home buying: 3 Green and Gorgeous Trends in Home Design - 02/06/19 02:00 PM
These days, people want energy-efficient homes that look great. To answer the call of passionate environmentalists, developer are rising to the occasion and designing home features that minimize waste, save energy and reuse reclaimed materials. The results are gorgeous, green homes that help move the sustainable living trend forward.
Hidden Solar Panels
Solar panels are a great way to save energy, but not everyone loves the optics. A series of solar panels on the roof may save you money on your utilities, but it can detract from the natural shape of your home. As an alternative, innovative in-roof solar panels are installed level … (0 comments)

home buying: Differences Between A Short Sale And A Foreclosure - 02/05/19 04:24 PM
If you’re looking to get a non-traditional deal on a new home purchase, you may encounter either a short sale or a foreclosure. These two terms refer to sales that are not usual. As a homebuyer, it’s important to understand the differences between them and how each one might affect your buying experience.
What’s A Short Sale?
A short sale is a situation where the owner has a strong motivation to hurry up and sell their home. In so doing, they’re willing to sell for less than what they owe on the house. Homeowners have a variety of reasons why they might do … (0 comments)

home buying: Case-Shiller: Home Prices Lower in November - 01/31/19 12:53 PM
Home price growth continued to struggle in November, with Case-Shiller’s 20-City Home Price Index moving from October’s reading of 5.30 percent annual growth to 5.20 percent growth in November. This was the lowest reading since January 2015.
Las Vegas, Nevada remained first in home price growth rate with a year-over-year home prices growth of 12 percent. Phoenix, Arizona’s year-over-year home price growth rate was 8.10 percent and Seattle, Washington held third place with a year-over-year home price growth rate of 6.30 percent.
Las Vegas’ large year-over-year growth in home prices was attributed to the city’s ongoing recovery from the recession when home prices … (0 comments)

home buying: Is a Hard Money Loan the Right Strategy for You? - 01/30/19 12:25 PM
When used as a part of an effective real estate investment strategy, hard money loans are an excellent tool to quickly increase holdings without risking existing properties. However, these loans aren’t for everyone.
What investors get the most value from hard money loans?
Investors With Less-Than-Stellar Credit
Investors with credit challenges can qualify more easily for hard money loans. That’s because these loans aren’t based on the borrower. While you will have to prove a measure of creditworthiness, hard money lenders are more interested in the property you plan to buy. If you default on your payments, the lending bank simply takes possession of … (0 comments)

home buying: Auction 101: Bidding On Your First Property - 01/29/19 02:10 PM
With the right combination of strategy, knowledge, and luck, flipping houses can create big profits for short-term investors. However, your path to success starts at your first auction.
For first-timers who are intimidated by their lack of experience at public auctions, follow these steps to ease the confusion of your first property purchase.
Locate Auctions In Your Area
Finding live auctions is as simple as an internet search. Websites run by government agencies list homes that have been seized due to tax liens or foreclosures. Try searching databases maintained by:
Fannie Mae The FDIC The US Department of Housing and Urban Development Another option … (0 comments)

home buying: What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 28th, 2019 - 01/28/19 07:40 AM
Last week’s economic news included readings on sales of previously owned homes and weekly readings on average mortgage rates and new jobless claims. A scheduled report on sales of new homes was not available due to the government shutdown.
National Association of Realtors®: Sales of Pre-Owned Homes Lowest in 3 Years
Sales of previously owned homes fell in December and failed to meet expectations. 4.99 million pre-owned homes were sold on a seasonally-adjusted annual basis; analysts predicted 5.10 million sales based on 5.33 million sales in November 2018. December’s reading showed the lowest number of sales since November of 2015.
Sales of previously-owned homes … (1 comments)

home buying: 4 Signs You’re Going To Need A Bigger House - 01/18/19 12:27 PM
There comes a time in every young homeowner’s life when they need a bigger house. When you buy a starter home, it’s unlikely that will be your forever home. But how do you know when it’s time to spend the time and effort to upgrade to a larger home?
Here are four signs you’re gonna need a bigger house!
1. You Have To Move Stuff To Get To Other Stuff
In a house where there is enough room for everything, you can move freely and access all your things without having to rearrange furniture. If you find yourself constantly pushing other things aside in … (0 comments)

home buying: Strategies For Buying And Selling A Home At The Same Time - 01/16/19 01:26 PM
If you’re already a homeowner and you’re getting ready to buy a new home, you know it’s tricky to buy and sell a home at the same time. There are lots of questions about how to handle this scenario. What if your old home doesn’t sell quickly?
Will you have to make two mortgage payments? What if you sell and the new owners want to move in before you close on your new home?
Depending on your situation, here are some strategies available to you.
Get A Bridge Loan
If you find yourself facing more than one mortgage payment – one on your old house … (0 comments)

home buying: 4 House “Flaws” You Can Safely Disregard - 01/16/19 01:24 PM
When you walk through a house with your real estate agent, you’re seeing if you and your family would be happy living there. But you’re also probably looking for signs of trouble that might spell big expenses later on. Be careful, though. It’s important to see the “bones” of the house rather than focusing on minor issues.
Here are four flaws you can safely disregard.
1. Stained Carpet
Stained carpet is more an indication of the owner’s poor cleaning habits than of any real problems with the house. It’s so easy to replace carpeting that it’s not worth even paying attention to when you’re … (0 comments)

home buying: What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 14th, 2019 - 01/14/19 11:05 AM
Last week’s economic reports included remarks by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, readings on inflation and core inflation. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and first-tome jobless claims were also released. If the government shutdown continues, it is expected to impact release dates for readings from federal government agencies.
Federal Reserve Watches and Waits on Interest Rates as Inflation Slows
Fed Chair Jerome Powell said that the Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve will “wait and see” about raising the target federal funds rate this year. Chairman Powell spoke at a discussion hosed by the Economic Club of Washington, D.C. Mr. Powell … (1 comments)

home buying: 3 Tips To Save For A Down Payment - 01/10/19 02:06 PM
Saving up for a down payment can feel overwhelming. Most people have never saved up the kind of money it takes for a down payment. It can be done, though. The goal is to put 20% down on a house. This is what it takes if you don’t want to have to pay private mortgage insurance every month.
However, you don’t have to absolutely put 20% down. Some mortgage programs, such as VA and FHA loans, let borrowers put down as little as zero down or about 3.5% down. There are extra requirements with any kind of mortgage you get, so be … (1 comments)

home buying: Top 5 Ways To Pick A High Quality Real Estate Agent - 01/09/19 11:36 AM
Your real estate agent can be the difference between a successful home buy and a bad purchase. Take a look at the characteristics of a good real estate agent and how you should vet your next partner in real estate.
Patience
Does the real estate agent immediately tell you to give up your rights to audit a home for a quicker sale? You may want to move on. The best real estate agents realize how big of a commitment a home is, and they are willing to walk you through the process at whatever pace you are comfortable with.
Localized Knowledge
There are major differences … (1 comments)

home buying: What Happens After Your Offer Is Accepted? - 01/09/19 11:34 AM
When you make an offer on a home, you wait anxiously to see if it will be accepted. Sometimes you’re lucky enough to hear back within hours. Other times you could wait days or even weeks.
But once you get that good news that your offer has been accepted, what happens next? It’s a common question, and one that your real estate agent can help you with. In general though, here’s what you can expect.
There’s A Home Inspection
A home inspection needs to be conducted in order to assess the condition of the home for financing needs. This is a stage where some … (0 comments)

home buying: What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 7th, 2019 - 01/07/19 07:59 AM
Last week’s economic reports included Labor Department readings on private and public sector jobs, the national unemployment rate. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims were also released. Monthly reporting on construction spending was delayed due to the government shutdown.
Public and Private-Sector Jobs Growth Exceeds Expectations
ADP reported 271private sector jobs added in December as compared to 157,000 jobs added in November. Analysts expected 182,000 jobs added for December and said that December’s reading was the highest number of jobs added in almost two years. Large companies added 54,000 jobs, medium sized companies added 129,000 jobs and small companies added … (0 comments)

home buying: Should You Buy A Fixer Upper Or Move-In Ready Home? - 01/04/19 11:35 AM
There’s a lot to be said for buying a move-in ready home. All you have to do is put your things away and start living your life. On the other hand, buying a fixer upper has its advantages, too. You can get a great bargain on a fixer upper home. So which one should you choose?
Here are some things to consider.
You Can Easily Afford To Buy What You Want
If money is no object, then a move-in ready home is the best choice. You’ll be able to get exactly the home you want with little or no effort decorating it the way … (1 comments)

home buying: 5 First Steps For New Homeowners - 01/03/19 01:08 PM
As a new homeowner, now is the time to take control and organize your house for safety and security. The following first five steps should be carried out in the first few weeks if possible.
1. Change The Locks
There’s no way of knowing if the previous owners gave copies of the house keys to a friend, neighbor or cleaning staff. The very first thing you should do when you take ownership is to re-key the locks on all the doors, including the garage and any outbuildings there may be on the property.
Alternatively, you can install brand new locks. Either way, a locksmith … (1 comments)

home buying: Case-Shiller: Home Price Growth Grinds to Lowest Rate in 2 Years - 01/02/19 11:15 AM
Home prices rose by 0.40 percent in October according to Case-Shiller’s 20-City Home Price Index and were unchanged from September’s year-over-year reading of 5.50 percent growth.
Slower growth in home prices could help some would-be home buyers enter the market, but rapidly rising mortgage rates have sidelined buyers concerned with affordability and meeting strict mortgage lending requirements.
High Mortgage Rates Stifle Demand for Homes
October’s year-over-year reading for home price growth was the lowest in two years, but home price growth continued to exceed wage increases; builders continued to face labor shortages and higher materials costs. Rising mortgage rates were a major cause of … (1 comments)

home buying: What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 31st, 2018 - 12/31/18 06:27 AM
Last week’s economic reports included readings from Case-Shiller Housing Market Indices, National Association of Realtors® on pending home sales and weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims.  
The Commerce Department’s reading on sales of new homes was delayed due to the federal government’s shutdown.
Case-Shiller: Home Price Growth Lowest in Two Years
Home price growth was nearly nil with October’s month-to-month reading of 0.40 percent; The Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index showed a year-over-year home price growth rate of 5.50 percent, which matched September’s year-over-year reading. Las Vegas, Nevada led home price growth in the 20-city index with a year-over-year increase … (0 comments)

home buying: How Tech Can Change the Real Estate Process - 12/28/18 01:13 PM
Virtual reality, artificial intelligence and drone video are just a few of the ways that technology is changing the real estate industry. If you are in the market for a property, understanding these new processes can help you in many ways.
Using Artificial Intelligence
Doing business with an AI-infused process helps you more quickly identify properties that meet your standards. AI also reduces human error in the closing process. Agents using AI can get you more information about properties more quickly, and they can also cut the fat out of the close, possibly saving you money.
Using Virtual Reality
Taking a virtual reality tour of … (2 comments)

home buying: 4 Reasons Why Home Ownership Is Better Than Renting - 12/27/18 11:55 AM
Are you trying to decide if you should rent or buy? There are many reasons why home ownership is better than renting. Here are just a few to consider when you’re making your decision.
1. Stability For Your Family
When you own your home, the life of your family will be more stable. If you have children, this is a an even more valuable benefit. Your kids will be able to settle down into the routine of school and extracurricular activities. They’ll be able to make lifelong friends in the neighborhood. You and your spouse will be able to feel a strong sense … (0 comments)

 
Joe Gonzalez, NMLS# 126036 (610) 739-6563 (CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC NMLS #3029)

Joe Gonzalez

NMLS# 126036 (610) 739-6563

King of Prussia, PA

More about me…

CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC NMLS #3029

Address: 625 W. Ridge Pike, Building C, Suite 100, Conshohocken, PA, 19428

Office: 610.355.8039

Mobile: 610.739.6563

Real Estate & Finance News and Tips That Make a Difference


Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog