Archive By Section - HOME SCENE
How low can they go? 30-year mortgage now at record low 3.53%
WASHINGTON (AP) - Average rates on fixed mortgages fell again this week to record lows, creating more incentive for buyers to enter the recovering housing market.
Foreclosure hits older Americans harder than most
WASHINGTON (AP) - More than 1.5 million older Americans already have lost their homes, with millions more at risk as the national housing crisis takes its toll on those who are among the worst positioned to weather the storm, a new AARP report says.
Now’s the time to put safeguards in against new home flipping
Looking back at flipping in 2005 it is amazing that the housing market collapse wasn't worse.
USDA spends millions to stimulate rural housing ownership numbers
BEMIDJI, Minn. (AP) - Kjell Thompson has long dreamed of owning her own home, but until recently she thought it out of her reach.
Cook up a whole new look for your kitchen is easy
We spend hours in the kitchen socializing, keeping the family organized, and, of course, cooking and eating. As the center of the home's activities, the kitchen should be as fun as it is functional. With just a few supplies and a free weekend, you can cook up a whole new look for your kitchen.
Daring creativity blooms in floral decor
A little black dress, a great pair of jeans and a leather jacket - some styles never go out of fashion. Some elements of home decor share that same sense of timelessness, and none more so than a simple floral theme.
No limit to amount HOAs can charge
DEAR BENNY: My homeowners association fees are of great concern to me, since I am on a limited income. The monthly fees are $399, and this, combined with my mortgage payments of nearly $1,400, creates a burden. I have been a widow since 1973 and am, of course, a "retired" senior with no retirement income benefits.
Upgrading to your dream home
The real estate market is still in a state of limbo, which has many homeowners staying in place and looking for ways to make their current abode the most comfortable it can be. Real estate agents expect the market to continue to be flat in 2012, according to ActiveRain Corp, a real estate social network. Because they're not selling, homeowners are looking at remodeling rooms, changing out decorating schemes and in some cases, even adding on to the home.
Teberg and team sweep landscape design awards at Alameda County Fair
Eric Teberg was taking his good friend, Joan Collins, to the doctor in Sacramento when he received the good news.
Foreclosures on market could swell in early 2013
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Banks are increasingly placing homes with unpaid mortgages on a countdown that could deliver a swell of new foreclosed properties onto the market by early next year, potentially weighing further on home values.
30-year mortgage rate drops to record 3.56%
WASHINGTON (AP) - Average U.S. rates on fixed mortgages fell again to record lows, giving would-be buyers more incentive to brave the housing market.
California adopts law on 'abusive' home lending
LOS ANGELES (AP) - California has a new law to stop what Gov. Jerry Brown calls abusive home lending tactics.
Underwater? It isn’t a financial disaster if you can make payments
One in five homes nationally is underwater.
Save time and energy with tips for smart home improvement
The weather is warm and the sun is shining, making it the perfect time to start your home improvement projects. Whether it's a little tidying up, or a full-on home repair, some tips will help you complete your projects without a lot of headaches.
Buying a home: prepare by getting finances in order
For those considering buying a home, the current real estate market presents some unique opportunities. One of the side effects of the economic roller coaster ride of the past few years is that home prices have gone down and more homes have gone on the market. For buyers, that means more choices and better deals. However, those same tumultuous years also can also teach buyers a lesson: Make smart buying decisions and be wise with your finances.
Articles by Section - HOME SCENE
Average 30-year mortgage rate up to 4.20 percent
WASHINGTON (AP) - Average U.S. rates on fixed mortgages rose this week for a second straight week but remained near historic lows.
Four real estate tips for buyers, sellers
The real estate market heats up when the weather does, and spring and summer are traditionally the most active seasons for home sales. This year, industry experts predict that home prices will continue to rise and, with mortgage rates remaining low, the spring and summer real estate season will be competitive for both buyers and sellers.
Got extra pounds? Blame next door foreclosure
Gain a couple of pounds since 2006?
$100K+ HELOC LOANS
Despite record-low interest rates, monthly mortgage payments may double for more than 1 million American homeowners. That's because a decade ago they opted for "interest-only" loans or home equity lines of credit. But most of those loans were structured to reset after 10 years - at which time the loan would require payment of both principal and interest.
A sure-footed way to choose new flooring
When spring-cleaning uncovers a worn floor it may be time to consider purchasing a new one, especially if you're selling your home in the near future. A new floor, like refreshed paint and updated fixtures, makes a home more enjoyable to live in as well as more marketable.
Perk up your home with bright & bold patterns
Give your home an energy shot this spring with bright colors and bold patterns.
Create inviting outdoor spaces for entertaining
From barbecues and games of bocce to parties and candlelit dinners, your outdoor space can be a hub for entertaining friends and family.
Opening the door to space & privacy is easy
Homeowners, builders and remodelers are always looking for innovative and new ways to enhance existing spaces during home makeovers and room renovations.
A GEM ON EMERALD
Homes priced under $304,000 that are ready-to-move-in and don't require major work such as new roofs, kitchen upgrades or bathroom repairs are moving relatively briskly in Manteca.
5 new ways to update your home with wood
Wood may be known for its timeless visual appeal, but there's nothing static about the way people showcase it in American homes. Designers, homeowners and DIYers are re-discovering the warmth and beauty of wood. From inventive new uses to re-interpretations of existing styles, they're finding creative ways to use wood throughout the home.
Finding balance: creating functional family spaces
Let's face it - life is busy. And one of the byproducts of a busy life is a cluttered house. With piles of paper coming home from school and toys creating obstacle courses in the family room, parents may wonder how they'll ever take back control of the house. A few experts share their ideas for doing just that.
Coast to coast: 2014’s top outdoor home living trends
From genteel porches in the East to sleek, seaside balconies in the West, the popularity of outdoor living spaces is poised for significant growth from coast to coast with industry analysts predicting it will be a $5.7 billion market by 2016. Reinforcing these projections, 63 percent of architects cite an outdoor living space as the most popular "special function room" in housing construction, according to the American Institute of Architects. What's more, the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association reports that homebuilders list decks among the top three features most requested with new home buys.
Home prices rise at slower rate
WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. home prices rose in March, but the gains are decelerating as fewer Americans can afford to buy.
New home sales rose 6.4 percent
WASHINGTON (AP) - Sales of U.S. new homes recovered in April after slumping in the previous two months. But Americans are still buying new homes at a slower pace than they did a year ago.
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