After shopping for a home, tired buyers often make poor mortgage choices - 06/23/10 12:31 PM
New research suggests buyers applying for mortgage loans immediately after house hunting often make poor choices-sometimes selecting the first loan option presented, regardless of the terms with which it is associated.
KEEP THIS IN MIND
• The research, conducted by two George Washington University instructors, found "cognitive resource depletion" to be a determining factor in why some borrowers make poor choices in selecting a home loan. Cognitive resource depletion implies willpower is a limited resource that can be exhausted. The study suggests the depletion of willpower may be one reason borrowers choose loan products such as pick-a-pay mortgages, interest-only loans, loans … (0 comments)

Foreign Investors Look to U.S. - 06/13/10 02:28 PM
Foreign investor interest in U.S. real estate grew sharply in the fourth quarter of 2009, according to the latest survey by the Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate.  More than half of the respondents (51%) believe U.S. real estate provides the best opportunity for capital appreciation, up from 37% in 2008 and 26% in 07.  The United Kingdom ranks second for expected capital appreciation with votes from 30% of respondents, followed by China with 10%.
Washington, D.C., & New York City rank highest among U.S. cities thought to offer the best investment opportunities, followed by San Francisco, Boston and Los Angeles.  … (0 comments)

Preparing Your Home For Sale: Fix It! - 06/05/10 12:45 PM
Before placing your house on the market, make as many repairs and improvements as you can.  It will be worth it.  "New" and "just replaced" are the magic words to attract home buyers.
Steam clean or replace carpet, fix loose door knobs and railings, make sure windows and doors open and close easily.  Apply a fresh coat of paint where needed.
But you may find yourself deliberating over larger problems.  Should you replace the crumbing driveway? Buy new kitchen appliances? Refinish the floors?  Big repairs cost more time and money.  You could simply disclose the problem and let the buyer deal … (1 comments)

 

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