Monthly Archives: February 2008

The $168 billion economic stimulus plan signed Wednesday includes a temporary increase to conforming loan limits in some parts of the country. Currently, many homeowners whose loans exceed $417,000 are paying higher interest rates because their loans are not securitized … Continue reading →

President Bush is expected to sign the economic stimulus package today. The package includes tax rebates and incentives for business and its purpose is to jumpstart a stalling U.S. economy. If the package is deemed “effective” by Wall Street investors, … Continue reading →

On the backs of surging purchase activity across the country and low mortgage rates, home loan applications have risen to a near four-year high. For people with mortgage applications in process, some patience may be required. In 2006 and 2007, … Continue reading →

Mortgage markets are conflicted about the U.S. economy and the confusion is impacting home buyers. If you’ve recently tried to lock a mortgage rate, you’ve probably experienced it personally. On one hand, reports of plunging sales suggest that the economy … Continue reading →

A 2004 study showed that 4 out of 5 credit reports contained at least one error. The errors were of various types with different implications. A quarter of the errors, for example, were of the “serious” nature; errors that could … Continue reading →

In an election year, voting for a presidential candidate can be a lot like buying a home. Both require a fair amount of analysis but — in the end — the decision is still highly emotional. Using Bankrate.com’s side-by-side candidate … Continue reading →

Many homeowners are entitled to two major tax deductions — one for annual interest paid on a home loan, and another for real estate tax bills paid to government. Calculating your approximate tax credit is basic: Add mortgage interest paid … Continue reading →

The end of the Super Bowl kicks off the Real Estate Spring Buying Season. As home sellers should prepare for the season’s upcoming homebuyers, they could do worse than to watch this four-minute home staging video from Barbara Corcoran. Barbara … Continue reading →

We entered the New Year uncertain of the country’s economic future. With January over, it’s a little more clear. Last week’s data and events helped firm expectations. In the near-term, we can expect weakness: The economy is shedding jobs Consumer … Continue reading →

When buying a home, you pay for more than just physical property at the closing table. You also pay a series of charges. Commonly, homebuyers lump all of these charges under the heading of “closing costs”. That’s a miscategorization. Many … Continue reading →