Archive for February, 2009
12 Easy Changes To Save $1,600 Per Year At Home
February 9th, 2009 categories: General
As Americans move from net spenders to net savers, it seems that we’re all looking for ways to save some extra cash. As part of its ongoing “Save-a-Buck” series, NBC’s The Today Show offers some pointers.
Among the tips, there’s a split between common sense items and I-never-thought-of-that advice including:
- Why you should cook with your microwave more often
- Why you should keep closet doors closed
- How your dryer’s positioning may impact your energy bill
In all, the tips from the 4-minute video can save $125 per month — $1,600 per year. They’re not all practical, but they’re easy to implement.
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More Good News For Knoxville Home Buyers : There is Mortgage Money Out There For You
February 7th, 2009 categories: Buyers, Market Trends
If the unfreezing of credit is paramount to an economic rebound, the first signs of a thaw may be here.
Monday, the Federal Reserve released its quarterly survey of 84 member banks. In it, the Fed says that fewer than half of its responding banks tightened “prime” mortgage guidelines over the last 3 months.
This is good news for active home buyers and other Americans in want of a new mortgage.
“Prime” is a vague term with respect to home loans, but it usually refers to mortgage applicants who can document:
- Equity or downpayment in a home
- Credit scores over 740
- Excessive income versus debt
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10 Cities For Job Growth in 2009
February 6th, 2009 categories: General, Market Trends
Employment figures released this morning show that the economy has now shed 3.6 million jobs since December 2007, included close to half that in the last 3 months alone. The Unemployment Rate is now 7.6%.
But jobs aren’t fading in every housing market equally.
As reported by Ajilon Professional Staffing, there are still areas around the country in which unemployment rates are low and job outlooks are strong.
Led by Madison, WI, Ajilon calls them “10 Cities For Job Growth in 2009” and they are:
- Madison, WI
- Washington, D.C.
- Boston, MA
- Richmond, VA
- Milwaukee, WI
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Baltimore, MD
- Seattle, WA
- Houston, TX
- Dallas, TX
There’s no common denominator uniting the list — cities are buffered by industries as varied as healthcare, energy, and technology. However, it’s worth noting that — in each of these 10 towns — housing markets seem to be performing above-average versus the rest of the nation.
Clearly, there’s a link between jobs and housing.
(Image courtesy: Forbes.com)
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Low Interest Rates Make Knoxville Homes More Affordable For Buyers
February 5th, 2009 categories: Buyers, Market Trends
Comparing July’s conforming mortgage rates to today’s average rates, there’s a 1.5 percent difference in favor of homeowners.
Rate drops like that make big differences in a household budget. Look at these before-and-after payments, based on rates from the chart:
$150,000 mortgage ($144 savings/month)
- July 2008: $958 monthly
- February 2009: $814 monthly
$250,000 mortgage ($240 savings/month)
- July 2008: $1,597 monthly
- February 2009: $1,357 monthly
$350,000 mortgage ($335 savings/month)
- July 2008: $2,235 monthly
- February 2009: $1,900 monthly
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Home Buyers Are Out In Full Force Buying Knoxville Homes
February 4th, 2009 categories: Buyers, Market Trends, Sellers
A real estate trade group reported Tuesday that Pending Home Sales ticked higher in December 2008. A “pending home sale” is a home under contract to sell, but not yet closed.
The group positions Pending Home Sales report as a predictor of future activity, suggesting that home sales will spike 60 days hence.
This is good news for the economy.
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New Homes in Farragut
February 3rd, 2009 categories: Buyers
Great New Home at Bargain Price!!
This home is located at 11705 Autumn Glade which is in Farragut off Grigsby Chapel to Fretz to Chapel Glen. Chapel Glen is part of the Rhodes Communities These quality homes are being built by Mike Rhodes and John Kerr Read the rest of this entry »
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The Flashing Garage Parking Signal Protects Your Car From Nicks And Dents
February 2nd, 2009 categories: General
In an organized garage, every car has its space.
Unfortunately, getting a car into that space isn’t always so easy. At some point, most homeowners have pulled their car too far forward into the garage, nicking the car’s paint and finish.
The Flashing Garage Parking Signal
The device is an adjustable, 44-inch tall parking aid that light up red when touched by a car. It comes with a weighted base to prevent slippage and its pole is flexible to protect cars from damage.
Aside from 2 batteries, there’s no assembly required. Just place the device on the floor of your garage where you want your front bumper to stop and you’ll get a perfect, nick-free park job every time.
The Flashing Garage Parking Signal
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