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Owner/Broker Rick Andrews
Century 21 Scenic Realty
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Archive for July, 2012
Mortgage Basics: Understanding the Lingo
By Barbara Pronin, RISMedia Columnist With home prices languishing, and mortgage interest rates still at historic lows, this may be the year you will want to buy your first home. But getting a mortgage can be a daunting process, especially if the terms associated with getting a loan are new to your vocabulary. From mortgage broker Ken Go, here are some...
Simple Tips for Home Concrete Care
A few hours of work now could save homeowners hundreds of dollars-or more-in costly concrete repairs come spring. Freezing rain, ice, snow and deicers, as well as freeze/thaw temperature cycles have the potential to wreak havoc on concrete surfaces if left unchecked. Not only does the saturation and freezing of concrete surfaces accelerate crack expansion and surface deterioration, but the spreading...
Freedom from Debt an Achievable Goal for Every Family
American households are carrying an average of nearly $16,000 of credit card debt, which translates into more than $2,000 in finance charges and fees each year, according to the Federal Reserve. Even with statistics like these, freedom from debt is an achievable goal for every family. The first step in regaining control is to take an honest look at your overall...
30-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgage Averages a Record-Breaking 3.49 Percent
Freddie Mac recently released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®), showing fixed mortgages rates continuing their streak of record-breaking lows. The 30-year fixed rate mortgage averaged 3.49 percent, more than a full percentage point lower than a year ago when it averaged 4.55 percent. Meanwhile, the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage, a popular choice for those looking to refinance,...
Pending Home Sales Slip in June, Remain above a Year Ago
Pending home sales declined in June but marked 14 consecutive months of year-over-year gains, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, slipped 1.4 percent to 99.3 in June from a downwardly revised 100.7 in May but is 9.5 percent higher than June 2011 when it was 90.7. The data...
Fix That Foundation: Spending Some Now Can Save Thousands Later
Most homeowners have a long list of things to get done around the house. However, very few are more important than making sure the residence foundation is in good shape and not threatened by issues that are easy to fix. After the purchase of the house itself, one of the biggest expenses, especially in terms of out-of-pocket costs the homeowners may...
How to Spot a Good Buy
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, particularly when it comes to buying a home. Features that attract one home-buyer may repel another. However, the one feature of interest to every home-buyer is price. Getting the most home for your money is paramount. The real problem is figuring out whether that fixer-upper on one street is a better buy than...
Smooth Mountain Moves
If you are considering moving to the mountains you should become aware that the tri-county area of Towns and Union County, Georgia and Clay County, North Carolina have various vendors that you may need assistance from upon your move. For this reason, I have compiled the following utility and service directory. It is not a complete list but it does include the service providers I...
Top 10 Things Most Experienced Real Estate Agents Can Help You With
Negotiating. Although negotiation is something that can be taught there is only one real advantage to mastering the negotiation skill and that is through experience. As an experienced real estate agent I have been in many negotiating situations and circumstances and I believe this experience can help you with your real estate needs. Understanding and knowing consumer. For some one new...
Bankrate: Mortgage Rates Tick Lower to another Record
Mortgage rates moved lower once again, with the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate setting a new record low of 3.78 percent, according to Bankrate.com's weekly national survey. The average 30-year fixed mortgage has an average of 0.43 discount and origination points. The average 15-year fixed mortgage rate inched downward to 3.04 percent, while the jumbo 30-year fixed mortgage retreated to 4.43...
