Fort Lauderdale Blog

Housing Continues to Progress with 'Room for Improvement'

Housing Continues to Progress, Still 'Room for Improvement'

Housing markets in the U.S. overall continue to progress, supporting the best year in homes sales in a decade, as indicated by Freddie Mac’s Multi-Indicator Market Index® (MiMi®) value, which stands at 86—a market on the “outer edge of its historic benchmark range of housing activity.” The MiMi value, which has climbed back up 45 percent since its all-time low in 2010, is still trailing its high of 121.7.

Rising Home Prices Spur Increase in FHA Loan Limits

Rising Home Prices Spur Increase in FHA Loan Limits

 
Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan limits will rise in most areas in 2017, applicable to cases assigned on or after Jan. 1, 2017, FHA recently announced. The increase, motivated by rising home prices, comes after the announcement that maximum conforming loan limits for mortgages acquired by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would also rise next year.

Tips for Bulking Up Your Savings

Tips for Bulking Up Your Savings

Regardless of your saving goals, many Americans find they aren't able to save as much as they like. According to a recent survey by GoBankingRates, 62 percent of Americans have less than $1,000 in savings and 21 percent don’t have a savings account. A total of 9.2 percent of respondents to the survey admitted to having just enough money in their savings account to meet the minimum requirements set by their bank. 

Read on for everyday budgeting tips that can help bolster your savings, courtesy of  American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC). I added my 2 cents too.

What Is a Home Service Contract, or "Warranty?"

What Is a Home Service Contract, or "Warranty?"

The National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) defines home service contracts, or “warranties,” as contracts offering repair, replacement or service for major appliances and systems that break down as a result of “normal” use. Home service contracts, according to the Association, are a significant means of savings for homeowners, with coverage ranging from disposals and ovens to HVAC systems.

“The wholesale value of these contracts easily exceeds $1 billion in savings to consumers annually,” said Mike Bartosch, president of the NHSCA, in a recent statement.