Archive By Section - HOME SCENE
Home prices rise in July by biggest percent in six years
WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. home prices jumped 3.8 percent in the 12 months ending in July, according to a private real estate data provider. The year-over-year increase was the biggest in six years, further evidence that the housing market is steadily recovering.
Slashing perks when condo fees rise
DEAR BENNY: I thought condo fees were for the maintenance and repair of homes and grounds, and for lawn care. Our association fees also pay for parties. I think the people who participate in the parties should pay for the parties themselves. Our condo fees have been raised twice since I moved here six years ago, and they are expected to go up again this coming fiscal year. What can be done to remove the party category from the budget? --R.E.
River Islands: Game changer for regional housing market
River Islands at Lathrop with its approval to build 10,800 homes with much of the key infrastructure in place is more than just the proverbial 900-pound gorilla.
Must-have contingencies in purchase offer
DEAR BENNY: I am in the process of buying an older single-family home and found one I like. I wanted to have my contract contingent on obtaining a favorable home inspection, but my real estate agent has been discouraging me. She claims that I may lose the house if I insist on the inspection. What do you think? --Terrie
Resale home prices show consistent 12-month gains
WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. home prices are finally starting to increase consistently.
Average rate on 30-year mortgage falls to 3.59 pct.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Average U.S. rates on fixed mortgages fell this week and are just slightly above record lows reached earlier this year. The low rates have contributed to a modest housing recovery.
Report: Foreclosure sales fell sharply in second quarter
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Sales of bank-owned homes and those already on the foreclosure path fell sharply in the second quarter, reflecting a thinner slate of properties for sale in many cities as banks take a measured approach to placing homes on the market.
Contracts to buy homes hit two-year high during July; shortage of homes in the West
WASHINGTON (AP) - Americans signed the most contracts to buy homes in July than at any other point in the last two years, further evidence of a housing recovery.
REFRIGERATOR MAKEOVER
The new school year is upon us and with it comes hectic schedules and harried mornings that make weekdays a mad dash. With school lunches to make, snacks to prepare and evening meals to plan, getting out the door on time can be a challenge. Having the house in order and a few things made ahead of time can be a huge convenience that means a world of difference in those time-crunched minutes.
The shadow inventory & the bogey man
Does the bogey man exist?
Realtors honor Joaquin, Romero
RIPON - The Central Valley Association of Realtors (CVAR) held their annual awards luncheon on July 25 at Spring Creek Golf & Country Club. Awards were given for "Masters Club" which honors top agents in the area based on sales volume. Also awarded were the Realtor & Affiliate of the Year awards for each respective council of CVAR.
Property unsalable until recurring defect is fixed
DEAR BENNY: I am the owner of a house that has flooded repeatedly over the past eight years. It is paid off. I want to pull the equity out of the property and walk away from it. How do I best approach this task? I have considerable cash assets that I do not want to put at risk.
New-home sales rise to match 2-year high
WASHINGTON (AP) - Sales of new homes in the United States rose 3.6 percent in July to match a two-year high reached in May, the latest sign of a steady recovery in the housing market.
Average on 30-year US mortgage up to 3.66%
WASHINGTON (AP) - Average U.S. rates on fixed mortgages have risen for a fourth straight week, remaining slightly above record lows. Cheap mortgages have helped fuel a modest housing recovery this year.
Trulia files for $75 million initial public offering
NEW YORK (AP) - Trulia Inc., which operates the real estate website Trulia.com, on Friday filed for an initial public offering that could raise up to $75 million.
Articles by Section - HOME SCENE
100-YEAR-OLD CRAFTSMAN
PASADENA . (AP) - My love of 100-year-old California Craftsman bungalows - those low-slung, early 20th century Arts and Crafts-era homes known for their clean, horizontal lines and sturdy woodwork - runs long and deep.
Curb energy loss with renovation investments
While homeowners may not immediately think of their attic as a major source of energy loss, the reality is that as much as 25 percent of the energy lost in the average American home occurs there. As the weather begins to get cooler, you may be inclined to increase the thermostat to maintain a warm and comfortable home. However, air leakage, caused by numerous gaps and cracks throughout your home's infrastructure, particularly the attic, can cause your HVAC equipment to work overtime and place a strain on your wallet every month.
6 design trends to make your home’s style in 2015
As the new year kicks off, it's the premier time to refresh and refocus on certain aspects of your life ... and the home is no exception. Say goodbye to lackluster interiors as renowned interior designer and DIY television personality, Taniya Nayak, has forecasted the top trends for 2015 that will be sure to enhance and revive any home.
Pending home sales rise slightly
WASHINGTON (AP) - The number of Americans signing contracts to buy homes rose modestly in November as a strengthening economy helped nudge some would-be homebuyers.
Average 30-year mortgage edges up
WASHINGTON (AP) - Average U.S. mortgage rates rose slightly this week but the benchmark 30-year low remained very close to the 19-month low hit last week.
Reverse mortgage can help seniors
Americans have learned a tough lesson: Your home is not your piggy bank. However, there is a reward for those who did build equity in their homes: In their senior years, their home can provide a monthly stream of tax-free income, or a lump sum of cash to spend as they wish, while remaining safely in their home. Or it can provide a source of financing for a new, smaller home.
FLAT TOPS TO McMANSIONS
It's little wonder that Ozzie was joined by Harriet in the work world.
What to look for in renovations
The kitchen is the focal point of any home. It's a place where you eat, congregate and celebrate life's big moments. If you are an empty-nester looking for the kitchen of your dreams, a parent seeking to match your kitchen to your growing family or you simply feel inspired to change things for the better, it's time to stop dreaming and start planning.
STAYING PUT
When considering a home renovation, think outside the box for design inspiration and setting the overall tone.
Simple steps for protecting your home during holidays
When you think of the holidays, celebrations, presents and friends likely come to mind - not crime. Unfortunately, burglaries increase at this time of year, and your home could be a target. With a few simple safety precautions, you can protect your property, your family and your valuables now and well into the new year.
Surprising big ticket bargains you can find at holiday time
Bargain hunting is practically a sport, especially during the holiday shopping season. Deloitte's 2014 annual holiday survey predicts the average American will drop nearly $1,300 this holiday season. With that level of spending in mind, planning to save real money elsewhere is crucial to managing a household's bottom line.
Creating the perfect porch can be simple, low-maintenance
Your porch should be a warm, welcoming outdoor living space that offers comfort and helps make a house a home. Whether you want to remodel your porch from the ground up, or just give it a refreshing new look and feel, it's easier than you think to create a perfect porch.
Timeless, trendy? Achieve both in your home decor
Are you looking for ways to update your home this new year? With so many fresh interior ideas available, it can be difficult to balance current design trends with classic styles for a look that is both of-the-moment and everlasting. Follow these guidelines to find a way to blend now and forever for a look you will love today and tomorrow.
Average 30-year loan rate falls to 3.80%
WASHINGTON (AP) - Average U.S. long-term mortgage rates fell this week, with the benchmark 30-year loan rate reaching a new low for the year.
Home starts drop 1.6% in November
WASHINGTON (AP) - Construction of new homes fell slightly in November, reflecting weakness in construction of single-family homes.
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