An earlier released Fannie Mae National Housing Survey for the third quarter of 2011 showed Americans still value home ownership, but for varying reasons.  They survey asked questions concerning today's housing market. Principal Reasons in Buying a Home The surveyed showed four key reasons … [Read more...]

Tank-less, or on-demand, Hot Water Heaters have been popular in Europe and Japan for years. And they are starting to attract more attention in North America. Tank-less heaters are small wall-mounted units that can be fueled by gas or electricity, producing hot water only on demand. When a hot water … [Read more...]

At this point in December, it can start to feel like the New Year - along with all our hopes, dreams, wishes and expectations for it - are barreling down on us. Personally, I'm a rabid Resolution-setter, and I have a pretty strong track record of making New Year's changes actually happen - and … [Read more...]

There is more and more research coming out showing that it makes great financial sense to purchase a home in today's market. Whether it is looked at through "rent vs. buy ratios," "income-to-price ratios" or "income-to-mortgage payment ratios," purchasing a home right now is a bargain compared to … [Read more...]

Since 2000 real estate or home ownership has still outperformed on average the DOW (+6.7%), the S&P (-12%), and the NASDAQ (-30%). Real estate's Return On Investment (ROI) as compared to the DOW, S&P, and the NASDAQ  would be +43%.   Clearly, home ownership or real estate investment … [Read more...]

There have been a growing number of reports announcing the death of American homeownership over the last two years. Some have said we are evolving into a rental society and even challenge the long standing belief that homeownership should be a part of the American Dream. They look at the falling … [Read more...]

Owning a home allows you and your family a stable environment. You become part of a neighborhood and community with a sense of belonging. With renting, neighbors come and go, but homeowners tend to stay longer in their neighborhoods and establish longer-term relationships. Many people enter the … [Read more...]

If we want to make the right financial decisions in our lives, we could rely on the same resources the wealthy read. Different iconic financial resources say the same thing: TIME TO BUY A HOME! Here are all four well-known financial resources. Wall Street Journal: It's Time to Buy That … [Read more...]

Lately the federal government has been reconsidering their involvement in the home mortgage practice. Although they plan to still assure certain mortgages, they seem to be redefining what they might consider a ‘qualified' borrower. Here they are looking at stricter lending guidelines in these … [Read more...]

A monthly index that tracks pending sales of U.S. resale homes rose in September compared to a year ago, while falling on a month-to-month basis, the National Association of REALTORS® reported today. Also today, NAR released its latest forecast report for 2011 and 2012, revising up an earlier … [Read more...]