ADVANTAGES OF HOME OWNERSHIP
Updated Oct. 9, 2013
A home of your own provides you with the flexibility of adapting your living space to your individual tastes and needs. Whether you are ready to raise a family, or want to settle down within the community, owning a home is your best option.. 1. Financial IncentivesOwning a home has been proven to be the most effective...

Is it the Right Time to Refinance?
Updated Oct. 9, 2013
When you bought your home, you probably assumed that the loan payments you agreed to make under the terms of your mortgage would continue for the duration of the loan. Even though most mortgage loans are originated for a term of 10 to 30 years, few borrowers keep the loan for that long.. Homeowners choose to refinance...

Congress Restores FHA Loan Limits
Updated Oct. 9, 2013
The U.S. House and Senate yesterday restored FHA loan limits to the level they were at before they were allowed to expire at the end of September. As a result, the limits will rise to 125 percent of the area median home price from 115 percent, up to a maximum $729,750 from $625,500. NAR estimates that several hundred...

Commentary on the Financial Markets
Updated Oct. 9, 2013
Last week saw some strong ecomomic data released in the U.S. However, the 10 Year Treasury Bond Yield still dropped (mortgate rates dropped) towards the end of the week due to market worries over anticipated credit rating cuts in the European Union. The European turmoil leads to the financial markets wanting less...

Homeowner 101: Exploring the Community Association
Updated Oct. 9, 2013
Homeowner 101: Exploring the Community Association. By John Voket. It used to be that if you were moving into an apartment or anything but a sophisticated private community or condo complex, you dealt with a property manager or landlord. But I recently learned that today, even modest condo clusters, apartment...

Morning Commentary on Financial Markets 2-6-2012
Updated Oct. 9, 2013
Good morning,Last week saw most economic data come in better than market expectations, including this past Friday's Employment Report. As a result, the 10 Year Bond Yield rose from 1.84% (on 01/30/12 - Monday) to 1.95% (on 02/03/12 - Friday). This also drove up mortgage rates.Today, the 10 Year Bond Yield has...

Morning Commentary with Stephen Casil
Updated Oct. 9, 2013
Good Morning!. Due to the two better than expected U.S. economic reports below, the 10 Year Treasury Yield rose to 2.08% today, leading to slightly higher mortgage rates.. - The February Retail Sales report beat market expectations this morning. Retail sales rose 1.1% in February (biggest gain in almost 6 months),...

Morning Commentary on Financial Markets 11-21-2012
Updated Oct. 9, 2013
The 10 Year Treasury Yield rose to 1.64% this morning, meaning higher mortgage rates than yesterday, due to U.S. housing reports below:. - October Housing Starts (New Residential Construction) rose to a 894K Annuallized Rate, which is a 3.6% increase from the previous month (863K Annuallized Rate). This increase...