The Big Orange Press Blog
How much does a mortgage cost? The answer depends on where you live. But no matter which your locale, chances are strong that you'll pay more for a mortgage in 2010 as compared to 2009.
Sometimes, you need to look deeper than the headlines to get the news that matters. This basic truth's latest example comes from the July Housing Starts data, as published by the U.S. Census Bureau.
After reaching a 3-year high just 90 days ago, the National Association of Homebuilders' Housing Market Index is now at a multi-year low after falling by almost half.
No doubt you've heard that mortgage rates are low. They're lower than they've ever been in history. The news is everywhere. But the low rate environment looks like it's ending.
For the second consecutive month, U.S. consumer confidence is plunging. July's official reading is its lowest since July of last year and the figures run in stark contrast to just two months ago, when the index touched a multi-year high.
According the Federal Home Finance Agency's Home Price Index, home values are now just 12.5 percent off their April 2007 peak nationwide. This after a half-percent monthly increase in prices in May,on average.
The fiscal responsibility of a homeowner extends beyond the mortgage's basic principal and interest repayments. Homeowners are also responsible for the real estate taxes on the home and its insurance premiums, too.
Sometimes, a backed-up sink is too big of a job for a bottle of Drano. To clear the clog, you have to get your hands dirty. But what do you do? This quick, 2-minute video from Lowe's is an excellent tutorial.
Beginning with FHA case numbers issued on or after October 4, 2010, the FHA is changing its upfront and annual mortgage insurance premium structures.