Will interest rates price Millennials out of the housing market?

Millennials, which usually fall into the first-time homebuyer pool, are predicted to start moving into the housing market soon as they opt out of renting. Unfortunately, this forecast report states that what was once a great time to buy for young buyers, is turning into a time filled with a lot of roadblocks. Key Takeaways: http://www.housingwire.com/articles/38624-will-interest-rates-price-millennials-out-of-the-market-before-they-can-even-jump-in Alliance Credit Counseling 8000 …

The biggest threats to housing: compliance burdens, access to credit

Forty-five percent of respondents identified increased compliance burdens as the biggest threat to the housing industry over the next 12 months. An additional 32 percent cited borrower access to credit as the biggest threat, 20 percent believe the biggest threat is the current rising rate environment, and three percent cited lack of progress on GSE reform as the most severe …

Housing starts see greatest leap in nearly a decade

Construction on new houses surged nearly 26% in October to the highest level in nine years, helped by a spike in multifamily buildings. Housing starts climbed to an annual rate of 1.32 million from a revised 1.05 million in September, the government said Thursday. That was much stronger than the seasonally adjusted 1.17 million forecasts of economists polled by MarketWatch. …

First Time Home Buyers Don’t Want a Starter Home

When we ran the numbers, we realized that, generally, starter homes just don’t make sense. For one thing, the bulk of your mortgage payments in those first years go directly to interest payments, meaning you haven’t built much equity by the time you trade up. The median house price is roughly $200,000 and for the sake of argument, let’s say …

Mortgage Rates remain near “Record Lows”

The housing market remains strong, with strengthening home sales and what is likely to be the lowest annual average for mortgage rates in more than 40 years. In most markets, low mortgage rates have more than offset the rise in house prices, preserving homebuyer affordability for the typical household. Homeowners are also taking advantage of low rates and house price …

12 Seriously-Smart Tips that Can Save more Energy in Your Home

Concerned about energy suppliers’ consumption of fossil fuels? Want to see a few more bucks in the bank at the end of every month? Regardless of your reasons, cutting back on your energy usage at home has very few downsides. To save energy in your home, try these methods and techniques. Key Takeaways: Energy conservation is becoming an increasingly popular …

How to Stage the Perfect Coastal North Carolina Home

Staged homes sell faster. We’ve often heard the saying “time is money” and when it comes to selling your home, this holds especially true. Every month your home remains on the market, the farther below list price it drops. Then there are monthly mortgage payments in addition to carrying costs such as utilities and HOA fees. Key Takeaways: Alliance Credit …

12 ways to get the lowest mortgage refinance rates

You bought your home a few years ago, maybe when the market was not at its best and your interest rate was not the best but you decided to take the offer. Years have past your credit score has peaked and you are looking to save some money. Refinancing is not as scary as most people say. Learn how to …

The Path to Final Loan Approval: Know All the Conditions

So you took the plunge and decided to be a homeowner, you have already started the process, and an about to go through the final loan approval process. Before you do, take a moment and read over all the conditions, make sure you are aware of what is being asked of you and your financial status. They may be hidden …

Statement of Service Letter Requirements for a VA Loan

Statement of Service Active Duty Military or Reserves But active duty or reservists may be required to provide the statement of service. Proof of service for Veterans on active duty is a statement of service signed by, or by the direction of, the adjutant, personnel office, or commander of the unit or higher headquarters they are also attached. There is …