New Variety of Reverse Mortgage Aims to Cut Costs

RISMEDIA, February 4, 2011—(MCT)—Reverse mortgages allow seniors to use their home equity while staying in their homes, but have been criticized for their high upfront fees, among other things. A new loan has hit the market, however, offering sharply lower start-up costs in exchange for a tighter limit on the amount that can be borrowed.
Continue

Source: rismedia.com

Making Your Home Picture Perfect

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, in real estate, that picture's worth translates to dollars and then, if it's an excellent picture, you can add a few more zeros to that number. That's why getting the right photos of your home are critical.
Full story

Source: rismedia.com

Top 5 Home Improvement Projects Based on Average Cost and Return on Investment

RISMEDIA, January 20, 2011—HomeGain.com, a website to offering Web-based, free instant home values, announced that it has released the results of its nationwide home improvement and home staging Home Sale Maximizer survey. HomeGain surveyed nearly 600 real estate professionals nationwide and configured a list of the top 10 do-it-yourself home improvements that cost under $5,000 and benefit sellers most when they sell their homes.
Full story

Source: rismedia.com

Mortgage Rates Down for Second Week

McLean, VA – Freddie Mac (OTC: FMCC) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®). The survey results showed lower mortgage rates for both long- and short-term rates, with the 30-year reaching a four-week low.
Continue

Source: realtytimes.com

Long and Short Term Mortgages Drop This Week

McLean, VA – Freddie Mac (OTC: FMCC) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®). The survey results showed lower mortgage rates for both long and short term rates.
Full story

Source: realtytimes.com

Economic and Housing Outlooks Brighten According to Fannie Mae Analysis Group

RISMEDIA, December 28, 2010—Improvements in consumer spending and consumer confidence, increased demand for goods and services, and falling unemployment claims are all positive factors for a brighter outlook as we move into 2011, according to the December 2010 Economic Outlook released today by Fannie Mae’s (OTC Bulletin Board: FNMA) Economics & Mortgage Market Analysis Group. Downside risks still exist, however, including a weaker than expected employment report, the ongoing economic turmoil in Europe, and potential inflation problems in China.
Continue

Source: rismedia.com

Deciding to Sell

Deciding whether or not to sell your house can be a trying time. Many questions pervade your mind. "Is now the best time to make a move?" "Will I make money from this sale?" Will a move disrupt my family's routine?" There are numerous factors that come into play when making this decision. Let's look at just a few to consider.
Full story

Source: realtytimes.com