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Selling your home? Make sure you’re aware of hidden costs

Housing Wire

According to Zillow and Thumbtack’s Hidden Costs of Selling Analysis , the average homeowner spends over $15,000 in “hidden costs” to sell their home. . While a real estate agent’s commission is one of the most expensive costs, it definitely isn’t the only one. Are you thinking about selling your home?

Sellers 546
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A homebuyer’s personal story from the post-Sitzer, post-settlement world

Housing Wire

My frequent reporting on issues of wire fraud definitely made me wary heading into the closing, and we ultimately decided to use a bank check for my cash to close. Now that I have successfully closed, the fun part begins — fun, that is, if you like packing and unpacking boxes and home improvement projects.

Agents 435
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How to stay competitive with specialty mortgage products heading into 2023

Housing Wire

HousingWire: Should originators focus on any specialty mortgage products such as home equity lines of credit or non-QM? Lee Smith: Definitely. While rising home prices may have stopped some homeowners from buying, they’ve made it a lot more attractive for owners to stay put.

Mortgage 370
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How much value do home improvements add to an appraisal?

Boston Appraisal

The effect that home improvements have on an appraisal can vary depending on the type of improvement, the quality of the work, and the local real estate market. What are some common home improvements that can increase appraisal values? What are some common home improvements that can increase appraisal values?

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Home equity is the bright gem of the housing market

Housing Wire

Closed fixed-rate second-lien [home-equity] loans have been up the least in terms of volume, Toohig said, with HELOCs leading the charge — along with unsecured personal loans used for home improvement. (A We also think that the market is still in its very early stages [and] definitely ripe for innovation.

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How LOs, mortgage execs are preparing for 2024

Housing Wire

If customers are looking for home improvement, debt consolidation or other spending goals, Home equity products can be positive at current rates. As rates work back towards 6%, I think you will begin to see more refinance options open up.

Mortgage 476
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Home Appraisals 101: 5 Things Appraisers Wish Sellers Knew

Realtor

Then, they will come by your house to determine its condition and quality, as well as any other factors that would affect the cost of the home, and use that information — along with the comps — to make an accurate assessment. This usually takes at least a few days — and definitely more than a few hours.

Appraisal 189