Lee Morof's Real Estate Blog

For many people, their biggest monthly bill is their mortgage payment. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that there are a lot of people who are looking for ways to reduce their monthly mortgage payment. The positive news is that there are several ways to do so.

By putting some of these tips to use, everyone can find a way to pay less every month on their mortgage, helping them save money for other expenses such as a new car, college expenses, or that next vacation.

Shop Around Before Getting A Mortgage

For those who are still in the process of buying a home, it is a great idea to shop around and see what the options are. Even though there are rates advertised in the industry, it is always a smart idea to visit multiple potential lenders and see what they are offering. Then, with multiple offers in hand, it might be possible to leverage the offers against each other to see if they are willing to come down on their interest rates. This can help people reduce their monthly mortgage payment.

Put More Money Down

This is the most direct way that someone can lower their monthly mortgage payments. Even though this is a zero-sum game (taking more money out of the bank account and paying it sooner), this will directly reduce the monthly mortgage payment. Furthermore, this could get a lender to reduce the interest that he or she is charging, which could help homeowners save more money overall.

Refinance An Existing Mortgage To A Lower Rate

Finally, it is also possible for people to refinance an existing mortgage to a lower interest rate. This can help people who already have a mortgage save money by essentially replacing their old loan with a new one, accompanied by a lower monthly mortgage payment. Refinancing could also help people pay off their mortgage sooner.

Save Money On Monthly Mortgage Payments

These are a few of the top tips that everyone can follow to make sure they save money on their monthly mortgage payments. By shopping around, putting more money down, and refinancing an existing mortgage, everyone has the opportunity to save money on their monthly bills.

Are you getting ready to sell your home? As soon as your listing goes live you’ll begin entertaining potential buyers who will be inspecting your home from top to bottom to ensure it meets their needs perfectly. Your bathrooms will be a key area of focus and you might be surprised to learn that the look and feel of these small rooms can make or break a sale.

In today’s blog post we’ll share three quick tips for renovating or upgrading your bathrooms to freshen up their look before potential buyers start viewing your home.

Clean Your Bathroom Out and Start Fresh

Before you begin, take a close look at your bathroom. Is there wallpaper on the walls? Are the sinks and faucets a bit dated and stained? Does the bathtub have a crack in it or is there some discoloration in the tiles or grout?

If your bathroom hasn’t been renovated in the past few years, there’s a good chance that the entire room needs a top-to-bottom overhaul. Clean all of the fixtures, materials, cabinets and even that dated flooring out and start from scratch.

Choose Your Color Palette Wisely

Before you begin you’ll want to have some sort of color palette in mind. Does the bathroom receive some sort of direct sunlight? Is there a skylight or a window in the room? Is there a color theme in other rooms in the house that you’ll need to match up with? Having some color ideas in mind will greatly assist with painting and adding shower curtains, mats, towels and more.

Don’t Skimp on Fixtures and Accessories

Remember that you’re selling the home and that you’re likely to recoup some or all of the costs of your bathroom renovations in the form of a bump in your selling price. Don’t buy cheap faucets or fixtures as buyers will be looking closely and they’ll want to ensure they’re buying a home that has quality building materials used throughout. If you’re going to upgrade your bathrooms, use materials that are high-quality but avoid anything too luxurious unless it fits with the rest of the decor.

Breathing some new life in to your bathrooms won’t break the bank, but it might just help secure your home sale. For more tips and strategies on how to ensure a quick and successful sale, contact your local real estate agent today.

There are lots of people who have heard that one of the top ways to ensure the best mortgage rate possible is to refinance. At the same time, it is critical to make sure that this process is planned out accordingly.

Therefore, there are a few steps that everyone has to follow to make sure they are able to handle the mortgage refinancing process in a smooth manner that leads to the best rate possible.

Ask If A Refinance Is The Right Step

There are a lot of people who assume that a mortgage refinance is a financial win; however, it is important to keep the added costs in mind. For example, the refinancing process is going to lead to another closing. When this happens, there are going to be closing costs that must be considered.

Therefore, the refinancing process could lead to a higher mortgage payment if the money saved on interest payments is not enough to offset these costs.

Check The Credit Score First

Many people get lured into the refinance process by looking at low mortgage interest rates and assuming they are going to qualify for them; however, this is not always the case. Only the people with the top credit scores are able to qualify for these low rates. Therefore, everyone needs to take a look at their credit score and make sure that their credit report has been cleaned up. This is the only way that people are going to be able to qualify for these low rates.

Talk To A Trained Professional

Finally, many people are going to be going through the refinance process for the first time. It is important to work with a trained professional who can walk everyone through this process, ensuring that they know what they are doing as the process unfolds. This can go a long way toward ensuring that everyone has a successful refinancing experience.

Go Through The Right Steps

Following these steps can maximize everyone’s chances of making sure they end up with a refinance that works for them. By planning out the process ahead of time, everyone can go through the steps they need to make sure that the refinancing process proceeds as smoothly as possible.

Last week’s economic reporting included readings on inflation, retail sales, and consumer sentiment. Weekly readings on average mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released.

Inflation Rate Slows as Retail Sales Increase

Inflation rose 0.20 percent in September, which was the slowest growth rate in four months. Analysts credited the rise in consumer prices to less post-pandemic price shock as consumers adjusted to higher prices for goods. Consumer prices were boosted by used vehicle prices, which increased at their highest pace in 51 years. Core consumer prices, which exclude volatile food and fuel sectors, also rose by 0.20 percent in September as compared to August’s reading of 0.40 percent.

The Commerce Department reported higher retail sales growth in September at a pace of 1.90 percent as compared to the expected reading of 1.20 percent and August’s reading of 0.60 percent growth in sales. Retail sales excluding the automotive sector grew by 1.50 percent in September and exceeded expected sales growth of 0.30 percent, and August’s retail sales growth of 0.50 percent.

Mortgage Rates Fall to New Record Low, Jobless Claims Data Mixed

Freddie Mac reported new record lows for average mortgage rates last week as the average rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages fell by six basis points to 2.81 percent. Rates for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 2.35 percent and were two basis points lower. The average rate for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages rose by one basis point to 2.90 percent. Discount points averaged 0.60 percent for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages and 0.50 percent for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages. Discount points for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages averaged 0.20 percent.

Last week’s jobless claims data showed mixed readings as initial jobless claims rose to 898,000 claims filed and surpassed the expected reading of 825,000 new claims filed and the prior week’s reading of 845,000 initial jobless claims filed.  10.02 million continuing jobless claims were filed last week as compared to 11.18 million ongoing claims filed in the prior week.

The University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index rose in October with an index reading of 81.2; this surpassed the expected reading of 79.9 and September’s reading of 80.4. October’s higher index readings suggest that consumers are adjusting to new economic realities caused by the pandemic and revising their expectations accordingly. The upcoming holiday season’s data for retail sales and consumer sentiment will provide additional indications of how Americans are coping with and recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.

What’s Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic reports include readings from the NAHB on U.S. housing markets Commerce Department readings on housing starts and building permits issued. Data on sales of previously-owned homes will be released along with weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims.

There are a lot of people who are looking to improve the home in which they live. One of the top ways to do this is to renovate the building; however, it is also important for everyone to make sure they know exactly what they are doing before they get started. There are several questions that everyone should ask before they start a home renovation project.

Is The Home Worth Renovating?

One of the top reasons why people renovate a home is that they think this is going to increase the value of the home. While this is certainly possible, everyone has to run the numbers and make sure they are either going to recoup their investment when they sell the home or that they are going to be in the home for a long time before they sell it. If the home is worth renovating, then it is fine to proceed.

What Is The Budget On The Renovation Project?

Next, it is also important for everyone to know what the budget is one the renovation project. Remember that there are always going to be expenses that are not foreseen, so be sure to include some room at the top in case the contractors come asking for a budget increase. They almost always do.

What Are The Offers On The Home Renovation Project?

Finally, it is also important to collect multiple offers. Talk to designers, contractors, and architects. Collect a few referrals. Then, talk to all of these individuals and see how much money it is going to cost to complete the project. This is one of the top ways that everyone is able to save money on their home renovation projects and make sure they get exactly what they asked for when the project started.

Answer These Questions Before Starting A Home Renovation Project

By planning ahead of time, everyone is able to plan accordingly, making sure they know what they are doing before the project gets started. When homeowners take the time to plan a home renovation project, they increase the chances of the project being a success. This includes not only an aesthetically pleasing project but a wise financial investment as well.

When it comes to home improvement in 2020, many people are spending more time in their homes than they ever have in the past. With kids attending school from home and people working from home, many homeowners are looking at ways to potentially improve the qualities of their homes through home improvement projects.

With fall right around the corner, it is a great idea to take a closer look at some projects that can help homeowners stay safe while also saving money this winter.

Do Not Neglect The HVAC System

One of the most important points that all homeowners need to keep in mind involves the HVAC system. The HVAC system is one of the most important systems in the home, particularly during the winter when it will supply heat. If the heater hasn’t been turned on in a while, then it needs to be inspected. Routine maintenance will not only extend the longevity of the HVAC unit but will also help it run more efficiently. This could help homeowners save a lot of money on their utility bills.

Think About The Insulation In The Home

Homeowners who are looking for ways to reduce their utility bills should also think about the insulation in their homes. There are a few common locations in which heat might leave the home, driving up utility bills. This commonly includes the windows and doors. Therefore, homeowners should think about re-sealing their windows or doors in an effort to keep heat from leaving through these portals. This can reduce the stress on the HVAC system and save people money.

The Roof Is A Common Problem

Finally, homeowners should also think about their roofs as well. During the fall, it is common for leaves to land on the roof and start to clog the gutters. This can cause liquid to back up into the gutters and damage the roof. With this in mind, homeowners need to think carefully about the roof and make sure that this is included in a home improvement project. Roof leaks can lead to major repair bills quickly and addressing this problem early can save money.

These are a few of the top home improvement projects that all homeowners should consider in 2020.

Are you thinking about buying a new house or condo? If so, you’ve likely given some thought to your mortgage and as to how you can pay as little as possible in order to own your new home.

Below we’ll share four easy steps that you can take to ensure you start out with an affordable monthly mortgage payment.

Make A Large Down Payment On Your Home

The easiest way to reduce your monthly payment is to invest as much as possible in your down payment. The less you have to borrow, the less you’ll be required to pay back.

If you can put a sizeable amount down on your home you’ll find that your monthly payments are going to be very manageable. You’ll also save a lot of money in interest.

Maintain A High Credit Score

When a lender assesses your financial history they’ll take an in-depth look at your credit score in order to determine how much risk you present to them. If you’ve kept a clean credit rating and have a high score, it’s likely that you will qualify for a lower interest rate than someone with a lower credit score – even if you both have the same monthly income.

Buy A Smaller, More Efficient Home

When you’ve made your short list of homes and you’re scheduling your viewings, ask yourself – do you need a home this big, or this expensive? If you can do with a smaller, more efficient home you can reduce the amount of mortgage financing that you require and this will in turn reduce the amount that you need to pay each month.

Consider A Longer Mortgage Term

Finally, if you need to reduce your monthly payment at any cost you can stretch out your mortgage repayment period by a few years. Note that while this can reduce your payment amount it will actually increase the total amount that you end up paying back as you’ll pay more in interest.

While the above are general tips for reducing your mortgage payment, it’s likely that there are other strategies that are unique to your financial situation. Contact your local mortgage professional at your convenience and they’ll be able to share insights that are relevant to your income, your credit and the price range you’re looking to buy into.

When it comes to finding a home, this is an exciting time. Many people love looking at houses; however, the reality is that people also need to think carefully about how much house they can actually afford. Buying a home is a big decision and for many people this is going to be the most expensive purchase they ever make in their lives. Therefore, it is important to take the time to get this decision right. There are plenty of ways for people to calculate how much house they can actually afford. With a budget in mind, this will make the shopping process easier.

The 28 Percent Rule

One of the top ways that people can figure out how much house they can afford is called the 28 percent rule. This is a simple formula that states that the house should only spend 28 percent of their gross income on expenses related to homeownership. This includes:

• The mortgage, including the principal and interest
• Real estate taxes
• Homeowner’s insurance
• Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), if this applies
• HOA dues

Keep in mind that this is the gross monthly income, meaning that this is before taxes.

The 36 Percent Rule

Another key rule that people need to keep in mind is called the 36 percent rule. This is a rule that states that that people should not spend any more than 36 percent of their gross monthly income on debts. This might include housing expenses (such as the ones above), loan payments (including car loans and student loans), child support, alimony, and credit card debt. Therefore, those who have more of these expenses are going to have less money to spend on a home.

Find The Right Budget For A Home

This is a short overview of how people can figure out how much house they can afford. Once people know how much they can spend each month on a home, they should be able to calculate backward to figure out how big of a loan they can actually take out. Of course, it is always important to remember that there are trained professionals who can help people figure out exactly how big of a house they can afford.

Last week’s economic reporting included readings on inflation,  job openings, a speech by Fed Chair Jerome Powell on the economy, and the latest Consumer Sentiment Index from the University of Michigan. Weekly reports on new and continuing jobless claims and mortgage rates were also released.

Hiring Surge and Job Separations Ease in August

The U.S. Department of Labor reported fewer job openings in August with 6.49 million job openings reported as compared to July’s reading of 6.70 million jobs available. Analysts noted that this indicated a slowdown in hiring after businesses re-opened when COVID-19 restrictions lapsed. Job separations, which include quits, layoffs. and terminations were also lower with 4.50 million job separations reported in August as compared to 4.99 million separations reported in July.

Fed Chair Says Economy Needs More Fiscal Support

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said that the U.S. economy could use more support in a speech made to members of the National Association for Business Economics. Mr. Powell said, “Too little support would lead to a weak recovery, which would lead to  creating unnecessary hardships for households and businesses.”

Mr.Powell said that if too much assistance was provided, it would not go to waste; he also said that the economic recovery would be stronger and move faster if monetary policy and fiscal policy continue to work side by side to support the economy until it is clearly out of the woods. Forecasts of increased COVID-19 cases during fall and winter indicate the importance of additional economic relief measures.

Mortgage Rates Little Changed; as Jobless Claims Fall

Freddie Mac reported incremental changes in average mortgage rates last week. Rates for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 2.87 percent and were one basis point lower. The average rate for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages was one basis pint higher at 2.37 percent. The average rate for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages fell by one basis point to 2.89 percent. Discount points averaged 0.80 percent for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages and 0.70 percent for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages. Discount points for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages averaged 0.20 percent.

New jobless claims fell to 840,000 claims filed as compared to 849,000 initial claims filed in the prior week. Continuing jobless claims also fell last week. 10.98 million continuing jobless claims were filed as compared to the prior week’s reading of 11.98 million ongoing jobless claims filed.

What’s Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic reports include readings on inflation, retail sales, and consumer sentiment. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims filed will also be released.

Whether you’ve decided it’s time for an upgrade or you’re moving on to a new city, if you’re selling your home you may be wondering how you can boost its value before listing it up for sale.

In today’s blog post we’ll share four ways that you can spend a bit of time and money upgrading your home before it hits the local real estate market.

Spruce Up Your Landscaping

You’ll want your home to make a great first impression, and as such a great place to start is by sprucing up your lawn, gardens and other landscape features. Your grass should be a healthy green, free of weeds and freshly trimmed.

If you can, look to add seasonal flowers in your front gardens as this can add a bit of color to your home. Keep any shrubs or trees trimmed away from the home so that buyers can get a good look.

Apply A Fresh Coat Of Paint

Another excellent way to increase your home’s “curb appeal” is by applying a fresh coat of paint to the house, the trim around the windows and the front door.

Of course, painting a house is a big job so this might be one that is best left to a team of professionals. For added effect, replace the fixtures on the front door and pick up new house numbers.

Upgrade Your Kitchen Appliances

Many buyers will focus intently on your kitchen and the condition of everything from your flooring to your cupboards. If you have an older refrigerator or stove you’ll want to replace those with newer stainless-steel models.

You’ll also want to ensure that you have quality countertops – if you’re replacing them, consider going with granite as it’s popular with younger buyers.

Install A New Set Of Bathroom Fixtures

Finally, if you haven’t renovated your bathroom recently you’ll want to invest in modernizing your faucets, mirrors and other fixtures. The decor of your bathroom should match that in the rest of your home, but also stand out in its own unique way.

If you have an old bathtub with stained porcelain, consider replacing it with a glass-enclosed waterfall shower. Don’t forget about your light fixtures; if you find the bathroom is a bit dark, replace these with something that adds brightness.

For more information about the home staging and selling process, contact a local real estate professional today. Real estate agents are your best source for expert advice when selling a home, so don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call if you have questions.