1.5 Biggest Bang for Your Buck Home Improvements
“Almost immediately after buying and moving into our current house in 2007, we began renovating it. We knew, as devout DIYers, that home renovations would be our constant companion, because we chose to buy a house that was built in 1961 and never updated. That meant harvest gold in the kitchen, a blue tub and blue sinks in the master bath, and wallpaper throughout.”
2.Stocks pull back from record highs
“Brace yourself, it’s going to be a bumpy ride. Stocks soared right out of the gate Friday, but the momentum is already starting to fade.”
3.Subprime mortgages making a comeback
“Borrowers with bad credit were shut out of the mortgage market after the housing bubble burst, but now a handful of small lenders are starting to offer subprime loans again.”
4.S&P 500 Climbs to Record on Economy While Dollar Weakens
“U.S. stocks rose, with the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index touching a record, amid optimism in the strength of the world’s largest economy. Emerging-market equities rose, led by the biggest gain in five weeks for Hong Kong-listed Chinese shares, and the dollar weakened. “
5.The Mortgage Professor: Questions, answers on reducing loan balance
“Homeowners with a mortgage usually want to reduce their interest cost by paying down the loan balance as fast as possible. This column is about what borrowers can and cannot do on their own. Next week, I look at various schemes that claim to make the task easier.”
6.US stock market heads for a solid weekly gain
“NEW YORK — The stock market looked ready to finish off a turbulent week with solid gains Friday. Investors brushed aside concerns about higher interest rates and trouble with Russia. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index was on track to close at an all-time high.”
7.The Trillion-Dollar Battle For Higher Mortgage Rates
“If you’re a mortgage borrower your great goal in life is to get a lower rate. While 2012 saw the lowest mortgage rates in 65 years, 2013 and early 2014 have not been far off the mark.”
8.Stress Test Shows 29 of 30 Banks Meet or Top Capital Target
“The Federal Reserve (FDTR)’s annual stress tests found 29 of the 30 largest U.S. banks could withstand a deep recession and still pay dividends, fueling speculation about which firms will win approval next week to raise payouts. “
9.A Cost VS Value Opinion
“Before you invest in remodeling, it’s wise to think about upgrades that get you back the most back money when you resell.”
10. 2013 vs 2014 Real Estate FACTS. No Smoke. Just FACTS.
“I can go on for days describing the past year’s real estate market. Tell you my thoughts, opinions…then, my opinions again. Then, maybe again. But, I know that there is nothing more convincing than pure, raw FACTS. Just ask a dinosaur. “