Here are some tips about how to sell a-

Selling Your Home FHA? Learn These Tips To Ensure A Smooth Closing Before an owner can market a property to buyers that want to use a FHA loan, he will want to familiarize himself with the FHA’s

The digital age has changed the way buyers browse for and purchase goods and services, including real estate. While home buyers still can check out property listings via a print newspaper or by

Last week’s economic reports included readings on consumer prices, consumer sentiment and weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims. Consumer Price Index Increases in April

Looking for your new home can feel like a daunting task, especially if it’s your first time going through the home buying process.  Sometimes, all of the choices may feel overwhelming. You

Reality TV shows have inspired people to flip houses for profit. They make it look fun, easy and the type of business anyone with some capital can get into. Every once in a while, house-flipping

Buying a home is an exciting and exhilarating time. Between the time your offer is accepted, and when you finally have keys in hand and you are ready to step into your new home, it can be.

Don’t Let a Renter Assume Your Mortgage Payment as a Landlord When it comes to a property that’s been financed with a mortgage, homeowners can experience the need or desire to live elsewhere

Last week’s economic releases included readings on inflation, construction spending and private and public- sector payrolls. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims were

Financing Your Solar Roof Going solar can make life sunnier for some homeowners. In addition to reducing energy dependence by “borrowing” energy directly from the sun, purchasers may also

5 Ways Millennial Buyers Can Snag Their Dream Home In This Sellers Market According to the 2017 Home Buyer and Seller Generational Trends Report, Millennials bought 34% of the homes sold; the

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 30th, 2018 Last week’s economic reports included readings from Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, new and existing home sales and weekly

Five Reasons Why Spring Is The Perfect Time To Sell Spring is many people’s favorite season of the year. Obviously, there are many valid reasons why this is so. One of the best things about

The Home-Buying Closing Process in a Nutshell The closing process for a home purchase is an exciting time. The home is finished, the purchase is ready to be finalized and it’s almost time to move

Solar Roof Panels: A Mainstream Option For Homeowners?Do rooftop solar panels add value to a home, and are they cost-effective in terms of energy savings? The short answer is yes, say the experts.

Equity Loan and HELOC vs. Reverse Mortgage – What’s the Difference? There are times in our lives when the idea of freeing up cash becomes desirable or necessary. Near retirement, this

Best Tax Deductible Home Improvements for Homeowners Before delving into tax-deductible home improvements, it’s important to understand that these tax deductions won’t be applied immediately.

Pros and Cons of Adjustable Rate Mortgages When you are in the market for a new home, you may be faced with numerous options for financing your home. One of the choices you will have to make is

Should You Pay Discount Points When You Get Your Mortgage? One of the challenges you will face when deciding how much money to put down on your new home is whether to put down a larger down payment

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 16th, 2018 Last week’s economic reports included readings on inflation, the minutes of the most recent meeting of the Fed’s Federal Open

The Humble Vegetable Garden: A Fun, Health-conscious Home Project for the Entire Family Whether you are hunting for a project that will pry the kids away from their phones or you just want a head

Look Beyond The Interest Rate: What Else Matters When Choosing A Mortgage Lender? Most consumers securing a mortgage plan to remain in that loan for 30 years. During that time, the borrower

How The 2018 Tax Changes Can Affect Your Mortgage When the chatter was at its peak on the 2018 tax law changes being proposed, one of the big areas of concern for homeowners was the elimination of

Manage These 3 Items Before Applying For A Mortgage Mortgage lenders weigh the risk of getting their principal and interest paid back by looking at the qualities of the prospective borrrower. And

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 9th, 2018 Last week’s economic reports included readings on construction spending, mortgage rates and weekly jobless claims. Other labor

Questions and Answers Regarding The Veterans Loan Program Owning a home is important to military veterans just like the majority of other consumers.  The Veteran’s Administration has

The Younger Mortgage Market: Move Over Millennials, Gen Z Is Moving Into Home OwnershipAlthough the majority of the Generation Z population make $25,000 or less per year, they really have

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 2nd, 2018 Last week’s economic releases included readings from Case-Shiller, pending home sales, and consumer sentiment. Weekly reports on

7 Tips To Plan A Spring Yard ‘Tune-Up’ Before Listing A Home For Sale The oft-repeated maxim that there is never a second chance to make a great first impression is especially true when it

A Mortgage Pre-Approval Can Help You In Your Home Purchase Negotiations A mortgage pre-qualification is an initial estimate of what type and size of mortgage a borrower could get. It is limited,

In a hot real estate market, agents often tell buyers they must expect to make multiple offers before one is accepted. Disappointment may be the new normal rather than an exception.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 26th, 2018 Last week’s economic releases included readings on new and pre-owned home sales and the Federal Open Market Committee’s

6 Top Trending Green Features To Consider When Remodeling Sustainable materials, energy savings and smart home technology are high on the list of buyer wants in a home. But there are some other

What Changes Occurred In FHA And FNMA Rules During 2018? The FNMA HomeReady Program Those who are involved in the mortgage industry must keep updated on changes to FHA, and Fannie Mae (FNMA)

7 Excellent Ideas For Building An Eco-Friendly Home In recent years, building an environmentally friendly home or updating an existing home to be more energy efficient has become much more

The Four Best Questions To Ask Before Refinancing Your Mortgage 1) Do I have enough equity to get a mortgage? To get a conventional loan, you will usually need to have at least 20 percent equity.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 19th, 2018 Last week’s economic news included readings From National Association of Home Builders, Commerce Department reports on housing

Moving From An Apartment To A House? Here’s What You Need To Remember About Your Lease The major problem that the vast majority of buyers will run into – especially when purchasing their first

What Are The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Putting 20 Percent Down On A Home Purchase? Several generations ago, lenders required home buyers to have a 20 percent down payment in order to get a.

What Items Can Change My Mortgage Pre-Approval Status? When you are purchasing a home, your lender may recommend you obtain a mortgage pre-approval before you find the home of your dreams. There

Can I Have A Co-Signer For My Mortgage Loan? Like credit cards or car loans, some mortgages allow borrowers to have co-signers on the loan with them, enhancing their application. However, a co

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 12th, 2018 Last week’s economic releases included reports on Non-Farm Payrolls, ADP payrolls, and the national unemployment rate. Weekly

The Benefits of Using a Veterans (VA) Loan To Purchase Your Home U.S. military veterans have opportunities to enjoy some richly-deserved benefits in other aspects of their lives, including some

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 5th, 2018 Last week’s economic releases included readings on new home sales, pending home sales and Case-Shiller Home Price Indices.

Can Your Waistline Be Affected By Your Kitchen Colors? Have you ever walked into your kitchen and instantly felt hungry? Rarely do people think about the colors that they choose to paint their

Should You Get Pre-Qualified Or Pre-Approved For Your New Home Purchase? Often times, home buyers can be disappointed when they find their dream home only to discover they are not able to get a

DIY Home Improvement: A Much Better Bedroom in Just a Few Hours Taking on the task of renovating your home can seem like an awful lot of work, but there are ways to do this that require a lot less

How To Successfully Use Your Down Payment to Achieve Your Home Buying Goals When you are considering purchasing a home , understanding the lending guidelines regarding a down payment is important.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 26th, 2018 Last week’s economic releases included minutes from the most recent FOMC meeting, a report on January sales of pre-owned homes

3 Tips To Consider When Buying A Home With An FHA MortgageFHA loans are becoming increasingly popular these days as potential homeowners may not able to qualify as easily for conventional mortgages

Questions and Answers Regarding Escrow AccountsWhether you are purchasing a new home or you are considering applying to refinance your home, chances are the lender will require an escrow account.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 20th, 2018 Last week’s weeks economic releases included readings on the NAHB Housing Market Index, housing starts and building permits

Why Should One Consider Refinancing Their Mortgage Now? Refinancing a mortgage is a golden opportunity to lock in today’s low interest rate for the next 15 or 30 years. While interest rates now

What You Need to Know About Mortgage InsuranceHomeowners insurance and title insurance may not be the only kinds of insurance you need when you buy a home. Many buyers also have to purchase mortgage

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 12th, 2018 Jerome “Jay” Powell was sworn in as Chair of the Federal Reserve amidst wild fluctuations in U.S. stock markets. Analysts

Down Payments 101: Is It Worth It to Put More Than 20 Percent Down? Are you thinking of buying a new home this spring or summer? If so, you’re not alone. Many thousands of individuals and

3 Reasons Why Buying an Investment Property Is the Best Way to Build Your Net Worth Whether you have recently graduated from college or are getting close to retirement, it’s likely that you have

Case-Shiller Home Price Growth Ticks Upward in November Reading Home prices increased in November, with national home prices up 0.70 percent month-to-month and 6.20 percent higher year-over year.

The 4-Step Financial Checkup to Get Ready for a Mortgage in 2018 Are you ready to join the ranks of homeowners in our local community? Congratulations – homeownership is a big step towards

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 5th, 2018 Last week’s economic releases included readings on pending home sales, Case-Shiller Home Price Indices and construction.

What Is Mortgage Insurance and How Does It Benefit Me? Let’s Take a Look Are you in the market for a new home? If you are considering a mortgage, you may be curious about mortgage insurance,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 29, 2018 Last week’s economic news included releases on new and existing home sales along with weekly readings on mortgage rates and first

3 Reasons You Might Consider Refinancing Your Mortgage in Early 2018 If you are a homeowner who has had their mortgage for a few years, you may be starting to wonder about refinancing. In essence,

In a Hurry to Buy a Home? Speed Your Mortgage Approval up by Following This Checklist Have you finally found your dream home after months of searching, only to discover that the seller has received

NAHB: Home Builder Confidence Drops in January Homebuilder confidence in housing market conditions dipped two points in January; ongoing challenges including labor shortages and materials costs

Shopping for a Mortgage? Don’t Make These Key Mistakes That Trip Up First-time Buyers Are you ready to dive into the real estate market for the first time? Buying a new house, condo or apartment

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 22, 2018 Last week’s economic news included readings on home builder confidence, housing starts and building permits issued. Weekly

3 Ways That Buying a New Construction Home Beats Buying an Existing One, Every Time Are you in the market for a new house? Whether you are a first-time home buyer or are upgrading to get more,

Looking to Buy a Home in 2018 and Don’t Know Where to Start? Here’s a Few Tips Are you a renter that has become tired of paying someone else’s mortgage and not building any equity? Or a

Renovating in 2018? Cash-out Mortgage Refinancing Might Be the Best Way to Fund It If you are a homeowner thinking about a significant home renovation in 2018, you have probably already considered

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 16, 2018 Last week’s economic releases on inflation, core inflation, and retail sales. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless

3 Great Reasons to Use an Experienced Mortgage Professional for Your Next MortgageAre you thinking about buying a new home in 2018? Whether you are a first-time home buyer or you’re downsizing now

Buying a New Home in a Hot Real Estate Market? Here Are 4 Tips You Will Need to Be Successful Are you in the market for a new house? In a buyer’s market, finding and closing on a beautiful home

Going Solar: 3 Reasons Why Solar Panels Should Be Your 2018 Home Improvement Project Have you been scratching your head, wondering what your next great home renovation project should be? If you are

3 Completely False Myths About Reverse Mortgages That Need to Be Debunked Are you a senior or retired individual older than 62 who is looking to supplement their retirement income? If so, you may

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 8, 2018 Last week’s economic reports included readings on construction spending, minutes of the most recent meeting of the Fed’s Federal

3 Key Ways To Save Up For Your Down PaymentSaving money at any time of the year is difficult, let alone after the holiday season. After spending hundreds of dollars on gifts for loved ones, here are

On Time, Every Time: How Being Late on Monthly Payments Can Affect Your Mortgage Are you the type of person that struggles with remembering to pay their bills on time? You’re not alone. People

Can I Buy a Piece of Land and Build a House on It With a Mortgage? Yes — Here’s How Have you been hunting for a new house without finding one that suits your needs? If so, one option that you

Buying a Rental Property? These 4 Key Tips Will Ensure You Buy One That Turns a Profit Are you starting to grow bored of watching your money go nowhere sitting in a bank account? With today’s

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 2, 2018 Last week’s economic readings included Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, pending home sales and consumer confidence. Weekly readings

3 Dog Breeds That Are Perfect for the Allergy-Prone Pet Lover Do you find yourself itchy and sneezing after an encounter with a friendly, furry dog? You are not alone. The CDC estimates that around

Case-Shiller: Home Prices Rise in October According to Case-Shiller national and 20-city home price indices for October, home prices continued to rise.  National home prices rose 0.70 percent

Landlord Squeezing You for yet Another Rent Increase? It’s Time to Buy a Starter Home Did you recently receive your annual notice that the rent is going up? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of

Mortgage 101: Things NOT To Do When Applying For A Loan If you’re planning on buying a house in 2018, it is important to know what you’re walking in to. Buying a house is a costly,

Take Your Bathroom From ‘Drab’ to ‘Fab’ With These Do-it-Yourself Bathroom Renovations Does your bathroom look amazing? As one of the most used rooms in every home, the bathroom can almost

NAHB: Builder Confidence Outstrips Pre-Bubble Highs Home builders surveyed by the National Association of Home Builders expressed their highest level of confidence in housing markets since 1999.

Mortgage 101: Understanding ‘PITI’ and What Goes in to Your Monthly Payments Ask any friend or family member that owns a home and they will share that it takes a bit of management to keep all

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 18, 2017 Last week’s economic reporting included readings on inflation, core inflation and the Post-meeting statement of the Fed’s

Common Misconceptions People Have About The Home Buying Process If you’re considering buying a new home, but are on the fence due to a few myths you’ve heard – we’re here to debunk them

The Quick and Easy Guide to Finding the Right Builder to Construct Your Dream Home Are you in the market for a new house? If so, you may be considering having a custom-home designed and built to

You Ask, We Answer: How Do I Know If It’s a Good Idea to Refinance My Mortgage? Are you interested in paying less per month on your mortgage? Or perhaps you would prefer if your mortgage was paid

3 Key Ways That Driverless Cars Are Going to Reshape How We Design and Use Our Homes Are you ready for the coming shift to driverless cars? While it might seem like some sort of futuristic vision,

The Pros and Cons of a Large Down Payment When Buying a Home If you are in the market for a new home, one of the considerations you will need to make is how much to invest in your down payment.�

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 11, 2017 Last week’s economic reports included readings on projected top housing markets for 2018, weekly readings on mortgage rates and

Thinking About Purchasing An Investment Property? Here Are Some Tips On How To Avoid Buying A Money Pit. Investing in a property can be a great way to make money. However, if you don’t do your

‘Pine’-ing for a New Look? 3 Ways You Can Use Wood Features to ‘Spruce’ up Your Home Whether you are renovating an older home or putting the finishing touches on a new one, you would be

Did You Know: Why New Construction Homes Are A Top Choice For Today’s Home Buyer Are you in the market for a new house? If so, you may have been comparing your options when it comes to open

Downsizing? Here’s What You Can Expect When You Move From a House to a Condo Whether the kids have moved out or you just aren’t using the extra bedrooms, having a house that feels ‘too big’

Buying in 2018? Get Your Down Payment Ready Now by Tapping These Helpful Sources Are you in the market for a new house or condo in 2018? With the new year just around the corner, now is the time to

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 4, 2017 Last week’s economic releases included readings on new and pending home sales, Case-Shiller index readings for September, and

A Few Tips If You’re Considering Buying A Home If you’re a first time home buyer ready to make the big move, here are a few tips to help make your transition from renter to buyer a bit easier

Win the Bidding War With Our 5 Minute Guide to Making an Offer the Seller Won’t Refuse Ask any experienced homeowner and you’ll learn that buying in a ‘hot’ real estate market can be

Make 2018 the Year You Escape the ‘Rental Trap’ by Buying Your Own Home Are you growing tired of paying rent each month and not building your net worth? Being stuck in the ‘rental trap’�

Case-Shiller: Home Prices Grow at Fastest Rate Since June 2014 Home prices continued to rise in September according to Case-Shiller National and 20-City home price index reports. According to the

Graduating With Student Loan Debt and Worried About Your Mortgage Prospects? You’re Not Alone Did you recently graduate from college or university? If so, you may still be dealing with a

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – November 27, 2017Last week’s economic reports included readings on pre-owned home sales, weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims and

Considering Selling Your Home? This Is What You Should Be Doing To Boost Up Your Price ValueIf you’re a home owner and are considering selling your property within the next few months, here are a

Are You Ready for Home Ownership? Find Out by Answering These 4 QuestionsHave you been dreaming about a larger, roomier or more luxurious living space? Or perhaps just want to experience the joy of

Four Pieces of Mortgage ‘Advice’ That You Should Take With the Proverbial Grain of SaltAre you in the market for a new home? If you have been talking to friends and family or researching online,

3 Ways That a Reverse Mortgage Can Transform Your RetirementAre you a retired individual looking for ways to increase your financial security? If so, you may have heard of a home equity conversion

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – November 20, 2017Last week’s economic news included remarks by Fed Chair Janet Yellen about the diversity of opinions in the Federal Open Market

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – November 20, 2017Last week’s economic news included remarks by Fed Chair Janet Yellen about the diversity of opinions in the Federal Open Market

Some people think once September rolls around it’s time to say goodbye to lawn chairs and outdoor barbecues. However, by adding these new additions to your patio furniture, you can utilizing your

Single and Considering a New Home? Here’s What You’ll Need to Know About Your MortgageHave you decided that it is time to move on from renting? If you are single and living alone, you may be

Let’s Talk Closets: Why a Walk-in Closet Is a Must Have for Any New Home BuyerAre you in the market for a new house or condo? Whether you’re looking for something luxurious or intimate, you’ll

The Easy 3-Step Guide to Get Started With Real Estate InvestingAre you interested in expanding your investment portfolio with hard, long-term assets that are almost certain to grow in value? If so,

Buying a New Home? Make Your Move Easier With These Three Purging TipsAre you thinking about buying a new house or apartment? While the prospect of a new home is undoubtedly exciting, you may be

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – November 13, 2017Last week’s economic news included a survey of senior loan officers, Freddie Mac’s average mortgage rates, and new jobless.

When Is The Right Time To Eliminate Creaky Floor Boards?Winter time means colder weather, which means you might not be going outside as often as you normally do. More time spent in your home means

Learning to Love Technology: 3 Tips That Will Help You to Embrace Home AutomationAre you still using a key to unlock your door and twisting a dial on the wall to set the temperature? Home automation

Taking Out a Mortgage for the First Time? Learn Why a Condo Might Be a Great First HomeAre you starting to tire of paying your monthly rent to someone and never building any equity? Renting forever

It’s Hammer Time: 4 Common Remodeling Mistakes and How to Avoid ThemInvesting in your home by remodeling or renovating is an excellent way to increase its value. However, a significant renovation

Considering a New Home Next Year? Start Now and Get a Jump on Improving Your Credit ScoreIn the market for a new home in 2018? With the new year just a few short weeks away, that leaves you with

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – November 6, 2017Last week’s economic news included readings on Case-Shiller home prices, construction spending, and consumer sentiment. Labor sector

Fireplace Safety Tips For Your Home This WinterThe winter months are rapidly approaching, and as the weather gets colder, you might decide to use that fire place of yours. If you’re a new home

You Ask, We Answer: Should I Build a New Custom Home or Buy an Existing One? Are you looking to buy a new house in the near future? If so, one of the choices you will face is

Mortgage 101: How Interest-Only Mortgages Work and Why They’re A Good Solution for Some Buyers Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or an experienced real estate investor, if you

Case-Shiller: Home Price Growth Near All-Time High in AugustCase-Shiller’s National Home Price Index rose to a year-over-year home price increase of 6.10 percent as compared to July’s reading of

62 or Older? 3 Reasons Why a Reverse Mortgage Might Be the Perfect Financial Solution for YouAre you and your spouse starting to move into your retirement years? If so, you already know that you are

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 30, 2017Last week’s economic news included readings on new and pending home sales and weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless.

Credit Scores? Here’s The Break DownIf you’re in the pre-mortgage application phase, you’ve probably heard the term ‘credit check’ thrown around. You know how credit cards work, but maybe

Buying an Older Home? Watch Out for These 3 Key Flaws That Could Spell TroubleAre you a fan of homes with a bit more character than newer, modern designs? Whether in pristine condition or more of�

Stuck in a Bidding War? 3 Ways to Win Without Busting Through Your Mortgage Approval AmountAre you making an offer on a new home in a hot housing market? If so, one possibility is that you are going

Worried That Your Past Student Loan Debt Might Delay Buying a Home? Here’s What to DoWhether you are just about to graduate college or you have been out of school for a few years, there’s a good

Man Vs. Machine: Why Using a Human Mortgage Professional Is Better Than Trusting an AppAre you currently house-hunting or plan to be in the near future? If you plan on using mortgage financing to

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 23, 2017Last week’s economic reports included NAHB Housing Market Indexes along with readings on housing starts, building permits and

How To Winterize Your HomeAs Winter quickly approaches, and the temperature drops lower daily, it’s that time of year home owners need to begin Winterizing their homes. What is Winterizing, you

Buying a New Home? Here’s Why Mortgage Pre-Approval Should Be Your First StepAre you thinking about buying a new house, condo or apartment? Whether you are upgrading, downsizing or investing, if

Buying a New Home? Four Key Questions to Ask Your Mortgage AdvisorAre you in the market for a new home? If you are planning on borrowing some or most of the home’s purchase price, you’ll want to

Home Builder Sentiment Highest in Five MonthsComponent readings used for calculating Housing Market Index readings also rose in October. Builder sentiment for current market conditions gained five

Current Service Member or Veteran? 4 Reasons Why a VA Home Loan Is an Excellent ChoiceAre you current or former member of the US military service who is looking to buy a new home? If so, you will be

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 16, 2017Last week’s economic reports included minutes of the Fed’s Federal Open Market Committee meeting held in September along with

Purchasing your first home can be an overwhelming process. In fact, some have said it’s the scariest thing they’ve ever done. Buying a home is often the largest purchase in a lifetime, and

Brighten up Your House With These Autumn-inspired Home Decor IdeasThe kids are heading back to school, the leaves are starting to turn and the weather is getting cooler. Yes, autumn has arrived, but

Go Big or Go Home: 3 Reasons Why Your First Home Should Be a Spacious OneBuying a home for the first time? One of the key considerations you’ll need to make is just how much ‘house’ you want

Baby on the Way? Learn How to Child-proof Your Home so Your Baby Is Safe From HarmDo you have a baby on the way? If so, you are likely already wondering how you are supposed to make your home safe

Understanding ‘Bridge’ Financing: How to Buy a New Home Before You Sell Your Current OneOne of the biggest challenges a homeowner can face when looking to upgrade or move is trying to sell their

How to Use a Mortgage to Buy a Home After Going Through a BankruptcyWhile it is sometimes the best option to get your finances repaired, the bankruptcy and following discharge period can be tough.

Upgrading Your Home? 5 Great Reasons to Make the Switch to Hardwood FloorsAre you tired of scouring the internet, trying to find the secret recipe for whatever will take stains out of your carpet?

Four Mistakes to Avoid When Making an Offer for Your Dream HomeYou’ve scoured the new home listings, been to all the open houses and have finally found the home of your dreams. It is now time to

Real Estate Negotiations: 3 Tricks That You Can Use to Ensure Yours Is the Winning BidYou’ve toured through a number of listings, attended all the open houses and have found your potential new

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 2, 2017Last week’s economic reports included Case-Shiller’s Home Price Indices, readings on new and pending home sales and Freddie Mac �

3 Tips For Getting Your Home Sold In The FallFall’s reputation for being the most difficult time of year to sell a home, discourages many sellers from putting their houses on the market. The �-

5 Key Maintenance Tasks to Prepare Your Home for the WinterThe days are getting shorter, the temperature is dropping and the kids are heading back to school. The approach of autumn means that winter

Pay Your Mortgage Off Faster With These Money-Smart StrategiesAs with any loan or line of credit, there are benefits to getting your mortgage paid down. You’ll pay less in interest, potentially

Case-Shiller: Home Prices Higher in July, Home Prices May Have PeakedCase-Shiller reported higher sales of new homes for July; the national reading for new home sales increased by 0.10 percent to a

Did You Know: Your Choice of Community Will Impact Your Mortgage – Here’s HowIf you are in the market for a new home, you’ve probably begun the process of choosing the neighborhood or

Seeing fewer for-sale signs now that summer is over? That can be great news for buyers who are looking to score a new home and buyers who want to get rid of their place and buy a new one. If you

Whats Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week September 25 2017Last week’s economic news included readings on housing starts, building permits issued and sales of pre-owned homes. The Fed’s Federal

DIY Home Projects: Creating a Study Space That Will Help Your Children Stay FocusedIf you’re a parent of school-aged children, you’ve likely been concerned with their study habits at some point.

It’s Pre-approval Time: How to Get Your Finances in Order for Your Mortgage ApprovalBuying a new home is one of the most exciting experiences a person or family can have. Of course, before you can

NAHB: Builder Confidence Dips on Hurricane DamageHome builders had less confidence in housing market conditions in September. In the aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, builders worried that

How Much Is the Right Amount to Commit to Your Down Payment? Let’s Take a LookAre you thinking about buying a new home? If you are going to take out mortgage financing, one consideration you will

Rules for Working With Real Estate AgentsPlaying by the rules keeps the peace between buyers and real estate agentsOne of my buyers is a brilliant neurosurgeon, top of her class in med school, but

17 best things to buy on Labor Day weekendIf you’re not squeezing in one last summer getaway this Labor Day weekend, it’s a good time to do some shopping to score deals on a wide range of

Sell Your Home Fast: 21 Staging TipsSuccessful staging is key to selling your home quickly and at the best price. From cleaning to styling, these tips can help1. Boost curb appeal.This is something

24 Back to School Organization IdeasThese back to school organization ideas make the perfectionist in me so happy! I’m not a very organized person, so I can promise you that if you open my mudroom

How to Buy a House: The 5 New Rules That Can Make or Break Your OfferThe rules on how to buy a house have changed, folks—so if you're serious about becoming a proud homeowner in the near future,

I Want to Buy a House': A Guide to Taking the Real Estate PlungeMaybe you're renting in an overpriced neighborhood and are sick of writing a huge rent check. Maybe you're living in a yurt and

With summer winding down and cooler weather approaching, it’s time to think about how to make the most out of an outdoor living space. One way to extend your time outdoors is to incorporate a fire

Five Changes to Reinvent Your HomeWhen you are looking to reinvent your space, there are some key changes you can make, both indoors and out, that can easily transform the entire look and feel with

Custom Storage Ideas for Your HomeMany of us probably have at least one junk drawer in our North Jersey home. However, some people also have a junk closet, pantry, or even a whole room dedicated to

Check Yourself: 6 Home Maintenance Tasks You Should Tackle in AugustThe dog days of summer are barking and Labor Day is just around the bend, signaling the end of yet another epic season in the

Plan a (Relatively) Stressless House MoveTips on how to hire a mover (or move yourself), pack your belongings properly, and move your home with relative ease.Whether your last move was across the

When Is The Best Time To Buy A Home?People ask me financial planner questions all the time.  I’m a mortgage guy, ask me mortgage questions and I will try my hardest to get the

6 Ways to Style Cute Place Settings for an Early Fall Dinner PartyGet inspired with different ways to set a chic and simple place setting at your next dinner party.With summer ending and fall just

Are you in need of some back to school and home office organization? Build Your Own – Daily SystemFall is almost here and that means back to school season is upon us. If you’re like me,�

5 Things Buyers Should Never, Ever Say When Closing on a HomeBy the time home buyers make it to the closing, it’s smooth sailing, right? Wrong.For home buyers, the adage “loose lips

5 Dating Tips That Apply to Home ShoppingDAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS Are your home shoppers desperately trying to find “the one?” Finding the perfect housing match can be like finding the

11 Chic & Stylish Powder Rooms  Powder rooms are an excellent place to make a statement with your designs, using bold patterns, bright colors, and distinctive hardware and.

At some point in their lives, every renter thinks about home ownership and whether or not it's worth it. Let's explore the top 5 reasons why young individuals prefer the idea of owning a home over

Following a volatile period due to increasing expectations for federal funds rate hikes by the Fed, mortgage markets were relatively quiet over the past week. Speeches from Fed officials,