Archive By Section - HOME SCENE
New home starts jump to fastest pace in four years
WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. builders started construction last month on the most homes and apartments since July 2008, more evidence that the housing recovery is gaining momentum.
How low will they go? Mortgage rates at record 3.31 percent
WASHINGTON (AP) - Average U.S. rates on fixed mortgages fell to fresh record lows this week, a trend that is boosting home sales and aiding the housing recovery.
Opening door to more do-it-yourself home improvement projects is possible
On any given weekend, homeowners can be found climbing around in attics to add insulation, repairing shingles on the roof, installing new floors in kitchens and bathrooms, and handling many other home improvement projects that, with a little elbow grease, they are able to do themselves.
Don’t buy home until you sell the current one
Q: I have a fixed-rate mortgage at 5.99 percent that doesn't have to be refinanced until 2016. I know I will want to move to a more suitable place before then, but if I sell now at current low prices, I will have very little equity left to put down on a new condo.
Avoid FHA financing restriction on intrafamily purchase
DEAR BENNY: I am currently trying to purchase a home from my daughter. The loan was approved, but the lender told me there is a law that if you purchase a home from a family member, they can finance only 85 percent of the sales price. Is this true? --Roger
Need more space? Some put up a cottage out back
Something small is afoot. Backyard cottages - from 800-square-foot bungalows to Lilliputian studio cabins - are springing up behind houses in many cities, some of which have changed zoning laws to accommodate them.
Three ways save energy in your home
'Red means stop, green means go' - we learn that axiom as children. When it comes to home energy costs, however, going green can help homeowners put a stop to runaway utility bills. And maximizing your home's use of natural light - call it 'green lighting' - is a great way to boost your home's energy efficiency.
Some facts about composite decking
Have you ever considered composite decking but disregarded the idea because you felt like you didn't know enough about it? Maybe you've wondered how composite decking is made? Or what kinds of materials make up composite decking?
San Francisco Bay area home prices gain in October; up 19 percent over last year
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - A research firm says home prices in the San Francisco Bay area registered a sixth straight annual increase last month.
Rate on 30-year fixed mortgage hits record low of 3.34 percent
WASHINGTON (AP) - Average U.S. rates on fixed mortgages fell to fresh record lows this week, a trend that has helped the housing market start to recover this year.
Foreclosure starts down on annual basis in October
LOS ANGELES (AP) - U.S. homes are entering the foreclosure process at a slower pace than a year ago, and fewer properties are being repossessed by lenders, new data show.
Create a warm & stylish holiday wreath
The front door is often the focal point of a house and the welcoming committee to guests as they enter your home. And as the attention-seeking centerpiece, it should always be looking its best. A great addition to any door is a beautiful wreath - either decorative or seasonal - to greet your guests and neighbors. Although many stores sell wreaths, it's easy, fun and cost-effective to create a unique and one-of-a-kind statement piece.
4 fast fixes for to create a fabulous shower for your home bathroom
For many people, the shower is an escape from reality ... perhaps the only 'me time' in an otherwise hectic day. But if your current shower isn't living up to your relaxing expectations, it may be time for a facelift.- Don't think you have the time or money? Don't throw in the towel just yet - an improved shower is within your reach. Simply follow these four quick and easy fixes that will make an amazing improvement to the everyday enjoyment of your shower.
How much HELOC interest can I deduct?
DEAR BENNY: This question is related to our home equity line of credit (HELOC). In 2001, we obtained this loan for $150,000, which we withdrew in its entirety to remodel the kitchen, bath, etc. This is an adjustable 25-year loan. As of 2011, we owe $122,000.
Blending outdoor with indoor living gaining traction with homeowners
You can never accuse Georgiann Rose of simply taking up space. The Manteca native with a knack for design likes creating spaces that not only personify a client's home or business but will stand the test of time. Add to that Manteca's unique location that blends lifestyles from the Bay Area and the Central Valley to the foothills and you have all of the ingredients necessary to make spaces that enrich function ...
Articles by Section - HOME SCENE
Ellen Paradiso’s 4-season garden is a quiet and peaceful hide-away
Ellen Paradiso's blueberries were bought during a clearance sale at Park Greenhouse nursery in Ripon.
Buying tips to keep in mind as housing market warms
Ready to buy your first home, or move up to a larger home for your expanding family?
Reserve home mortgage can be good option for many seniors
Do you know that if you are 62 years or older you may be able to buy a house or a condominium using a reverse mortgage? A reverse mortgage allows you to get money from a lender, but you do not have to pay it back (or make any monthly payments) until you sell or die.
Homebuilder confidence rises in May from April
NEW YORK (AP) - Confidence among U.S. homebuilders rebounded this month, reflecting improved sales trends during the spring home-selling season and the strongest outlook for sales over the next six months in more than six years.
Rate on 30-year mortgage fixed loans rises to 3.51 pct.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Average U.S. rates on fixed mortgages rose this week but stayed near their historic lows. Cheaper mortgages have helped the economy by spurring more home-buying and refinancing.
Housing starts fell during April
WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. builders broke ground on fewer homes in April, one month after topping the 1 million mark for the first time since 2008. But most of the decline was in apartment construction, which tends to vary sharply from month to month.
What are pros & cons of buying rental property?
Hello Real Estate Boys: My wife Bambie, and yes she is a dear, recently lost her parents to an accident and we are in the middle of closing out the estate with one of Turlock's wonderful attorneys. I suppose at this point I should say Bambie was an only child and will inherit her parents' entire estate. While the estate is not huge it will give us a very nice sum of cash soon. The ...
Four new-home trends that can work for your remodel
Builders are back in business, and new-home construction is up in areas across the country. So is remodeling, as plenty of Americans choose to stay put and upgrade their current homes rather than tackle the challenge of buying and moving into something new.
Give your home a fresh look with color
A fresh coat of paint can give any room an instant lift, making it a great solution for converting a space from drab to fab.
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