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July 28, 2005
Interest Rates Increase for 4th Straight Week
The AP reports that mortgage rates have increased for the fourth straight week.
Click here to see the report.
Contact Beau in order to sell a home or condo property for the best possible price....quickly.
Posted by beaubetts at 3:05 PM
July 13, 2005
Smart Renovations Can Bring Return on Your Home Investment
Home improvement projects go hand in hand with being a homeowner, yet only some actually reach the desired goal of increasing a home’s worth. If you’re thinking about making renovations to your home, here are some factors to consider before getting started:
A simple, cost-effective way to make a personal imprint on your home is through paint colors that reflect your personality and life style. Paint enhances the appearance of your home, it’s relatively easy to change, and it doesn’t cost a fortune.
When updating your home’s invisible systems, like heating and plumbing, you should also consider making some cosmetic changes. If you spend all your money installing a highly energy-efficient heating system and central vacuum system, but nothing on the home’s cosmetic appearance, there’s a good chance you won’t recoup the true value of those costs.
When undertaking a major remodeling project it’s also in your best interest to hire a professional architect or designer—especially if your intention is to increase the value of your home for a future sale. In addition to the aesthetics of the project, a designer or architect can assist with zoning issues, environmental restrictions, permits, licenses, etc.
Your home is an investment—probably one of the largest investments you’ll ever make. So it’s wise to treat it as such and plan your renovations accordingly.
Is It Worth It?
Although payback value depends heavily on the real estate market and prevailing property values, consider these payback estimates for your home.
• New heating system: 100% payback
• Minor kitchen remodeling: 94% payback
• Bathroom remodel: 77% payback
• Building a pool: 44% payback
• Building a deck: 73% payback
• Upgrading landscape: 30-60% payback
• Finish basement: 15% payback
Contact Beau in order to sell a home or condo property for the best possible price....quickly.
Posted by beaubetts at 11:11 AM
July 6, 2005
Townhome With Views For Sale
Inviting 1,504 sq. ft. 3 bedroom / 2.5 bathroom townhome. Entry opens to a large dining and living room with gas-burning fireplace. Windows off the living room and deck have territorial views. The kitchen features recessed lighting, gas stovetop and provides plenty of counter and cabinet space. Master bedroom features views of the Olympics and a master bathroom with a double-headed shower and a fireplace to enjoy while you are in the soaking tub. A huge two-car garage provides ample storage.
To see pictures of this property please click here.
Contact Beau in order to sell a home or condo property for the best possible price....quickly.
Posted by beaubetts at 11:18 AM
Interest Change Daily
Interest rates change constantly, but it is important to know that rates are cyclical. If rates are currently at historical lows then we know there is a strong probability rates will go up again, and vice versa. Certain economic indicators such as unemployment data, consumer price index, retail sales data, and consumer confidence all have an effect on mortgage interest rates. But the key factor to watch is the relationship between stocks and bonds.
When the economy is slow and the stock market is "bearish," many investors move money out of stocks and into bonds and mortgage-backed securities. This causes mortgage interest rates to go down. When the economy is doing well, the stock market rallies and is considered "bullish." Investors then have a tendency to move their money out of that safe haven of bonds and mortgage-backed securities and back into stocks. As a result, mortgage interest rates go up.
Posted by beaubetts at 11:17 AM
