Home prices continue to rise across the country

US home prices rose by 4.9% in April

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8 steps to take before buying your first home

To help overcome the imitating homebuying process, the Independent Community Bankers of America offered the following eight suggestions for perspective first-time homebuyers.

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3 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE APPLYING FOR A HOME LOAN

When it comes to buying a house, you don’t want to get in over your head financially, say the experts. These three questions can help you determine if you’re ready financially to take the plunge into home ownership.

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To downsize or not to downsize: The retiree's question

Many boomers may decide to downsize their large multi-level houses in retirement, while others may hang onto their homes for family gatherings and passing on to children. What's the right move for you?

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How to Make Sure Your Mortgage Doesn't Get Nuked at the Last Minute

You might have heard the horror stories from homebuyers about mortgage companies dropping the ball just before the sale closes. But there are ways to anticipate the changes before they happen. 

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Existing-Home Sales Bounce Back Strongly in May as First-time Buyers Return

Fueled partly by an increase in the share of sales to first-time buyers, existing-home sales increased in May to their highest pace in nearly six years, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

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8 Reasons Not to Set a Home Price High

Setting a listing price too high above market value in hopes of getting a higher sales price for your home can backfire.

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12 Cheap Summer Projects That Make Your Home Feel New

Home maintenance is like housework, flossing and exercise: Work it into your routine, because the penalties are worse than the jobs themselves.

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5 irrational — and expensive — mistakes people make when shopping for a home

Buyers should be aware of emotional mistakes many of their peers make.

Here are five common errors, with advice on how to avoid making them.

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Midyear Report: The Housing Market Is on Track for Its Best Year Since 2006 (and It Ain’t a Bubble)

Consumers can clearly see that affordability is going down for real, so those who are ready and able to buy are searching for homes, looking at listings, visiting open houses, applying for mortgages, and signing contracts.  MORE: http://ow.ly/Om6uW  #EstatesByTheBeach #Half2Charity

10 Terms First-Time Homebuyers Should Know

Applying for a mortgage is easier when you learn how to talk to lenders.


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Are Home Warranties Worth the Money?

If you've bought a home recently, you may have purchased or received a home warranty. However, consumers frequently expect more from these plans than they deliver.

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3 Strategic Moves for Competitive Buyers

Here are three strategies for making an offer that sellers will pounce on. 

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Americans' Housing Optimism Gains More Momentum

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Share of Consumers Saying 'Good Time to Sell' Reaches New Survey High.

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The Real Cost of Cat$ and Dog$

How much is that doggy (or kitty) in the window? Owning a pet is a lifetime commitment.

Pets are always going to need you – and they’re always going to cost you.

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The True Costs of Owning a Pool

But before you dive in (pun intended), consider these financial implications of a swimming pool.

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Consumers Can’t Void Second Mortgage In Bankruptcy, SCOTUS Rules

Consumers taking out a second mortgage will now have to consider the fact that if they encounter financial difficulties and file for bankruptcy, they won’t be able to strip off the additional loan obligation.

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The Surprising Thing Home Buyers Care About More than Schools

The survey of 2,000 Americans found that 60% rank good school districts as important, compared to 76% who called out...

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Not Buying a Home Could Cost You $65,000 a Year

Renters are missing out on savings in most metros.

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