Author: Ben

  • 40% of Americans Lose Incentive to Refinance

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    Does it make sense to refinance as interest rates rise? 1.4 million borrowers have lost the interest rate incentive to refinance, but there are still a few good reasons to consider refinancing even as rates are rising. 30-year fixed interest rates are up nearly a half a percentage point since January. So far, the rise…

  • Buying a Home: Cost of Home Ownership

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    Buying a home is exciting, but do you know the true cost of home ownership? Besides the down payment and monthly mortgage payment there are more costs to consider. And the best time to do so is well before you start house-hunting. Buying a home is one of the largest expenses you may take on,…

  • Buying a Home in Your 20s? Yes, You Can!

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    Ben
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    Buying a home of your own in your 20s has many advantages, but can be a bit intimidating. Here are some helpful things to consider before you buy: Use a reputable, knowledgeable Realtor: A referral from a friend or family member can go a long way to set you on the path to home ownership…

  • Millennials Approach Real Estate by Moving Back Home

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    Ben
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    Nearly half of all millennials are looking to ease financial and emotional pressures by living closer to their parents. Millennials are finding it hard to save money for a down payment on a home. As rents rise, and student debt eats into savings they are choosing to live closer to home. Therefore, getting a leg…

  • They have our money, are our jobs next?

    They have our money, are our jobs next?

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    Ben
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    Remember the good old days when a Travel Agent booked your vacations? Price Line, Expedia and Trivago are the new normal. Today, The Motley Fool article, goo.gl/nfjEbK, talks about how mortgage brokers are beginning to be replaced by automated web-sites. Another article, goo.gl/YG7RMJ, showcases the Real Estate Industry where automation is on the move to…

  • Buying Remains Cheaper Than Renting in 39 States!

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    Ben
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    In the latest Rent vs. Buy Report from Trulia, they explained that homeownership remains cheaper than renting with a traditional 30-year fixed rate mortgage in the 100 largest metro areas in the United States. The updated numbers show that the range is an average of 3.5% less expensive in San Jose (CA), all the way…

  • 2.29 Homes For The Cost Of 1 Banana (per lb.)!

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    Ben
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    A 2500 square foot house(90,000pounds) in Connecticut costs on average $325,000 which is about 27 cents/lb. Bananas today, on average cost 62 cents per pound. It’s a no brainer, buy over 2 homes for the cost of  1 banana per lb. Build equity and invest in your future! Bananas What you pay now: $0.62 (average price for a pound…

  • Paying For Your House By The Mile

    Paying For Your House By The Mile

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    Ben
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    Lower gas prices has shown to improve consumer confidence by leaving more money to spend. Potential buyers are willing to pay more for housing and commuting and real estate professionals are willing to spend more time behind the wheel to close the deal. A recent study from Florida Atlantic University and Longwood University actually provide data to support this. The collaborative…

  • When Buying a House, Beware the Buried Oil Tank

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    Ben
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          An underground heating-oil tank is a sleeping giant usually left undisturbed until the house hits the market. Nobody wants to pay for the costly remediation of soil contamination. Although it’s not a law, buyers attorneys and mortgage lenders typically insist upon determining whether there is a buried tank. If a buried tank is…