Mortgage rates are affected by mortgage backed securities, usually when the money supply significantly increases or reduces. It is important to distinguish between mortgage rates and the Federal Reserve interest rate, also known as the Discount Rate.  While the two tend to go hand in hand over the longer term, short-term variations can occur. We [...]

Getting a planning permit for home improvement projects is not always a simple process. It can take a lot of time, and cost a lot of money, so it is imperative that you follow the required procedures to the letter. Here are some tips on how to make your planning application go through as painlessly [...]

Many find it difficult to reduce credit card debt yet it need not be. When used properly, credit cards can be an extremely useful service, but never forget that this is a business, not a free service. Credit card companies rely on the interest you pay in addition to the charges applied to those that [...]

Home building costs are important for a number of reasons.  Knowing the price of building a new house is of particular importance if you are looking for a new home.  This might be your first home as an individual or as a couple – it makes no difference. The important factor is whether you are [...]

Home warranties are necessary because they do not come with statutory consumer guarantees. If you purchase a washing machine and the electrics fail a month after installation, you will either have it repaired or replaced free of charge. If you purchase a house and the electrics fail because the entire house needs rewiring, you have [...]

DIY kitchen remodeling need not be expensive if you know what you are doing. Fundamentally, remodel or renovate what you can see and clean up what you can’t. It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do, and even more amazing what you can do with new doors if you want to go that [...]

Is a second home a good investment or just another potential burden when markets fall? Is there genuine advice on second homes that is meaningful and can help you come to a decision? Second homes may or may not be the investment vehicle you are looking for, depending on your needs. Yes, you can earn [...]

The square footage of a house is important when buying or selling a property. Many people have no idea how to measure a house in square feet because there is no mandatory standard. The standard set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is voluntary so you should be careful with measurements, particularly when buying [...]

A low appraisal is not the end of the world, and not all appraisals are accurate. The following steps will help you deal with an appraisal that has come in lower then expected. Whether you are the buyer or seller, it is important that the appraisal is accurate.  For the buyer, a low appraisal means [...]

A home appraisal is the process by which the fair market value of your home is assessed. A real estate appraisal is an essential component of the process of selling a property or refinancing it. Fundamentally, a state-licensed appraiser will utilize the data available to estimate your home’s current market value. This data can come [...]