In the fourth quarter of 2011, fixed-rate loans accounted for more than 95 percent of refinance loans, based on the Freddie Mac (OTC: FMCC) Quarterly Product Transition Report released recently. Refinancing borrowers clearly preferred fixed-rate loans, regardless of whether their original loan was an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) or a fixed-rate.
…The building industry is placing increased focus on designing smaller homes, but with maximum impact.
According to an article by Claire Easley, senior editor at Builder, recent presentations at the International Builders’ Show discussed the trend toward less square footage but greater emphasis on maximizing space for lifestyle purposes.
…Home builder confidence in the market for new single-family homes increased for the fifth consecutive month in February, rising from 25 to 29 on the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released today. It is the highest level the index has reached in more than four years.
“Builder confidence …
If you invest in a savings account, you'll make less than 1% and will have to pay income tax on the earnings. On the other hand, contribute something extra to your house payment on a regular basis and you'll essentially, earn at the mortgage interest rate which is certain to …
View MoreRegardless of what a lender quotes on mortgage rates, the actual rate paid by a borrower is based on a number of variables. Lenders determine whether to loan money and at what rate based on the risk involved with the transaction.
Factors that increase the risk that the …
This article is from smartmoney.com
For the more than 36 million Americans who will turn 65 in the coming decade, the best cities and towns to retire in now have a much higher bar to clear: They can't just be great places -- they have to be …
This just in: One-third of Americans would choose their dream home over their dream significant other! These and other interesting statistics come from a recent survey conducted by Rent.com about love in order to better understand renter habits about relationships and moving in together. Here are a few other highlights …
To build or not to build … Can anyone answer this question? Whenever someone has a big decision to make they typically turn to family, friends and of course the Internet for answers. Does building a new home qualify in the category of a “big decision?” You bet it does …
Data through November 2011, released recently by S&P Indices for its S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, a leading measure of U.S. home prices, showed declines of 1.3 percent for both the 10- and 20-City Composites in November over October. For a second consecutive month, 19 of the 20 cities covered by …