State housing agency awards $542,000 to repair, replace substandard housing in the City of Taft
Posted on February 4th, 2012
January 25, 2012 by Texas RealEstateRama Category: News Housing & Development The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) and State Senator Judith Zaffirini today announced a $542,000 award to the City of Taft that will help fund home repairs for low income homeowners, helping residents maintain homeownership while providing a significant boost to the local economy.
City officials anticipate the funds will help rehabilitate six homes owned and lived in by income eligible households.
“I am delighted that some of my low-income constituents soon will enjoy the benefits of new or substantially improved homes,” Senator Zaffirini said. “Th
What is a Home Inspection?
Posted on February 1st, 2012
What is done in a home inspection? What is covered?
A home inspection, usually, is a VISUAL inspection of a property, running water & systems when they can be run.
What does that mean?
In general, things the inspector can SEE are checked. Dishwashers, stoves, exterior foundation, pipes that can be seen, walls that can be seen, and electrical outlets are often tested.
What can’t an inspector do? See in the walls or under ground, or remove a wall or floor to see behind. It makes it hard to see if there are problems behind them. Are there leaks in the pipes in the walls or under ground? If he or she can’t see them, it is hard for them to discover.
Roofs are an issue that come up often — what is the age? What
Mortgage Rates: Low Mortgage Rates Intact After GDP Report Disappoints
Posted on January 31st, 2012
Current low mortgage rates remain intact after a weaker than expected GDP report disappointed investors. While the U.S. economy improved at a faster rate at the end of 2011 and the GDP increased at a 2.8% annualized rate, investors expected a much better outcome which has caused stocks to drop.
With low mortgage rates still available, there is additional time for consumers to purchase an affordable home. Todays 30 year fixed mortgage rates are at 3.500%, 15 year fixed mortgage interest rates are at 2.875% and 5/1 ARM loan rates are at 2.250%. These low conforming mortgage rates are available with 0.7 to 1% origination fee to well qualified borrowers who have maintained a history of good credit.
Tags: Gdp Report, Low Mortgage Rates, Mortgage Rates, Report
No Comments »
Supply Of New Homes At 6.1 Months Nationwide
Posted on January 28th, 2012
New Home Sales slowed into the New Year but the market for newly-built homes remains strong. For home buyers in Georgia and nationwide, December’s New Home Sales report is yet one more signal that the housing market recovery may be underway.
According to the Census Bureau, the number of new homes sold in December 2011 slipped 2 percent to 307,000 units on a seasonally-adjusted, annualized basis nationwide.
A “new home” is a home that is considered new construction; a home for which the buyer will be the first owner and tenant.
As compared to December 2010, last months’ sales volume fell seven percent. It’s a
More Canadian Seniors Are Carrying Debt Into Retirement: Mortgages and Lines of Credit
Posted on January 25th, 2012
There was an article in the Globe and Mail today discussing a recent report by TD Bank. The report indicates that more Canadians are carrying debt into retirement. The report also states that the amount of debt for Canadians aged 45-65 is increasing. Quotes from TD Bank representatives state that this comes as a surprise to them.
Tags: Carrying Debt, Retirement
No Comments »