Monthly Archives: July 2016
Learn How the Federal Reserve Affects Mortgage Rates
The rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage has been at historic lows in recent years—the monthly average rate for May 2016 was 3.60%. This has come about after the Federal Reserve had raised interest rates following historic lows following the Great Recession. While the Fed does not have the ability to directly set mortgage rates,... Read More
Understanding Real Estate Agency Relationships
You have choices when selecting representation in a real estate transaction. Here are five tips for understanding which type of legal relationship with a real estate professional, called an agency relationship, will best protect you when you buy or sell a home. 1. Buyer’s agency When you’re buying a home, you can hire an agent... Read More
How to Get Your PMI Deduction
If you’ve been paying for private mortgage insurance every month because you put down less than 20% on your home, you may be able to get some of that money back by claiming the PMI deduction on your federal income tax return. Did you know that not deducting PMI is one of the top mistakes... Read More
Update: Shelby Township Real Estate Market
If you live in Shelby Township or are considering moving into the area, it is important to know what is happening in the real estate market so that you can make the most informed decision possible. Let’s take a look at the most recent statistics and review what they are telling us about the market.... Read More
How to Keep Your House Cool Without AC
You don’t have to switch on the air conditioner to get a big chill this summer. These tips will help you keep your house cool without AC, which will save energy. Block that Sun! When sunlight enters your house, it turns into heat. You’ll keep your house cooler if you reduce solar heat gain by... Read More
6 Materials to NEVER Use in Your Kitchen
About to remodel that old kitchen? Unless you’re cool with treating the hardest working room in your house like a museum exhibit, resist the temptation to buy the cheapest or shiniest materials available and go for durable options that can stand up to regular abuse. Trust us: Although it may be tough to leave that... Read More
Buying a Fixer-Upper: Is it Worth It? How to Tell
Here’s how to tell if that fixer-upper is a keeper — or if you should keep walking. First, Evaluate the Price If it’s a fixer-upper, it should come at a fixer-upper price. Duh, but that’s a reminder NOT to fall in love too quickly with a home that the listing says “just needs a little TLC.” Do... Read More
Landscaping for Love AND Money
Your home is your castle — enjoy it, customize it, make it reflect your taste and values. But, there’s one area where being too individualistic carries risk: landscaping for curb appeal. Landscaping is the first thing that potential buyers see, and it reflects well — or poorly — on other homes in the neighborhood. That’s... Read More
How to Hit the Home Pricing Sweet Spot
Home pricing is more of a science than an art, but many homeowners price with their heartstrings instead of cold, hard data. Here’s why crunching the numbers is always the better route to an accurate home price — as well as what can happen when home sellers overlook those all important data points. The Pitfalls... Read More
7 Things Your Home Inspector Wishes You Knew
No matter whether you’re buying or selling, the home inspection process can be somewhat terrifying: For sellers, it’s a stark reminder of the nagging issues you might have turned a blind eye to over the years. And for buyers, it’s a recipe for pure heartbreak—falling in love with a home that might just end up making no sense to... Read More
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