Thinking of selling your home? do it today!!

Thinking of Selling? Do it TODAY!! | Keeping Current Matters

That headline might be a little aggressive. However, as the data on the 2017 housing market begins to roll in, we can definitely say one thing: If you are considering selling, IT IS TIME TO LIST YOUR HOME!

The February numbers are not in yet, but the January numbers were sensational. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors, said:

“Much of the country saw robust sales activity last month as strong hiring and improved consumer confidence at the end of last year appear to have sparked considerable interest in buying a home. Market challenges remain, but the housing market is off to a prosperous start as homebuyers staved off inventory levels that are far from…

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First Time Home Buyers Guide: Getting A Mortgage When You Have No Credit

FHA mortgages don't require a credit history -- or even a credit score

Getting A Mortgage When You Have No Credit

First-time home buyers face challenges that more experienced home buyers do not.

For example, a first-time home buyer may not be able to show the same stable work history that a more experienced buyer can show; and a first-time home buyer not have as much money saved.

But, perhaps, the biggest difference between a first-time home buyer and an experienced one is that first-time home buyers are less likely to have credit history.

First-time home buyers have had no mortgage, may own their car outright, and may reach for debit cards over credit cards when given the chance.

These three traits put first-time buyers "off the…

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7 kitchen upgrades under $5k that increase home values

New countertops and hardware can give your kitchen a fresh, new look (and catch buyers’ eyes in the meantime).

By Jessica Bowne | Mar 02, 2017 3:00PM

Boost your kitchen’s appeal and home value without breaking the bank.

It’s likely you spend much of your time at home in your kitchen, cooking, entertaining friends over a glass (or two) of wine, or talking through your day with family. But there may come a day when you look around and notice that this well-loved space is starting to look a bit worn. Suddenly, your favorite gathering spot has become a place you rush guests through, and you’re concerned that potential future buyers will be turned off by its…

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Cash Out Refinance Rental Property Guidelines And Mortgage Rates

Rental Property Owners Tap Into Rising Equity

Home prices are up -- way up.

According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency, home values have risen nearly 35% nationwide since 2012.

That's giving real estate investors a new opportunity to "cash out" the equity on their rental properties to accomplish a number of goals:

  • Buy another rental property
  • Make rental property improvements
  • Pay off other real estate loans
  • Reduce personal debt

With mortgage rates at half their historical norm, it could be an ideal time for rental property owners to put their equity to work.

Click to see today's rates (Feb 27th, 2017)

Why Get A Cash Out Rental Property Loan?

Home investors can get more benefit from their rental property…

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Greater Orlando Christmas Lights Displays

Christmas Lights can be found all around Orlando in the city’s communities and neighborhoods. Some of the best displays can be found in some of the city’s oldest neighborhoods of Delaney Park, Conway, and Belle Isle (See scenic drive in map below). There are not as many planned communities or cookie cutter homes in these neighborhoods and the older homes are mostly smaller in size so they are ideal for Christmas Lights Displays. These are completely residential sites so the best time for viewing is between the hours of 7 pm-9 pm.

Below is our map of Christmas Lights from Orlando Neighborhoods that have consistently had good displays each year. All of the selections below are great but we have given a…

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Gingerbread Cookie Tree

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
  • 1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp. ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/2 c. (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1/2 c. firmly packed dark brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 c. molasses
  • 1 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, cloves, and salt.
  2. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and brown sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla. Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until…

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Santa Is Coming To Town Cookies

These cute cookies are the best way to spread Christmas cheer.

TOTAL TIME: 4:00 COOK: 2:45 LEVEL: EASY YIELD: 12 COOKIES (6 BEARDS AND 6 HATS)  

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 3/4 c. all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 c. (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 3/4 c. granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • Santa hat and beard templates (see below)
  • 1 batch royal icing
  • Red sanding sugar, finely shredded coconut, white nonpareils and sprinkles, for decorating

DIRECTIONS

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.
  2. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar…

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