September 2008
Video Tutorial: How To Clean Your Gutters
September 22, 2008 by MikeRosen · Leave a Comment
When functioning properly, gutters can extend the life of a home. By directing water away from the physical structure, gutters protect a home’s foundation, its siding, and its landscaping.
The key to reliable gutter performance is simple — keep them clean. Twice annually, experts recommend a thorough gutter cleaning and the project can be a [...]
Conforming Loan Limits Set To Decrease In Certain High-Cost Areas
September 11, 2008 by MikeRosen · Leave a Comment
Conforming mortgages are limited by loan size, based on “typical” housing costs around the country. Since 1980, as home prices have increased, so have conforming loan limits.
The current conforming limit on a single-unit property is $417,000.
Earlier this year, as part of the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, Congress authorized conforming loan limits increase in “high-cost” areas [...]
Lenders Put New Limits In Place For Real Estate Investors
September 10, 2008 by MikeRosen · Leave a Comment
In its last act as a semi-independent company, Fannie Mae altered mortgage guidelines for real estate investors last Friday. It was Fannie’s 22nd update this year.
The first part of the guideline change limits the number of properties owned by any one person.
Fannie Mae will now decline any mortgage application for a second home or investment [...]
Why The Government’s Takeover Of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Is Lowering Mortgage Rates
September 9, 2008 by MikeRosen · Leave a Comment
When comparing two investments with equal risk, a rational person will choose the investment with a higher rate of return.
This behavior is called Risk Aversion and is a basic tenet of personal investing.
An off-shoot of Risk Aversion is that a rational person will only invest in an instrument of greater risk if the returns are greater, [...]
Simple Real Estate Definitions : Home Inspection
September 4, 2008 by MikeRosen · Leave a Comment
A home inspection is a complete, top-to-bottom, visual check-up of the structure and systems of a house.
It is meant to be an objective determination of a home’s condition.
A home inspection usually takes 3-6 hours to complete, depending on the size of the home.
During the inspection process, the inspector will examine all of the following [...]
