cheaper to own than rent regardless of mortgage rate

Trulia’s Winter 2013 Rent vs. Buy Report looked at homes for sale and for rent on Trulia between Dec. 1, 2012, and Feb. 28, 2013, and compared the costs, factoring in transaction costs, taxes and opportunity costs. For homeownership costs, study authors assumed a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, 20 percent down, itemizing tax deductions at the

Lenders Easing Up on Down-payment Requirements

Tight credit conditions are showing more signs of easing, just in time for the spring buying market to heat up, CNBC reports. Homebuyers may be able to qualify with lower down-payments – a big shift from the last four years when 20 percent down-payments on a loan were practically required. But mortgage giants such as

Housing Recovery Firmly Underway

By Brian Summerfield │ Wednesday, March 13, 2013 Prices are rising and inventories are falling in markets throughout the United States, which has led financial reporting and forecasting firm Kiplinger to declare the housing recovery “firmly” in motion. Moreover, the company says housing will help carry the overall economy at a time when U.S. exports

4 Affordable Ways to Make Over Your Living Room

By Lindsay Listanski │ Friday, March 8, 2013 It is easy to lose track of time looking at the thousands of beautiful rooms on Pinterest in the home decor section. A majority of the photos look like they came straight out of a decor magazine which, quite frankly, makes me feel like the worst decorator…of ever. Seriously,

For Many, 2013 Will Be the Year to Finally Buy a Home

By Andrea Coombes │ Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013 Bidding wars. Buyers paying cash. Homes selling for more than asking price. Are we entering another housing bubble? No. But prospective buyers in many markets may be shocked at the competitive nature of the home-buying process these days. The number of homes for sale fell to a 13-year low

How To Add Color to Your Home Without Going Overboard

Striking a delicate balance in your home’s decor between relaxed sophistication and engaging pops of color can be a challenge to say the least. Go a little too color happy and it will look like your children decorated your home while you were at work; stray a little too on the conservative side and you
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Real Estate Revival

By Victor Luckerson |  Monday, Feb. 18, 2013 “There’s a good reason your real estate agent is smiling again. The housing market, which has had a fitful recovery from its 2007 collapse, is showing signs of sustained growth. The S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index, which covers 20 of the largest U.S. cities, found that home values

Neighborhood Highlight: Culbreath Bayou

Culbreath Bayou, a charming neighborhood in the heart of South Tampa, was developed in the 1960’s by Joe Byers. The neighborhood is shaded by ancient oaks and is popular because of its proximity to A rated public and private schools, as well as playgrounds and tennis courts. Culbreath Bayou maintains a strong sense of community