About Mortgage Interest Rates Federal Rates Mortgage interest rates are dependant on federal interest rates, which the Federal Reserve influences. The aim of the Federal Reserve is to stimulate the economy while avoiding inflation. By setting terms for the federal funds rate (the interest rate which banks charge each other for short-term loans). And the […]
Normal Closing Costs Closing costs can be highly variable since they’re dependant on the size of the mortgage and the value of the property. Typically, closing costs are between three and five percent of the property’s value, and may include the following: Loan origination fees – also called points (one point equals one percent of […]
For many people, choosing a neighborhood is the most difficult part of the decision to buy a home. When you tackle that “location, location, location” question, it’s smart to prioritize various neighborhood features, then start looking for homes in areas that match most of your criteria. Here are some things to consider: Choosing a Neighborhood: […]
What is an Escrow Account? What is an escrow account? An escrow account is a means of safeguarding the interests of both the buyer and the seller of a property. A neutral third party (an escrow agent) holds the content of the account. They release them only when all of the conditions of the contract […]
Home buying and selling activity are typically hottest during the summer. But why should you join in the chaos? Here are 6 key reasons why selling a house means taking advantage of the season and making the move this summer. Selling a House This Summer: More Houses to Choose From More people choose to sell […]
If you’re selling your home soon, ensure that prospective buyers will want to come inside by sprucing up the exterior before they drive by. And surprisingly, it doesn’t have to be a time-consuming ordeal. Here are some easy curb appeal ideas and improvements you can make to boost your home’s curb appeal – all in […]
If you are considering a visit to Lancaster County, PA, the month of May is a perfect time to visit. As winter turns to spring, the temperatures rise, the trees bud, and flowers begin to bloom. Springtime showcases the natural beauty of Lancaster County, and you will find plenty to do, both indoors and out. […]
If you let it slip that you are planning to buy or sell a house, suddenly everyone you know is a real estate expert. People love to share their own experiences, good or bad, in the real estate market. While it never hurts to get a feel for what other people have been through when […]
Making the decision to relocate is a serious matter, and as such, it requires some serious thought. It’s one thing to move across town, but another thing entirely to relocate over a larger distance. Sometimes the decision is made for you–a job transfer that is not optional, a job loss or family situation that requires […]
By now, everyone knows the three most important things about real estate. Location, location, location! But it is not just the location of the house that matters. Just as important as the location, is how easy it is to access the surrounding community. Whether you plan to commute to work or take the bus grocery […]
