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☆ Do real estate agents have to disclose if someone died in a house? Here's how to find out
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-21 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Harrison Beacher real estate agent and managing partner at Coalition Properties Group in Washington, D.C. States such as Georgia do not require real estate agents or sellers to disclose upfront if the home was the site of a death. Nearly three-quarters, 72%, of potential homebuyers said they would buy a "haunted" house for a lower price, according to a new report by Real Estate Witch, a data site owned by Clever Real Estate. In some states, real estate agents need to provide truthful information upon a buyer's request, or at the very least, point you toward the right direction to find out. Besides the real estate agent, neighbors can give you first-hand experience of the area, as well as information about the previous homeowners.

Persons: Matt Champlin, Harrison Beacher, Zers, I'm, homebuyers, Daryl Fairweather, Fairweather, Beacher, Leno, Rosemary LaBianca, Charles Manson's, Zak Bagans, Connie Vavra, Theresa Payton Organizations: National Association of Realtors, NAR, Coalition Properties Group, Washington , D.C, Finance, Real, White House Locations: Washington ,, California, Alaska, Dakota, New York, Georgia, Elgin , Illinois

The best way to determine how much house you can afford is by working backward from your current budget. Current mortgage rates: The lower your mortgage rate, the more house you can afford. Where you live can impact home affordabilityHow much house you can afford depends a lot on where you live. How much house can I afford FAQsWhat percentage of my income should I spend on a house? The more debt you have, the less house you'll be able to afford.

Persons: You'll, Brian Walsh, Walsh, you'll, Freddie Mac, that's, it's, homebuyers Organizations: Business, CFP, . Census Bureau, National Association of Insurance, Consulting, homeownership, DTI, Chevron Locations: West Virginia, U.S, Washington, Alabama, New Jersey, Chevron

☆ Falling home prices are hitting homeowners in these 10 states the hardest — with up to 10% of mortgage balances now topping their property values
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-15 | by ( Christine Ji | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

AdvertisementAfter years of rapidly skyrocketing home values, falling prices might sound like a breath of fresh air to those looking to buy a home. Home price declines can lead to a surge in underwater mortgages, or when the amount owed on a home loan exceeds the home's value. ATTOM defines a seriously underwater mortgage as a home with a loan-to-value ratio of 125% or above. Homeowners with underwater mortgages can get relief if the housing market stabilizes and their home values increase. Below are the top ten states with the largest proportion of seriously underwater mortgages in the second quarter of 2024.

Persons: that's, —, Rob Barber Organizations: Service, Homeowners Locations: Louisiana , Oklahoma, Kentucky

☆ Some hurricane victims can get a tax break for losses — Here's what you need to know
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-15 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

You also need to know how much the fair market value declined due to the disaster, she said. How to calculate the casualty loss deduction 1. Congress approves 'qualified disaster losses'In certain cases, "qualified disaster losses" are eligible for special rules, but "that's driven by Congressional action," according to Brennan. When there's a qualified disaster loss, the $100 rises to $500, there is no 10% AGI limit and victims can add their loss on top of the standard deduction. "AICPA has been actively advocating for permanent uniform tax relief for all victims of disasters since 2021 — for almost four years now — because we have this inconsistent treatment," she said.

Persons: David Hester, Hurricane Helene, Chandan Khanna, Mark Luscombe, Beth Brennan, Brennan, You'll, there's, AICPA Organizations: Afp, Getty, Wolters Kluwer, Accounting, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Congress Locations: Horseshoe Beach , Florida

County election officials in Florida, meanwhile, are facing a potential new challenge after Hurricane Milton made landfall on its western coast late Wednesday. Other county election offices in the state similarly said this week that that they would perform fresh assessments of their election infrastructure following Milton. Chris O'Meara/AP David Jalving throws outdoor furniture into his father's pool in Fort Myers to prepare for Hurricane Milton. Marta Lavandier/AP A man in Progreso boards up an apartment building to protect it from Hurricane Milton on Monday. “We should have the most poll workers we’ve ever had here in Oconee County,” said Ryan Nowland, assistant director of Oconee County elections.

Persons: Hurricane Helene, “ I’ve, ”, Mary Beth Tipton, “ We’ve, ” Tipton, Yancey County, Hurricane Milton, “, ” Brian Corley, Milton, Robert Inman, Inman, Cliff Marr, Marr, ” Marr, Helene, Karen Brinson Bell, Bell, Corinne Duncan, Duncan, ” Duncan, Christopher Heath, Ron DeSantis, Corley, Bill Nye, CNN Kari Ewalt, Osceola, ” Ewalt, they’re, Conway Belangia, I’ve, Belangia, Connie Gore, Cecelia Smith, Crystal Vander, Miguel J, Rodriguez Carrillo, Robert Turick, Turick, Rebecca Blackwell, Cristobal Herrera, Julio Cortez, Giorgio Viera, Ricardo Arduengo, Liz Kelly, Matt, Andrew West, Chandan Khanna, Nadia Zomorodian, Austin, Joe Raedle, Sean Rayford, Marta Lavandier, Jefferee Woo, Bryan R, Smith, Chris Urso, Marco Bello, Brandon Marlow, Marie Cook, Bill Ingram, Reuters Stephen Lundgren, Doug Engle, Ron Rook, Paul Hennessy, Saul Martinez, Payton Wyse, Andrew Goncharsky, Christian Burke, Lee, Connor Ferran, Fort Myers, Nicolette Mariano, Kaila Jones, Damon Higgins, Ted Carlson, McKenzie, Evan Purcell, Purcell's, Anna Maria Island, Carlson, Yamil Lage, Matthew Dominick, NASA Aurelio Ortiz, Lorenzo Hernandez, Mike Carlson, Jose Luis Gonzalez, Reuters John Fedor, Chris O'Meara, David Jalving, Pete, Octavio Jones, Tristan Wheelock, Gerald, Martin Zetina, Gregg Newton, ” Belangia, we’ve, Ryan Nowland, “ We’re, everyone’s Organizations: CNN, Trump, Hurricane, “ Communications, Republican, Republican Gov, Voters, Osceola County’s, South, USA, AFP, Getty, AP, Daytona, Network, Reuters, Bradenton, Tropicana, Major League, Tampa Bay Rays, Celtic Ray Public, Tampa Bay Times, NOAA, Vanguard, School, Ocala, Orlando International Airport, Anadolu, Disney, Fort, Palm Beach Daily, Florida Army National Guard, Tampa General Hospital, NASA, International, Milton, Tampa International Airport, Bloomberg, AP Contractors, New Port Richey, AP Tropicana Locations: Carolina, Hurricane, North Carolina’s Yancey County, Yancey, Florida, Florida’s Pasco County, North Carolina, North Carolina’s, Haywood County, North Carolina’s Polk County, ”, Buncombe County, Asheville, Covid, Orange County, Milton, Pasco County, South Carolina, Greenville County, ” County, Martin County , Florida, Port St Lucie , Florida, Englewood , Florida, Manasota Key, Hurricane Milton, Venice , Florida, Riverview , Florida, Lakewood Park , Florida, Siesta Key, Punta Gorda , Florida, North Fort Myers , Florida, Siesta, Volusia, South Daytona , Florida, Bradenton Beach, St . Petersburg, Punta Gorda, Odessa , Florida, Venice, Matlacha , Florida, Palmetto Beach, Tampa, Bradenton , Florida, St . Petersburg , Florida, Clearwater, AFP, Sarasota , Florida, Segundo, Davis, Fort Myers , Florida, Wellington , Florida, Palm, Ocala , Florida, County, Wellington, Orlando, Gulfport , Florida, Lee County, Fort Myers, Sebastian , Florida, Palm Beach , Florida, Palm Beach, Havana, Cuba, Celestún, Mexico, Port Richey , Florida, Tampa Bay, Treasure Island , Florida, St, Pete Beach , Florida, Treasure, Fort Myers Beach, Progreso, New Port, Kissimmee , Florida, Pickens County, Oconee County, Oconee

Sean Rayford/Getty Images Cars move slowly through Matlacha, Florida, on Thursday after Hurricane Milton damaged power lines. Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times/AP A satellite image captures Hurricane Milton reaching the coast of Florida on Wednesday, October 9. Chris O'Meara/AP David Jalving throws outdoor furniture into his father's pool in Fort Myers to prepare for Hurricane Milton. Marta Lavandier/AP A man in Progreso boards up an apartment building to protect it from Hurricane Milton on Monday. “Many areas in the county have incurred severe property damage because of back-to-back impacts from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton,” Pinellas County Consumer Protection said in a public advisory Thursday.

Persons: Milton, Floridians, ”, Ron DeSantis, Walt, Aquatica, Connie Gore, Cecelia Smith, Hurricane Milton, Crystal Vander, Miguel J, Rodriguez Carrillo, Robert Turick, Turick, Helene, Rebecca Blackwell, Cristobal Herrera, Julio Cortez, Giorgio Viera, Ricardo Arduengo, Liz Kelly, Matt, Andrew West, Chandan Khanna, Nadia Zomorodian, Austin, Joe Raedle, Sean Rayford, Marta Lavandier, Jefferee Woo, Bryan R, Smith, Chris Urso, Marco Bello, Brandon Marlow, Marie Cook, Bill Ingram, Reuters Stephen Lundgren, Doug Engle, Ron Rook, Paul Hennessy, Saul Martinez, Payton Wyse, Andrew Goncharsky, Christian Burke, Lee, Connor Ferran, Fort Myers, Nicolette Mariano, Kaila Jones, Damon Higgins, Ted Carlson, McKenzie, Evan Purcell, Purcell's, Anna Maria Island, Carlson, Hurricane Helene, Yamil Lage, Matthew Dominick, NASA Aurelio Ortiz, Lorenzo Hernandez, Mike Carlson, Jose Luis Gonzalez, Reuters John Fedor, Chris O'Meara, David Jalving, Pete, Octavio Jones, Tristan Wheelock, Gerald, Martin Zetina, Gregg Newton, ” DeSantis, “, ” Crews, Melissa Seixas, CNN’s Kate Bolduan, Joe Biden, Deanne Criswell, ” Criswell, Hurricane, it’s, CNN’s Andy Rose Organizations: CNN, St, Daytona, Tampa International, Sarasota Bradenton International, Coast Guard, Walt Disney, SeaWorld, USA, AFP, Getty, AP, Hurricane, Network, Reuters, Bradenton, Tropicana, Major League, Tampa Bay Rays, Celtic Ray Public, Tampa Bay Times, NOAA, Vanguard, School, Ocala, Orlando International Airport, Anadolu, Disney, Fort, Palm Beach Daily, Florida Army National Guard, Tampa General Hospital, NASA, International, Milton, Tampa International Airport, Bloomberg, AP Contractors, New Port Richey, AP Tropicana, Duke Energy, Pinellas County Consumer Protection, “, Government, FEMA, Cross Locations: Florida, Tampa, Hillsborough, Lithia, Clearwater, Johns, Orlando, Sanibel , Florida, St, Petersburg, Georgia, South Carolina, Aquatica Orlando, Discovery Cove, SeaWorld Orlando, Martin County , Florida, Port St Lucie , Florida, Hurricane, Englewood , Florida, Manasota Key, Hurricane Milton, Venice , Florida, Riverview , Florida, Lakewood Park , Florida, Siesta Key, Punta Gorda , Florida, North Fort Myers , Florida, Siesta, Volusia, South Daytona , Florida, Bradenton Beach, Milton, St . Petersburg, Punta Gorda, Odessa , Florida, Venice, Matlacha , Florida, Palmetto Beach, Bradenton , Florida, St . Petersburg , Florida, AFP, Sarasota , Florida, Segundo, Davis, Fort Myers , Florida, Wellington , Florida, Palm, Ocala , Florida, County, Wellington, Gulfport , Florida, Lee County, Fort Myers, Sebastian , Florida, Palm Beach , Florida, Palm Beach, Havana, Cuba, Celestún, Mexico, Port Richey , Florida, Tampa Bay, Treasure Island , Florida, Pete Beach , Florida, Treasure, Fort Myers Beach, Progreso, New Port, Kissimmee , Florida, Melissa Seixas , Florida, Pinellas County, Georgia , Tennessee, Carolinas

Learn moreThe October Prime Day event is almost over, and there are only a few hours left to get the best Amazon Prime deals. Below, we've compiled the 100+ best Prime Day deals you can get right now. Tech and gaming Prime Day dealsWhether you're an Apple aficionado looking for a good deal or a gamer yearning for a PS5, Prime Day has you covered. View at AmazonFor more highlights of Prime Day sales on Amazon products, check out our roundups of the best Prime Day Fire TV Stick deals and best Prime Day Amazon Echo deals. You can find the top sales in our guides to the best women's Prime Day clothing and shoes, men's Prime Day clothing and shoes, and Prime Day coach bags.

Persons: we've, there's, Bose, Apple, We've, it's, shams, Dyson, OmniForce, Bissell, Ashley Caitbrook, Ashley, you've, recyclables, callouts, Dyson Airwrap, ”, Gabrielle Chase, “, wardrobes, Tabby, clogs, Pullover Organizations: Business, Amazon Prime, Apple, Samsung, PlayStation, LG, Amazon, Apple AirPods, Amazon Bose, Amazon LG, Tech, Sony, Google, Slim, Air, MacBook, Amazon Apple, Amazon Samsung Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Watch, Garmin, Amazon Samsung, Galaxy, Alexa, Kindle, Casper, Pillow, Dyson, Upright, Bissell, AMD, futon, Amazon Philips, Chatelet Air, DELTA, Delta, Philips, Adidas Locations: Amazon, Keurigs

☆ The undeniable crisis that’s not driving American voters
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-09 | by ( Zachary B. Wolf | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +16 min

Eduardo Munoz/Reuters A relief group climbs up the side of a hill as they help near Bat Cave, North Carolina, on Thursday. Jeffrey Collins/AP Len Frisbee dumps a wheelbarrow of dirt as he helps with cleanup in Hot Springs, North Carolina, on Tuesday. Gerald Herbert/AP Meta Gatschenberger surveys the remains of her collapsed house in Boone, North Carolina, on Saturday, September 28. Jonathan Drake/Reuters Floodwaters are seen in Asheville in this image released by the North Carolina Department of Transportation on Saturday. Marco Bello/Reuters In pictures: Hurricane Helene unleashes its fury Prev NextBut Vance’s remedy to the so-called weird weather is counterintuitive.

Persons: Helene, Donald Trump’s, Kamala Harris, Republican leaners, Democratic leaners, SSRS, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Trump, ”, Greene, ‘, Ohio Sen, JD Vance, Trump’s, Vance, Martika Stansell, Jonathan Drake, Erik S, Eduardo Munoz, Sean Rayford, Allison Joyce, Mike Stewart, Emily Ogburn, Cody Klein, Melissa Sue Gerrits, Sam Soughail, Van Hutchins, Dennis Rector, Josh Morgan, Andy Brown, Jeffrey Collins, Len Frisbee, Jeff Roberson, Christian Monterrosa, Marco Bello, Reuters Linda Bandy, Carissa Sheehan, Kathy Kmonicek, Janice Whitley, Terry Wilson, Melinda, Kathleen Flynn, Paul Hennessy, Gerald Herbert, Elmira Glover, Joe Raedle, John Falchetto, Cassandra Randall, Jessica Downey, Greg Lovett, Hurricane Helene, Hailey Morgan, Phelan M, Megan Varner, Sarah Cribbins, Michael, Luis Santana, Miguel J, Rodriguez Carrillo, Richard Burkhart, Mike Carlson, Candice Ocvil, Jibri Tolen, Cristobal Herrera, Candace Redwine, Guy Ford, George G, Tapper, Ricardo Arduengo, Joe Burbank, Carol Poulson, Andrew West, Cynthia Centeno, Reuters Charles Starling, Stephen M, Dowell, Chandan Khanna, Thomas Simonetti, Pete Beach, Ramon Espinosa, Paola Chiomante, Tim Walz, Harris ’, fracking Harris, Harris, CNN’s Dana Bash Organizations: CNN, Gallup, Republican, Democratic, Republicans, Terrorism, Democrats, Health, Reuters Helicopters, Reuters, Getty, Homes, AP, & Sons Department, USA, New York Times, Anadolu, Workers, North Carolina Department of Transportation, . North Carolina Department of Transportation, Tampa Bay Times, AFP, East, Savannah Morning, United States Coast Guard, Walt Disney, Orlando Sentinel, Tribune, Service, Fairview Middle School, Fishel, State Emergency Operations Center, Washington Post, NOAA, Minnesota Gov, Trump Locations: Gulf of Mexico, Milton, US, Georgia, Alabama, Helene, Ohio, Canton , North Carolina, Swannanoa , North Carolina, Cruso , North Carolina, Swannanoa, Bat Cave , North Carolina, Bills, , North Carolina, AFP, Lake Lure , North Carolina, Rock , North Carolina, Barnardsville , North Carolina, Lure, Asheville , North Carolina, Marshall , North Carolina, Augusta , Georgia, Springs , North Carolina, North Carolina, Bat Cave, Morganton , North Carolina, Old Fort, Fletcher , North Carolina, Steinhatchee , Florida, Tampa , Florida, Steinhatchee, Boone , North Carolina, Asheville, ., Treasure Island , Florida, Horseshoe Beach , Florida, Boone, Valdosta , Georgia, Horseshoe Beach, Laurel, Vilas , North Carolina, Crystal River , Florida, Hurricane, Crystal River, Peachtree Creek, Atlanta, , Florida, Savannah , Georgia, Savannah, Shore, St . Petersburg , Florida, Key , Florida, Tarpon Springs , Florida, Watauga, Sugar Grove , North Carolina, Florida, Port Saint Joe , Florida, Bay Lake , Florida, St . Petersburg, Fort Myers Beach , Florida, Tallahassee, Leon County , Florida, Eastpoint , Florida, Villages, Tallahassee , Florida, Gulfport , Florida, St, Cross City , Florida, Guanimar, Cuba, Panacea , Florida, Puerto Juarez, Mexico, Clearwater , Florida, Pennsylvania

The best Amazon Prime Day dealsKeep checking in on our curated deals list below, as we'll be updating it throughout the event with our latest Prime Day picks. Tech and gaming Prime Day dealsThis will be one of the busiest sections of the October Prime Day sale, and some absolute bangers are live already. View at AmazonKitchen Prime Day dealsLooking for a Prime Day pick-me-up? View at AmazonStyle and beauty Prime Day dealsIt's not all high-end electronics on Prime Day. View at AmazonAmazon Prime Day FAQsWhen is Amazon Prime Day?

Persons: We'll, we've, we'd, You'll, Bose, Apple, LG's, 120Hz, HLG, OmniForce, Bissell, Loren, LQ, seltzer, It's, I've, Skip, shams Organizations: Business, Amazon Prime, Deal, Tech, Apple, Deal Sony, Slim, Alexa, Kindle, Google, Amazon Samsung Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Watch, Amazon, Sony, Apple AirPods, LG, Samsung, Dolby, HLG Smart, Amazon LG, Chatelet Air, Bissell, DELTA, Delta, Barista, REVLON, Revlon, Amazon Braun, Braun

View at Amazon What we like Check mark icon A check mark. Includes 4K Blu-ray disc drive to play physical games discs and moviesCheck mark icon A check mark. View at Amazon What we like Check mark icon A check mark. View at Amazon What we like Check mark icon A check mark. View at Amazon What we like Check mark icon A check mark.

Persons: We'll, we've, you'll, I'm, we'd, You'll, Apple, LG's, 120Hz, HLG, vacuums, seltzer, shams, Dyson, OmniForce, Bissell, Loren, LQ, It's, I've, Skip Organizations: Business, Amazon Prime, Deal, Apple, Deal Sony, Slim, Alexa, Kindle, Google, Amazon Samsung Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Watch, Amazon Samsung, LG, Sony, Samsung, Amazon, Dolby, HLG Smart, Amazon LG, Chatelet Air, Barista, DELTA, Delta, Dyson, Bissell, REVLON, Revlon, Amazon Braun, Braun Locations: Delsey

☆ Hallways are disappearing from America's homes
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-05 | by ( Alcynna Lloyd | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

AdvertisementAs homeowners and builders make tough design choices, hallways are disappearing from many newly built homes. Highland Homes' Palermo floor plan. Courtesy of Highland HomesBy contrast, a Highland Homes floor plan from 2018 for a one-story home has more hallways. Why long hallways are becoming passéThere are several reasons hallways are being phased out of newly built homes, apart from saving money for builders. Courtesy of Highland HomesPictured above is Highland Homes' 608 floor plan, a two-story home of about 4,500 square feet released in 2020.

Persons: John Burns, Mikaela Arroyo, Arroyo, It's, Taylor Morrison, Jen Shurtleff, Shurtleff, — Organizations: National Association of Home Builders, John Burns Research, Consulting, Trends, JBREC, Tri Pointe Homes, Forbes, Highland Homes, Highland, Homes, Generations United Locations: Tri Pointe, Texas, Highland, Dallas, Fort Worth , Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Palermo

When my dad died, I realized life insurance was a priority, but it doesn't cover everything I need. After that ordeal, I decided to up my life insurance to ensure that my family wouldn't face the same troubles if I died unexpectedly. It was important to me that — on top of paying funeral costs — my life insurance policy also covered our home's mortgage. Unlike critical illness insurance, cancer insurance only covers costs associated with cancer. While different health insurance plans offer different treatment coverages, Aflac's cancer insurance offers supplemental coverage that covers several treatment options.

Persons: I'm, doesn't, Samantha Chavarria Samantha Chavarria, she's, Read Organizations: Cancer, Aflac, Ambulance, Houstonia, Twitter Locations: Latina, Houston

☆ Stocks making the biggest moves midday: Flutter Entertainment, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and more
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-25 | by ( Samantha Subin | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Check out the companies making headlines in midday trading: Flutter Entertainment — The sports betting stock rose more than 6% after the FanDuel parent announced a share buyback program of up to $5 billion. Hewlett Packard Enterprise — The tech stock jumped more than 5% after Barclays upgraded the firm to overweight from equal weight. KB Home reported $2.04 in earnings per share, or 2 cents short of consensus estimates, according to analysts surveyed by LSEG. Analysts had expected $1.14 in earnings per share on revenue of $176.2 million, according to FactSet. The workplace uniform company sees revenue of $10.22 billion to $10.32 billion for fiscal 2025, compared to its prior guidance of $10.16 billion to $10.31 billion.

Persons: HPE, Morgan Stanley downgrades, Adam Jonas, Ford, Bilibili, Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, Cintas, — CNBC's Sean Conlon, Yun Li, Alex Harring, Hakyung Kim, Lisa Han, Pia Singh Organizations: Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Barclays, Juniper Networks, General Motors, Ford —, JPMorgan, . Bank of America, LSEG, Trump Media & Technology Locations: Bilibili —

☆ A boomer said he's struggling to survive on Social Security after retiring early to care full-time for his wife
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-25 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

As Americans increasingly rely on Social Security and other retirement income to get by, high medical expenses could throw years of retirement planning out of balance. AdvertisementRetiring early to be his wife's caretakerPapalia had a goal to retire in 2015 at age 65 so he could receive Social Security benefits and have enough saved that money wouldn't be a huge issue. However, in 2010, he retired to care for his wife full-time, taking a buyout from his company that lasted until 2014. Marie's medical care was expensive, and they also cared for two dogs, both of whom had costly medical issues. Scraping by and making sacrificesPapalia receives $2,132 a month in Social Security before taxes and insurance and $1,900 from his pension, while Marie gets $1,113 a month from Social Security.

Persons: —, Robert Papalia, Marie, They're, Papalia, they're, wouldn't, She's, they've, We're, it's, he's Organizations: Service, Business, BI, Social Security, Social, Security Locations: Burlington , New Jersey, New Jersey, Pennsylvania

☆ Take a look inside a $1.1 million 'zero emissions' home
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-24 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Courtesy: Wojciechowski FamilyGreg Iacurci: What does it mean for your home to be considered 'zero emissions'? Not only am I producing solar [energy] and any excess is going back onto the grid, but the power from the grid coming into my home is clean and sustainable. MW: Our utility bills are projected to be about $917 a year with [solar] panels, or around $80 a month. Courtesy: Wojciechowski FamilyCourtesy: Wojciechowski FamilyCourtesy: Wojciechowski FamilyCourtesy: Wojciechowski FamilyCourtesy: Wojciechowski FamilyGI: What do you mean solar offsets it? Solar panels only make sense if you build an energy-efficient home that's really all-electric.

Persons: Morgan Wojciechowski, Casey, Greg Iacurci, That's, It's Organizations: Dominion Locations: It's, Walnut, U.S

☆ 3 couples who recently got mortgage interest rates under 3% share how they did it
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-18 | by ( Alcynna Lloyd | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

Read previewOver the past few years, US mortgage rates have fluctuated wildly, leaving both homebuyers and sellers scrambling. AdvertisementThis can lead to significantly lower interest rates, making monthly mortgage payments more affordable and saving thousands over the life of the loan. The Federal Open Market Committee, which oversees US monetary policy, is expected to cut interest rates at its meeting this week. This could lead to further declines in mortgage rates in the coming months. Here are the stories of three homebuying couples who secured mortgage rates below 3% since March 2023 using assumable mortgages.

Persons: —, Louis, Freddie Mac, aren't, Grace Lucchese, Mickey Ricard, Boston —, Lucchese, Ricard, Riccard, Brian Sankey, Fort Knox, Sankey, Brian Sankey Sankey, wouldn't, Amy Yzaguirre, Yzaguirre, I've Organizations: Service, Federal, Fed, Federal Reserve Bank of St, Business, Federal Housing Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, Market Committee, Boston, Lucchese, assumable Veterans Affairs, Veterans Affairs, Army, Toyota Tacoma Locations: Lucchese's, Sudbury , Massachusetts, Boston, couple's Massachusetts, Elizabethtown , Kentucky, Fort, Elizabethtown, Oregon, Idaho, Tigard, Portland, Sherwood

As the Fed lowers its benchmark rate, mortgage rates are likely to go down. Mortgage rates often trend up or down ahead of expected Fed moves, but once a hike or cut is priced in, they tend to hold steady unless the Fed surprises everyone. Haymore also notes that mortgage rates could fluctuate depending on other information that comes out of this upcoming meeting. As it does, mortgage rates should trend down, too (as will the rates banks pay on high-yield savings accounts). If you got your mortgage more recently, you could save on your mortgage payment by refinancing.

Persons: —, Freddie Mac, Scott Haymore, Haymore, you've, Matt Baker, Baker Organizations: Service, Business, Fed, TD Bank, Mortgage Bankers Association, Navy Federal Credit Union

☆ This couple bought a 19th-century schoolhouse for $210,000 and made it their family home—take a look inside
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-14 | by ( Celia Fernandez | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

The North Weare Schoolhouse had been on the market for more than a decade when Danielle and Kreg Jones bought it and made it their home. Danielle and Kreg Jones have a history of renovating homes together and run their own New Hampshire-based architecture firm, Inscription Architects. Kreg and Danielle JonesThat changed when they came across a 19th-century schoolhouse in Weare, a small town just outside of the state's capital. The school house has 14 and 21 foot ceilings and large windows throughout. Courtesy of John W. Hession

Persons: Danielle, Kreg Jones, Kreg, Jones, Danielle Jones, John W, Hession Danielle, Kreg Jones Danielle, We've, we're, We're, Hession Organizations: Inscription Architects, CNBC, National Register of Historic Places Locations: New Hampshire, Montana, downsize, Weare

☆ Americans have more than $32 trillion in home equity — a record high. Here's what to know before you tap it
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-11 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Tappable equity is the amount most lenders will allow you to take out while still leaving 20% in the home as a cushion. How to tap your home for cashAlternatively, a home equity loan is a type of second mortgage, which allows borrowers to pull cash while using the house as collateral. However, the current average home equity loan interest rate is 8.52%, according to Bankrate, notably higher than a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. watch nowOtherwise, a home equity line of credit, also known as a HELOC, lets you borrow money against a portion of your home's equity. The average HELOC interest rate is just shy of 10%, according to Bankrate.

Persons: Jacob Channel, Andy Walden, Holden Lewis, Lewis Organizations: Louis Federal Reserve, Intercontinental Exchange's Mortgage, Intercontinental Exchange

Mortgage rates dropped substantially earlier this month and they remain low today. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates would impact your monthly payments. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesLast week, average 15-year mortgage rates were 5.62%, a four-basis-point decrease from the previous week, according to Freddie Mac data. Mortgage rates have been elevated for most of 2024, but they've been trending down in recent months. Once the Fed cuts rates, mortgage rates should fall even further.

Persons: Jerome Powell, Powell, you'll, Freddie Mac, it's Organizations: Federal Reserve, Traders, Zillow Locations: Jackson Hole, Chevron

The average 30-year mortgage rate fell to 6.46% this week, according to Freddie Mac. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates will affect your monthly and long-term payments. 30-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesThe average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.46% this week, according to Freddie Mac. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesAverage 15-year mortgage rates were 5.62% this week, according to Freddie Mac data, which is a four-basis-point decrease from the previous week. As inflation comes down and the Federal Reserve is able to start cutting the federal funds rate, mortgage rates should fall further as well.

Persons: Freddie Mac, Sam Khater, Freddie Mac's Organizations: National Association of Realtors, Zillow, Federal Reserve Locations: Chevron

As the economy continues to normalize and the Fed is able to lower the federal funds rate, mortgage rates should drop further. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates would impact your monthly payments. Mortgage Rates for Buying a Home30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Increase (+0.26%)The current average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.17%, up 26 basis points from where it was this time last week, according to Zillow data. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Go Up (+0.26%)The average 15-year mortgage rate is 5.45%, 26 basis points higher than last week. Mortgage Refinance Rates30-Year Fixed Refinance Rates Jump Up (+1.07%)The average 30-year refinance rate is 7.04%, 107 basis points up from last week.

Persons: Zillow, Price, you'll, It's, refinance, they've Organizations: Federal Reserve, Zillow, FHA Locations: U.S, Chevron

☆ Former Kansas police chief formally charged over Marion newspaper raid
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-13 | by ( Minyvonne Burke | Minyvonne Burke Is A Senior Breaking News Reporter For Nbc News. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

A former Kansas police chief linked to the Aug. 11, 2023, raid of a local newspaper was formally charged with one count of interference with the judicial process. She collapsed and died the day after the raid, and Meyer blamed her death on the stress of the raid. Joan Meyer, co-owner of the Marion County Record, swears at police officers in her home on Aug. 11, 2023. Marion County Attorney Joel Ensey, however, withdrew the search warrants after determining that "insufficient evidence exists to establish a legally sufficient nexus between this alleged crime and the places searched and the items seized." Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett and Riley County Attorney Barry Wilkerson said in a 124-page report that the newspaper's staff had committed no crimes.

Persons: Gideon Cody, Eric Meyer, Ruth Herbel, Joan Meyer, Meyer, Cody, Phyllis Zorn, Kari Newell’s driver’s, Herbel, Joel Ensey, Marc Bennett, Riley, Barry Wilkerson Organizations: Marion Police Department, Marion County, City, Marion Locations: Kansas, Marion, Marion County, Sedgwick County, Riley County

As the Fed lowers its benchmark rate, mortgage rates are expected to decrease further. This would likely remove a substantial amount of upward pressure off of mortgage rates. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's interest rates will affect your monthly payments. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesAverage 15-year mortgage rates fell to 5.63% last week, according to Freddie Mac data. Mortgage rates increased dramatically over the last two years, but they're expected to go down at some point this year.

Persons: they're, you'll, Freddie Mac, it's Organizations: Federal Reserve, Traders, Zillow Locations: Chevron

Mortgage rates are down today compared to where they've been in recent weeks, with 30-year mortgage rates hovering in the low 6% range, according to Zillow data. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates would impact your monthly payments. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesLast week, average 15-year mortgage rates were 5.63%, a 36-basis-point decrease from the previous week, according to Freddie Mac data. Mortgage rates have been elevated for most of 2024, but they've been trending down in recent months. Once the Fed cuts rates, mortgage rates should fall even further.

Persons: they've, you'll, Freddie Mac, it's Organizations: July's, CPI, Federal Reserve, Zillow Locations: Chevron

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