Mortgage rates dip to annual low: Will they stick? When the Federal Reserve raised its interest rates late last year, most mortgage rate prognosticators saw it as a sure sign that home-loan rates would finally rise meaningfully. In fact, just the opposite has happened. The average rate on the popular 30-year fixed loan is now…

THE FEAR OF CHANGE IN YOUR HOA There is an expression, “If you ever truly want to understand something, just try to change it.” When a new board takes charge, pumped full of ideas and enthusiasm, it's often met with resistance. Do these sound familiar? Pay higher fees? Are you nuts? We should lower them!…

Your new neighbor in the 'burbs? A millennial. Yes, really It was only a matter of time. Literally. As millennials grow older, get married, have children, they are seeking out bigger houses and better schools. That means the suburbs. They are also getting tired of paying higher urban rents and watching those rents rise. Just…

NET-ZERO ENERGY HOMES GIVE AS MUCH AS THEY GET Five home builders in four Canadian provinces recently set out to prove that it's possible to build houses that produce as much energy as they consume, using existing technology and at a reasonable price. The Net-Zero Energy (NZE) project has built 26 houses and condo units…

TAKING TITLE TO PROPERTY IS A CRITICAL DECISION When you purchase any kind of property, you must give careful thought as to how you will be taking title to that real estate. The decision you make when you first go to settlement on your house may make a significant difference — both financially and psychologically…

WHY TRUMP MORTGAGE FAILED AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT TO YOU There has been extensive talk about what kind of president Donald Trump would make. Too much talk, if you ask some people. Yes, the Republican frontrunner is a polarizing figure, and has been long before he looked to be a lock for the nomination. Trump's…

TODAY'S HOMEOWNERS WANT MAXIMUM VALUE WITH MINIMAL UPKEEP Spending on discretionary home improvements (including kitchen and bath remodels and deck additions) rose by almost $6 billion between 2011 and 2013, according to a 2015 report compiled by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. “Improving America's Housing — Emerging Trends in the Remodeling…

USE WINTER FOR A CAREFREE SPRING! Close More Deals – Qualify homebuyer leads fast and freeBy mid-February, many of us are “thinking Spring” even if snow continues to fall. Why not turn this longing for new beginnings into action nowand turn Spring into a joyfully carefree season? This is time management on steroids – using…

Should I buy a home while still paying student loans? I am a millennial with student loans which makes saving for a down payment on a house difficult. I am currently renting and feel like I may be throwing my money down the drain when I could be building equity. Should I consider a low…

CHANGE FOR THE BETTER IN YOUR HOA Boards of homeowner associations are often challenged to change the status quo for the better. A common scenario includes a newly elected board that promises to start enforcing rules or architectural policies. Problem is, there are HOA members that like it just fine the way it is and…