General News - Real Estate, Updates, News & Tips

2019 Mortgage Rates were Lowest in Nearly 50 Years

The interest rate for the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.9% for 2019, the fourth lowest annual average since 1971, according to Freddie Mac. For 2020, Freddie’s outlook mirrors that of the real estate industry’s top economists, who discussed their predictions at the National Association of REALTORS®’ first-ever Real Estate Forecast Summit earlier this month: Low mortgage rates and an improving economy will help drive

Read More

Welcome to the Team Terry Chima Dealing the Sacramento Area

iProcurrently deals throughout the states of California, Texas,Florida, and New York. We continue to strive and broadenopportunities for real estate professionals and consumers. Visit iprore.com for the latestinformation and links.Click here for information on becoming a salesperson.

Read More

How the Next Decade will Influence Home Design

Off-trend may become the new trend in interior home design in the new year. Bigger, bolder statements are coming in favor over all-white or neutral interiors. Forbes.com recently interviewed interior and furniture designers to find out the hottest looks they expect to emerge over the next decade.Statement lighting. Lighting fixtures aren’t just for brightening a room; they also make a bold statement. You don’t need to add in extra wiring

Read More

New-Home Sales Surge to 12-Year High

More home shoppers purchased newly constructed homes in November, bringing new-home sales to their best three-month performance since 2007, the U.S. Commerce Department reported Monday. Economists credit low mortgage rates, low unemployment, and strong income growth for the sales uptick.Sales of new single-family homes increased 1.3% to an annualized pace of 719,000 in November. “Fueled by the limited number of resales available for purchase, l

Read More

A Clean Chimney is Good not only for Santa

A regular inspection of the chimney not only can ensure your fireplace is venting properly but also protect you against a house fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.During the holidays, chimney businesses notice an uptick in service calls. These businesses use wire and nylon brushes to clean creosote buildup out of chimneys. Creosote, a byproduct from burning wood, is highly flammable and can increase the risk of a house fire if it’s not reg

Read More

Average Credit Scores Surge to 8-Year High

Americans are boosting their credit scores, which bodes well for applicants seeking a mortgage to snag the lowest rates. The average credit score hit its highest level since 2011, reaching 682--two points higher than a year ago, Experian reports in its State of Credit report. Consumers also are taking on more mortgage debt than a year ago, and delinquency rates are decreasing too.“We’re seeing a promising trend in terms of how Americans are m

Read More

Mortgage Rates Hold Steady this Week

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.73%, unchanged from a week ago, Freddie Mac reports.“The economy continued to pick up momentum with a solid increase in residential construction, improvement in industrial output in our nation’s factories and a rise in job openings,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “While the economy is in a sweet spot, improvements in housing market sales volumes will be modest heading into nex

Read More

Housing Affordability Slips as Home Prices Continue to Surge

Despite historically low mortgage rates, housing affordability fell slightly in October compared to the previous month, the National Association of REALTORS®’ Housing Affordability Index shows. However, NAR notes, housing affordability conditions have improved compared to a year ago.Home prices are continuing to rise faster than incomes and that prompted housing affordability to fall in October compared to September int here of the four major

Read More

November Sales Slip Not Indicative of Larger Trend

Existing-home sales decreased in November, offsetting October’s gains. But Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of REALTORS®, says there’s no reason to believe the drop indicates a lasting downward trend heading into the new year.Total existing-home sales—completed transactions for single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and co-ops—slipped 1.7% in November, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.35 million,

Read More

‘Jewel Box’ Homes Become Hot Trend in Luxury Sector

More luxury homeowners are being drawn to “jewel box” homes, smaller footprints that are souped-up with amenities and upscale, deluxe finishes, The Wall Street Journal reports.The number of new luxury homes of 3,000 square feet or less has jumped nearly 20% since 2013. That has corresponded to a decrease in large, high-priced homes, according to data from Home Innovation Research Labs, a subsidiary of the National Association of Home Builder

Read More

This website includes images sourced from third party websites including Adobe, Getty Images, and as otherwise noted.