More Homes Come with HOA Dues
Nearly two-thirds of all single-family houses started in 2023 were within HOA-governed properties. And fees those associations collect are rising.
Finding Money to Rebuild After Disasters
Hurricanes, fires, floods: If you’re struck by one of these disasters, you’re going to need money. The good news is that there are numerous financial resources available.
Flood Insurance Is Getting More Affordable
The National Flood Insurance Program is working on allowing policyholders to pay their premiums on a monthly basis. Previously, premiums could only be paid annually.
After Death or Divorce, What Happens to the House?
When a family member passes away, their loved ones sometimes become homeowners unexpectedly. In these situations, servicers are supposed to help, but some just steer borrowers into costly refinances.
Homebuyers’ Student Debt Issues Can Be Solved. Here’s Where to Start
Massive, often insurmountable amounts of student debt have prevented millions of otherwise qualified borrowers from obtaining financing to buy a house.
One Mortgage Banker’s Plan to Fix the Housing Crisis
To Mark Milam, a mortgage banker and loan originator in Atlanta, many current proposals are like “swallowing an aspirin next year for a headache you have now.”
Are People Losing Interest in Second Homes?
Are people losing interest in second homes? It appears so, according to the National Association of Home Builders, using the latest Census Bureau data.
Early Returns Show Commissions Are Falling
A recent survey of some 1,300 agents and brokers found that commissions have fallen by 68 basis points, or 0.68 percent.
Dropping Homeowners Coverage Could Prove Costly
If you’re a homeowner who’s considering canceling your insurance coverage due to the high cost, think twice. Even if you own the house outright, you might not be able to recover from a catastrophe.
Many Vacant Houses Need to Be Registered – Even Vacation Homes
Many local governments started requiring vacant units to be registered following the Great Financial Crisis. Ignoring these rules can prove costly.
Sellers, It’s Time to Think About Concessions
Sometimes, homebuyers are hesitant to pull the trigger. They might love the house they found – it’s priced right and mortgage rates are coming down – but they just can’t decide whether to move forward.
Don’t Miss the Chance to Refi
If the past is prologue, millions of homeowners with high-rate mortgages won’t refinance their loans, even as mortgage rates tumble.
Cash Buyers Can Get Their Money Back
Cash is king when it comes to buying a house. Always has been, and always will be. And these days, individual cash buyers – as opposed to cash-laden investors – have an even better shot of scoring the house of their dreams.
A Homeowner’s Playbook for the Day After Disaster
These days, disasters like wildfires, tornadoes, floods and hurricanes are more powerful – and more frequent – than ever. It’s increasingly likely that wherever you live, your home will be hit one way or another.
States Are Taking the Fight to Squatters
Some states are taking long-overdue legislative steps to deal with squatters: people who take over others’ properties without their consent, sometimes dumping the owner’s stuff and trashing their homes.
How Homeowners Can Save on Rising Insurance Premiums
Homeowners may be able to find some relief from rising property taxes and insurance premiums – without doing much work in the process.
Basic Customer Service Creates Big Opening for Agents
Nearly half of online property inquiries are simply ignored, according to new research from real estate analyst and consultant Mike DelPrete.
Thinking Solar? Beware of Crooked Lenders
Homeowners considering adding solar panels to their rooftops should beware of crooked lenders who mislead customers about the terms and conditions of their financing.
Listing a Home? Get the Sellers to ‘Edit’
Price, location and condition all play a part in whether or not someone decides to buy your house. But a homeowner can only control one of them, and it’s not price or location.
Overpriced Listings Become Stale
Right now, according to Redfin, more houses have been on the market for 30 days or more than any other time in recent memory
