Earlier this year, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced a rule that requires lenders to make sure buyers can repay their mortgage loans (ability to repay rule). Lenders will now be required to issue “qualified mortgages,” as they’re called by the CFPB. Now that banks have clearer guidelines, you will have to make sure… Continue Reading
The International Builders show in Las Vegas on January 13, 2013 revealed some interesting design trends. Over-the-top bathrooms don’t seem to be ‘in’ any longer. Master bath designs have evolved, according to the industry experts. In addition, family foyers are replacing the typical utility closet or laundry room and becoming a big focal point for… Continue Reading
Are you getting ready to build a home? When building a home there are a few interior design styles you can choose from. It’s best to select your colors and upgrades to fit the design style you will have. A few styles to take into consideration are: culturally inspired, eccentric, shabby chic, garden, funky, New… Continue Reading
Decide which type of construction loan you want. There are different types of home building loans available. The most available loan only covers the construction phase and not the long-term mortgage. If you choose this type of loan, you will have to close twice, once for the construction and again for the mortgage loan…. Continue Reading
The real estate sector has finally caught up to technology so to speak. Technology gurus have been known to try out the latest technology trend as soon as it hits the market. However, homebuilder’s didn’t start integrating strong technologically advanced gadgets into their plans until more recently. According to Forbes magazine, smart home technology is… Continue Reading
Natural hues will dominate color trends this year – ocean blue to aloe to emerald green and colors with delicious sounding names like lemon sorbet will serve as accent tones. All of these new color trends emphasize the fact that people want to fill their homes with colors that make them feel relaxed and calm…. Continue Reading
CoreLogic, a leading provider of information, analytics and business services, today released new analysis showing approximately 100,000 more borrowers reached a state of positive equity during the third quarter of 2012, adding to the more than 1.3 million borrowers that moved into positive equity through the second quarter of 2012. This brings the total number… Continue Reading
The garage is so much more to men than just a storage room or a place to park vehicles and sports equipment. Here are some cool ways to give the garage the glory it deserves: Pumped-Up Lighting How can a man work on his car or tinker with tools if he can’t see what… Continue Reading
On Jan. 4, 2013, Bloomberg.com published an article by John Gittelsohn, titled “Housing a Sweet Spot for U.S. Economy as Recovery Expands”. According to Gittlesohn, U.S. home sales and prices are poised to rise in 2013, solidifying a recovery that began last year after a half-decade slump that was the deepest since the Great Depression,… Continue Reading
Seems like there’s an iPhone/iPad app for just about everything these days, including quite a few geared to help eager DIY home designers. We thought it might be helpful to show you some favorites for all of you iPhone/iPad users… Bathwraps Build-A-Bath Design bath or shower systems for existing bathroom spaces in minutes with this… Continue Reading