In 2014, the big stories were the impact of the new Dodd-Frank regulations, the new Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac programs, and the questions surrounding interest rates. The Dodd-Frank regulations were accounted for, changes were made, and the industry moved on. Interest rate hikes were a concern all year, and most analysts were just waiting […]

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Many people dream of having a vacation home. A second house somewhere a drive away to go on vacation for free and build equity, turning it into a great long-term investment, too. But there are a few things to consider before you plunge into this kind of purchase. First, you want to consider what it […]

New home construction is on the rise again this year, marking a drastic turnaround in the last few years from where we were for half a decade prior. But as more communities go up, many of my clients find themselves asking the same question: is it worth it for that new construction home? Many people […]

I know there are dozens of these lists available online, but I think it is important to discuss some of the most common problems I have seen first time home buyers run into, so that you can try to avoid them. There is nothing worse than getting a week to closing and having to drop […]

If you currently own a home, or have ever owned a home in the past, you know that home maintenance costs can kill your monthly budget. They are usually unexpected costs which arise at the worst time, leaving you cursing your home and bad fortune. And because things with your home (think roof, foundation, windows, […]

As we discussed on Tuesday, homes which need repairs can often be a great way to get into the house of your dreams in your preferred neighborhood. It can be amazing how far a little work on a house can go as far as the home’s value, and thus what a good deal you can […]

When looking for a new home, it can be tempting to look for a “fixer upper.” These houses are usually offered at a steep discount, allow buyers to get into the neighborhood they want, and can offer some unique customization options. Aside from a custom built new home, these can be the best way to […]

On Tuesday, I discussed mortgage recasting. I explained that it is a reevaluation of your current mortgage which can be used to lower monthly mortgage payments based upon any large principal reductions made to the mortgage. In the post, I mentioned that many of my clients have used this strategy to buy a new house […]

When buying your first house, it is important not to get overwhelmed by the questions which will be asked and the information which will be thrown your way. In order to help prepare yourself, you should consider a few key things – by doing so, you will save yourself a lot of time and grief […]