Monthly Archives: June 2008

Neutralizing home odors is an important part of preparing a home for sale but it’s not always so easy. Every home has a unique odor that’s ground into carpets, walls, fabrics. Cooking at home plays a big role, too. But … Continue reading →

A Home Equity Line of Credit is bank product that grants homeowners access to the equity in their home at anytime, usually using checks. Often called a HELOC, these equity-based credit lines function very much like credit cards: The rate … Continue reading →

The Federal Open Market Committee left the Fed Funds Rate unchanged at 2.000 percent this afternoon, as expected. In its press release, the Federal Reserve noted the co-existence of inflation and recession. On inflation, the Fed said that energy and … Continue reading →

The Federal Open Market Committee adjourns from its 2-day meeting at 2:15 P.M. ET today. It’s widely expected that the group will leave the Fed Funds Rate unchanged at 2.000 percent. However, it’s not what the Fed does today that … Continue reading →

Most homeowners make four housing-related payments each month: Principal on a mortgage Interest on a mortgage Taxes on the real estate owned Insurance for the real estate owned Collectively, these payments are known by the acronym PITI but don’t let … Continue reading →

In this 4-minute video, real estate maven Barbara Corcoran reminds us that homes are bought and sold within 8 seconds. And, although the clip features a suburban home in New York, the Lessons of Good Presentation apply to every home … Continue reading →

Flooding in the Midwest has displaced thousands of families and caused billions of dollars in damages. It may also cause mortgage rates to rise. As the extent of the damage becomes more clear, prices for grain and livestock are soaring. … Continue reading →

Home buyers are often surprised when a “rate quote” from the morning won’t be honored in the afternoon. Sometimes, the assumption is that the loan officer is just being sneaky. This couldn’t be less true. Rate quotes change in the … Continue reading →

A “Housing Start” is a new home on which construction has commenced and in May, Housing Starts fell to a 17-year low nationally. At first glance, this may seem like a negative for the already-battered U.S. housing market. It’s not. … Continue reading →

A jammed garbage disposal is one of the most common household plumbing issues and, despite its mechanical simplicity, fixing one can cost up to $300 in labor and parts. Try saving some money next time by doing it yourself. Courtesy … Continue reading →