When it comes to remodeling, exterior replacement projects have routinely rewarded home owners with more bang for their buck. This year is no different: REALTORS® recently rated many exterior improvements as among the most valuable home investment projects as part of the 2011-12 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report. FULL STORY ->
 

 

According to the latest release from LendingTree, Hawaii leads the nation in average home loan amounts. The average loan price there is $677,299. What states are seeing the lowest home loan amounts? Let's find out. FULL STORY ->

 

In 2011, first-time homebuyers constituted only 37 percent of the market. That is the lowest portion since 2006. In the past two years the proportion was 47 percent and 50 percent respectively. There is little doubt that the drop is primarily explained by the cessation of government tax policies that were designed to stimulate home sales. Also, even though mortgage rates have remained extremely low, the continuing tightening of lending standards has probably played a role. FULL STORY ->

 

The latest study from the Mortgage Bankers Association, entitled, "The Great Recession and Attitudes Toward Homebuying," revealed some key findings about today's buyers. The study found that almost 80 percent of homebuyers still think that now is a good time to buy. Additionally it found that over the next five quarters this positive sentiment should remain near current high levels. FULL STORY ->

 

In Freddie Freddie Mac's results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey®, the average fixed mortgage rates finishing the year near their all-time historic lows helping to keep homebuyer affordability high. Averaging 3.95 percent, the 30-year fixed has been at or below 4.00 percent for the past nine consecutive weeks and only twice in 2011 did it average above 5.00 percent. FULL STORY ->