Your Real Estate Questions

Here's your chance to ask our team of real estate and financial experts anything. We want to hear from you and through your real estate questions, you and others will gain knowledge and answers. Post real estate questions below or contact us with your question privately. If you'd like to stay anonymous, that's fine by us. From silly real estate questions you may have been too embarrassed to ask to rumors and misconceptions, anything goes.

We deal with first time and experienced home buyers and sellers daily and get quite an interesting set of questions each time. We're looking for the simplest to the hardest home buying or selling questions you have. Also, feel free to email us a photo (Youshouldown (at) gmail.com) or post a link to your home or a specific room and we'll advise you online. Here are just a few real estate topics that most have questions about:

• Home buying process
• Home loans/mortgages
• Commissions
• Selling questions
• Homeowners insurance
• FHA
• Mortgage rates and terms
• Closing costs
  
• Decorating
• Home Inspections/Inspectors
  
• Upgrades
• Home staging
• Curb appeal
• Title work
• Agent representation
• Specific tips for a room or home
• How to begin the process
• What your home is worth and why

Post your questions, and get real, real estate answers. Feel free to offer your opinions and answers to other's real estate questions as they come in. Your ideas and tips could be valuable to your neighbors, which improves your own home's value. Ask away...

Fed Pauses, You Shouldn't

The Federal Reserve, taking a break from its aggressive rate-cutting policy, chose not to alter key interest rates Wednesday, leaving the Fed Funds rate at 2.00% and everyone wondering where interest rates are headed next. Since last September, the Fed has cut rates seven times for a total of 3.25%. However, many experts believe that the Fed's decision this Wednesday, along with comments from the meeting itself, indicate an increased concern over inflation. This means the Fed could start increasing rates as early as its next meeting, which takes place in August. The Fed is in a quandary. The economy has slowed, led by a decline in home sales and rising inflation, stemming primarily from increasing energy prices. The Fed's primary role in relation to the economy is to combat inflation and preserve economic growth. To combat inflation, the Fed will ultimately have to increase interest rates in coming months. What Does This Mean to You? If you're looking to buy a house, consider these key points: Home prices in some areas are at five-year lows, while personal incomes in that same period have increased. Homes are more affordable for many right now, particularly first-time home buyers. Sellers are extremely motivated and many buyers in our area have benefited from the unbelievable deals that exist today. Experts foresee a strong rebound in home prices when the economy begins to recover, according to a new report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies. That means buyers today will be sitting on valuable properties tomorrow. Remember, annualized appreciation for homes exceeded 6.35% from 1940 to 2000. Housing booms follow housing busts – and the savvy buyers aren't afraid to jump into a tough market. But these savvy buyers know that homeownership is a long-term investment. Ultimately, population growth and demographics point to a stronger housing market in coming years. Even if you're not looking to purchase a home, opportunities still exist. With the Fed taking a breather, this doesn't mean you should be taking a break. It's never been more important to create a financial plan that makes the most sense to you and your family's long-term goals. If you'd like to get pre-approved for a home loan, get up to date rates or would like to discuss your FHA or conventional options further, call Frank Ruma with Consolidated Home Mortgage at 440-260-0930.