Fort Lauderdale Blog

Mortgage Rates Move on Uptrend

Mortgage Rates Move on Uptrend

By RISMedia Staff

Mortgage rates again moved up this week, continuing an uptrend, with the average 30-year, fixed rate at 4.43 percent, according to Freddie Mac's recently released Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®). The average 30-year, fixed rate was 4.40 percent the week prior. The average 15-year, fixed rate this week is 3.90 percent, while the average five year, Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable rate is 3.62 percent.
 
Mortgage rates are moved, primarily, by 10-year Treasury yields.

How to Stage Your Home On a Budget

How to Stage Your Home On a Budget

 Getting your home into prime showing shape is essential to helping it sell in the shortest amount of time for the best possible price. But while a professional home stager can work wonders, it just might not be in your budget. Don’t despair - here are some great ways to inexpensively stage your home all on your own:

Termite Season Is Here!

Termite Season Is Here!

 

Well, it's that time of the year again - termite season in Florida! Due to this years heavier rain falls, the Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services is encouraging everyone to take extra precautions this year by making sure you get your annual inspection. Catching them early is key!

Once you see the little black winged insects flying around, you know they are swarming. They are looking for a new location for their colony, or it is a sign that you already have termites living in your home. Once there is sawdust, it's likely that damage is extensive from these little blighters!

So be sure to get your inspection done! Go to TermiteHelp.org for more information.

Well, it's that time of the year again - termite season in Florida! Due to this years heavier rain falls, the Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services is encouraging everyone to take extra precautions this year by making sure you get your annual inspection. Catching them early is key!

Once you see the little black winged insects flying around, you know they are swarming. They are looking for a new location for their colony, or it is a sign that you already have termites living in your home. Once there is sawdust, it's likely that damage is extensive from these little blighters!

So be sure to get your inspection done! Go to TermiteHelp.org for more information.

Home Buying: 5 Steps for Beginners

Home Buying: 5 Steps for Beginners

Venturing out to search for your first home is one of the most exciting times of your life! Unfortunately, it is also one of the most daunting. Between a lexicon of new terms and an onslaught of online information, the process of shopping for a home is understandably overwhelming for first-timers. First, take a deep breath.

4 Ways to Go Solar Without Solar Panels

4 Ways to Go Solar Without Solar Panels

Take a drive around your neighborhood and chances are those solar panels that once seemed so futuristic are becoming a pretty common site.

Painting Project in the Works? Consider the Colors of 2018

Painting Project in the Works? Consider the Colors of 2018

 
When it comes time to refreshing our walls with a new coat of color, we all have our favorite hues. But it’s always worth taking a look at the colors the experts choose as trending shades for the year ahead.

Should I Dip Into Equity and Renovate?

Should I Dip Into Equity and Renovate?

Many homeowners will be taking advantage of winter savings on supplies and the off-season availability of contractors to use a home equity line of credit (HELOC) to finance home renovations.

According to recent research from TD Bank, more than three quarters (80 percent) of responding homeowners with existing HELOCs who said they were planning home renovations for winter also said they would consider dipping into their home equity for funding.

Home Remodeling Brings Enjoyment and Equity

Home Remodeling Brings Enjoyment and Equity

 
A new report shows that homeowners who remodel gain not only equity and more resale value in their home, they are also more likely to find satisfaction and enjoyment from their home.
The 2017 Remodeling Impact Report from the National Association of REALTORS®, with insights from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, surveyed REALTORS®, consumers who have completed remodeling projects, and members of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

How to Turn Your Garage Into Living Space

How to Turn Your Garage Into Living Space

If you’re looking to add a little more usable space to your home without tackling a major addition, you might want to look to your garage. Here are some important considerations to think about first:

• Are you currently using your garage? This may seem obvious, but start by thinking about how much you actually use your garage to park your car and as storage space for tools and lawn equipment. If you don’t have alternatives for parking and storage, turning the garage into living space isn't a great option.
• What would you use the space for?  While a garage might be perfect for a play space for your kids, an exercise room, or a makeshift office, it’s not necessarily ideal for a guest room. You only want to renovate to the extent that you’ll be able to use the space as a garage again if and when you want to.

Demand for House Rentals Intensifies

Demand for House Rentals Intensifies

By Suzanne De Vita

Apartment rents are appreciating less than house rents, thanks to shifting demand for single-family rentals, according to a recent analysis by Zillow. Apartment rents nationally increased a median 0.5 percent, to $1,551, year-over-year—relatively flat—while house rents increased 1.3 percent to $1,404.