A Look Into the Markets This past week Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell delivered his semi-annual testimony to Congress on Capitol Hill. Let’s walk through what the Chair said and how the financial markets reacted as well.“Help me if you can, I’m feeling down. And I do appreciate you being round” – Help! The… [Read More]
Builders Spend More
NATIONAL MARKET UPDATE Residential construction spending headed up 0.9% in April, and is now 18.4% ahead of a year ago. Spending on new single-family home building gained 0.5%, while new multifamily spending increased 0.8%.The national Case-Shiller Home Price Index saw record increases of 2.6% in March, and 20.6% annually. The FHFA index of prices for… [Read More]
Budgeting for a Baby?
Babies bring joy and excitement. They also bring substantial adjustments to the family budget! According to U.S. News and World Report, after adjusting for inflation, it costs about $267,233 in 2021 dollars to raise a baby to age 18 (based on previously published Bureau of Labor Statistics data). That’s a daunting number, to be sure…. [Read More]
Now Approved in Pennsylvania!
How To Buy A Home
I’ve been saying this for years. Click on the image for some really great advice! How To Buy A Home? It can be a very confusing experience. The terminology alone can be overwhelming with so many unfamiliar acronyms like FHA, USDA, VOR, DU to name just a few. If you have experienced professionals working… [Read More]
Conventional 1% Down Program
Conventional 1% Down program with Equity Boost makes it easier than ever to get a borrower into their new home. Here’s how it works: Borrower puts down 1%, the lender contributes 2% toward the down payment, giving them 3% equity at closing.* Conventional 1% Down program is a great way to offer a low… [Read More]
Message from the Mortgage Desk
“Mortgage Do’s and Don’ts” Today amid all the information pouring out to individuals via billboards, radio ads, TV ads, and the Internet what is the right information to follow? Below is a simple list of mortgage credit Do’s and Don’ts by Vic Melillo, a 25+yr Credit Master at Universal Credit Services. My credit expert! “Mortgage Do’s”… [Read More]
Things to avoid saying in front of a Seller
“This is my dream home.” This puts you at a disadvantage in negotiations. “That couch (lamp, table) is awful.” Don’t be critical of someone else’s decorating. “I can afford to spend $ number of dollars.” This limits your negotiations. “I can’t wait to get rid of that…” Insulting something in the house will turn off… [Read More]
A Little Secret That I Received From My Accountant
A little something that I received from my Accountant. The new tax bill will limit the deductibility of state and local taxes (SALT) next year, capping the deduction to $10,000. If you usually itemize your deductions and have combined state income tax and local property tax of over $10,000, then this will cost you next… [Read More]
