The (Strickland) Administration says new federal mortgage regulations dim prospects for green energy upgrades. The General Assembly acted earlier this summer to expand local governments’ ability to finance green energy projects, but recent changes at the federal level jeopardize the effort before it has even gotten off the ground. The Federal Housing Finance Agency this…
Every year the National Association of Realtors surveys home buyers and sellers annually to gather detailed information about the home buying and selling process. These surveys provide information on demographics, housing characteristics and the experience of consumers in the housing market. Buyers and sellers also share information on the role that real estate professionals play…
Step 1: Declutter your home Get rid of as much clutter as possible. Stuffed closets, extraneous furniture, exercise equipment in living quarters, crowded countertops, overflowing cabinets, and endless knickknacks make homes seem smaller than they are. Consider putting some things in storage. Step 2: Hide your pets Hide all evidence that you own animals. Just…
More than 1 million American households are likely to lose their homes to foreclosure this year, as lenders work their way through a huge backlog of borrowers who have fallen behind on their loans. Nearly 528,000 homes were taken over by lenders in the first six months of the year, a rate that is on…
Fannie Mae announced policy changes designed to encourage borrowers to work with their servicers and pursue alternatives to foreclosure. Defaulting borrowers who walk-away and had the capacity to pay or did not complete a workout alternative in good faith will be ineligible for a new Fannie Mae-backed mortgage loan for a period of seven years…
Foundation repairs run the gamut from simple DIY fixes to major reconstruction. Here’s what you need to know about your options, and when to call in a pro. Fixing foundation problems should be a priority for every homeowner. Foundation repairs prevent little problems from becoming bigger, keep your home safe, and protect the value of…
Three Lorain County cities bordering Cuyahoga County — North Ridgeville, Avon Lake and Avon — are the fastest growing cities in Greater Cleveland. The Census Bureau recently released updated population estimates for each city in the country. From 2000 through 2009, North Ridgeville grew by 6,342 residents. Avon Lake grew by 5,983 and Avon grew…
For what the typical family wastes every year on air leaks—about $350—you can plug energy-robbing gaps, start saving money, and enjoy a more comfortable home. A typical family spends about a third of its annual heating and cooling budget—roughly $350—on air that leaks into or out of the house through unintended gaps and cracks. With…
Chart definitions and explanations Average days on market: Down 23% year over year. In June the average was just over 2 months at 62 and is the number is trending downward. Good news for the Bay Village real estate market. Month’s supply of inventory: Up 53% year over year, but still is only at 7.6…
When you refinance or sell your home, the lender will insist that you get an appraisal—an opinion of the value of your home based on what similar homes in your area have sold for in recent months. Here are five tips about the appraised value of your home. 1. An appraisal isn’t an exact science…
