09/04/2010
by
Michael Davenport & Sandy King
WASHINGTON – Sept. 3, 2010 – Mortgage rates fell to the lowest level in decades for the tenth time in 11 weeks, as investors worried about the economy.
The average rate for a 30-year fixed loan was 4.32 percent this week, down from 4.36 percent last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. That’s the lowest since Freddie Mac began tracking rates in 1971.
The average rate on a 15-year fixed loan dropped to 3.83 percent from 3.86 percent the previous week. That’s the lo... [MORE]
09/01/2010
by
Michael Davenport & Sandy King
NEW YORK – Aug. 31, 2010 – The seemingly endless run of bad housing news is discouraging some potential homebuyers from considering a purchase. But the truth is that the advantages of homeownership have very little to do with investment gains, and a lot to do with personal comfort and satisfaction.
Here are five of them:
• Be your own landlord. The bank can only kick you out if you don’t pay; a landlord can be much less dependable â€... [MORE]
08/13/2010
by
Michael Davenport & Sandy King
A new report from the National Association Of Realtors® (NAR) – Social Benefits of Homeownership and Stable Housing – explores the impact and positive social outcomes that result from homeownership.
According to NAR’s study, homeowners are more active in communities, benefit from improved education opportunities, and report higher levels of self-esteem and happiness compared to renters.
“Homeownership is in investment in your future – home is where we make memories, build... [MORE]