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☆ Looking to sell your home? Here are 4 cheap or free things you can do boost its value and get a higher price, according to Zillow.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-15 | by ( William Edwards | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

But there are still a few small things to consider before selling that could help you bump up your house's value even further. 4 things to boost your home's valueFirst, Pendleton said adding a fresh coat of interior paint can add value to your home. Dark gray outperformed white in every single room that we tested," Pendleton said. "So it is a really good option, even in the bedroom and the bathroom, if you feel like, 'Oh, dark gray is way too much for my kitchen.' She added: "I'm telling you, dark gray covers a lot of imperfections, and it feels modern.

Persons: You've, you've, it's, Amanda Pendleton, Pendleton, Zillow, Soapstone countertops, I'm Organizations: Business Locations: Zillow's, soapstone

HAMBURG, N.Y. (AP) — An ailing alligator was seized from an upstate New York home where it was being kept illegally, state officials said. Environmental conservation police officers seized the 750-pound (340-kilogram), 11-foot-long (3.4-meter-long) alligator on Wednesday from a home in Hamburg, south of Buffalo. The home's owner built an addition and installed an in-ground swimming pool for the 30-year-old alligator and allowed people, including children, to get into the water with the reptile, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Cavallaro said he treated the alligator like it was his kid and that he never put anyone in danger. Officials believe a lethargic 4-foot (1.2-meter) alligator found in Prospect Park Lake in Brooklyn in February 2023 was likely an abandoned pet.

Persons: Tony Cavallaro, Albert, Cavallaro, ” Cavallaro, haven't Organizations: of Environmental Conservation, Associated Press Locations: HAMBURG, New York, Hamburg, Buffalo, Prospect Park Lake, Brooklyn

☆ Home prices could go down now that the biggest group of real-estate agents agreed to lower commissions
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-15 | by ( Grace Eliza Goodwin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

The National Association of Realtors said it'd reduce commissions as part of a $418 million settlement. Cut commissions could lead to lower home prices but may force some agents out of the industry. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. AdvertisementThe entire real-estate industry could shift in homeowners' favor, thanks to a settlement by one of the most powerful groups of real-estate agents in the country. In a major win for consumers, it also agreed to amend its rules on commissions, The New York Times, which obtained a copy of the signed agreement, reported.

Persons: — Organizations: National Association of Realtors, Service, New York Times, Business

The latest forecasts expect mortgage rates to go down in 2024 and 2025, with experts predicting that 30-year rates could fall somewhere between 5.9% and 6.1% by the end of this year. 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. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesAverage 15-year mortgage rates were 6.22% last week, according to Freddie Mac data, which is a four-basis-point decrease from the previous week. Now that the Fed has paused hiking rates, mortgage rates have come down a bit. Once the Fed starts cutting rates, which is likely to happen this year, mortgage rates should fall even further.

Persons: Freddie Mac Organizations: Federal, Zillow, Federal Reserve, Fed Locations: Chevron

Mortgage rates ticked up a little bit in response to Tuesday's slightly hotter-than-expected Consumer Price Index data. But mortgage rates probably won't drop substantially until we get more data showing that inflation is continuing to slow. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage Refinance Rates TodayMortgage type Average rate today This information has been provided by Zillow. 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. This is good news for mortgage rates — as inflation slows and the Federal Reserve is able to start cutting the federal funds rate, mortgage rates are expected to trend down as well.

Persons: they're, they've, Fannie Mae's, Fannie Mae Organizations: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, Zillow, Mortgage, Association, ARM Locations: Chevron

☆ One way to help American homebuyers? Do what the Dutch do.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-13 | by ( Cork Gaines | Eliza Relman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The Dutch offer home mortgages with evolving interest rates that can automatically decrease over time. However, other countries are taking notice: The Dutch mortgage lender DMFCO recently began offering Dutch-style mortgages in the UK. AdvertisementBut there are some deeply entrenched features of the American mortgage system that make it unlikely we'll see widespread adoption of Dutch-style mortgages. AdvertisementAdditionally, mortgage interest rates in the US aren't determined by the loan-to-value ratio beyond a certain point. AdvertisementBut Cecela says he's interested to see what happens with the Dutch-style mortgages newly on offer in the UK.

Persons: —, Lindsey Harn, Lindsey, Harn, Guy Cecala, Cecala, Melissa Cohn, Raveis, Cohn, he's Organizations: Service, Business, Lindsey Harn Group, Mortgage, Mortgage Finance, USA Locations: Netherlands, San Luis Obispo County , California, Europe

☆ See how badly your home could be hit by heat, wind, and bad air over the next 30 years
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-13 | by ( Dan Latu | Catherine Boudreau | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Realtor.com has unveiled a set of climate risk tools that homeowners and homebuyers alike can use to learn the specific climate risks of a property. The tools, called Heat Factor, Wind Factor, and Air Factor, are available starting Wednesday and can map out a neighborhood's risks of above-normal days on the heat index, chances of experiencing wind gusts over 50 mph, and days of poor air quality. More than 40% of US homes, valued at a combined $20 trillion, are vulnerable to extreme heat, wind, and poor air quality, according to a Realtor.com analysis. Understanding your home's climate riskPrior to releasing the heat, wind, and air quality tools, Realtor.com already provided fire and flood risks for properties based on data from First Street. First Street, a climate-risk firm, is also behind the data on extreme heat, wind, and air quality now added to listings.

Persons: Realtor.com, Oscar Seikaly, Bob Stephens, homebuyers, Danielle Hale, Hale, Z, Redfin, we've Organizations: Service, Factor, Air Factor, Business, San, Sun Locations: Florida , California, Texas, Miami, San Francisco, California, Florida

☆ Real-Estate Agents Use 'Steering' to Hide Cheap Houses From Homebuyers
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-13 | by ( James Rodriguez | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +14 min

Technically, the seller can promise as little as $0 to the buyer's agent; after all, why pay for someone you didn't hire? But multiple agents told me there are all kinds of ways shady practitioners try to skirt the rules. Critics say the stickiness of the going commission rate is evidence of steering's ubiquity. He said buyers' agents might call and say, "'Why is there no buyer's commission?" There are lots of willing brokers out there; if you suspect steering, agents told me, you've got plenty of options for a second opinion.

Persons: should've, Redfin, Julie —, Julie, Wendy Gilch, Gilch, they're, Doug Miller, Real, Rex, Keller Williams, I'm, Brendon Bowers, we're, Stephen Brobeck, Brobeck, they'll, you've, Rich, they've Organizations: Department of Justice, National Association of Realtors, Business, Facebook, Realtors, NAR, Consumer Federation of America, DOJ Locations: America, Minnesota, Austin, Houston, Kansas City , Missouri, Phoenix

Average 30-year mortgage rates have generally been hovering in the 6.30% to 6.40% range this week, according to Zillow data. Where mortgage rates go next depends on the economy. As long as inflation continues to slow and the labor market doesn't heat back up, mortgage rates should go down in 2024. This means that we could see mortgage rates inch down just ahead of the summer months. This means your entire monthly mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, shouldn't exceed 28% of your pre-tax monthly income.

Persons: you'll, Fannie Mae Organizations: Federal Reserve, Zillow, Mortgage, Association, Sky Locations: Chevron

High inflation and Federal Reserve interest rates hikes helped push mortgage rates up over the last couple of years. Now that inflation has slowed so much from its June 2022 peak, mortgage rates are expected to go down this year. 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 Go Down (-0.33%)The current average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.30%, down 33 points from where it was this time last week, according to Zillow data. 20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Fall (-0.29%)The average 20-year fixed mortgage rate is down bit from last week, and is sitting at 6.07%.

Persons: Investing.com, you'll, It's, refinance Organizations: CPI, Zillow, FHA Locations: Chevron

☆ Interior designers reveal the 10 things worth splurging on in a home
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-11 | by ( Rachel Murphy | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

Engineered wood floors can hold up for years to come. This is especially a great investment for anyone who lives in a humid place. ShutterstockPiper also said that engineered wood flooring (a type of flooring that's specially made to be durable) is worth the money — and is a must for those living in climates where the seasons change. "This will help with the ever-changing humidity and warping of the boards," she told BI. Piper also explained that this type of flooring is made from real wood — so it can later be sanded down and refinished if you choose to switch up your home's look.

Persons: Shutterstock Piper, Piper

Mortgage rates fell last week, and they remain low today. But as the economy continues to balance out and inflation cools, mortgage rates should trend down. In its most recent forecast, Fannie Mae predicted that 30-year mortgage rates could finally drop back down below 6% by the end of the year. 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 inched down to 6.22% last week, according to Freddie Mac data.

Persons: There's, Fannie Mae, you'll, Freddie Mac, it's, they've Organizations: Federal Reserve, Zillow Locations: Chevron

Mortgage rates fell this week and are now back down to where they were early last month. This means that, as many experts have predicted, mortgage rates should go down in 2024. 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 6.22%, a four-basis-point decrease from the previous week, according to Freddie Mac data. Once the Fed cuts rates, mortgage rates should fall even further.

Persons: we're, you'll, Freddie Mac, it's Organizations: Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, Zillow Locations: Chevron

Mortgage rates are expected to go down in 2024, but they increased in February in response to hotter-than-expected economic data. Once the Fed starts lowering rates, mortgage rates should trend down, too. In its latest forecast, Fannie Mae predicted that 30-year mortgage rates will reach 5.9% by the end of the year. 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. Now that the Fed has paused hiking rates, mortgage rates have come down a bit.

Persons: Freddie Mac, Sam Khater, Freddie Mac's, Fannie Mae Organizations: Federal, Zillow, Federal Reserve, Fed Locations: Chevron

We can't predict what the Fed will do or how that will impact mortgage rates. Yes, even as high interest rates make buying a home with a mortgage more expensive! On one hand, interest rates may drop so buying a home with a mortgage is more affordable. Or we could say there's still massive demand in the Boston market despite the jump in interest rates. Get the lowest mortgage rate you canPretty obvious advice if you want to get a mortgage now, right?

Persons: —, doesn't Organizations: Service, National, ARM Locations: Boston

High inflation and Federal Reserve interest rate hikes helped push mortgage rates up to decades-long highs over the last couple of years. If next week's Consumer Price Index data comes in hotter than expected, for example, that could push mortgage rates back up. This means we may need to see a few more months of slowing inflation data before the Fed cuts rates and mortgage rates start trending down. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage Refinance Rates TodayMortgage type Average rate today This information has been provided by Zillow. 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.

Persons: it's, Jerome Powell, Powell, Fannie Mae Organizations: Zillow, Federal Reserve, Mortgage, Association, ARM Locations: Chevron

Mortgage rates have receded a bit this week, with average 30-year mortgage rates hovering around 10 basis points below last week's average at 6.59%,according to Zillow data. Depending on how some upcoming economic reports turn out, we could see mortgage rates inch down a little further in March. Now that the Fed is considering cutting rates this year, many experts believe that mortgage rates will go down soon. This is a key gauge of inflation, and the results of this report could also cause some volatility with mortgage rates. This means your entire monthly mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, shouldn't exceed 28% of your pre-tax monthly income.

Persons: you'll, Fannie Mae Organizations: Federal Reserve, of Labor Statistics, Zillow, Mortgage, Association, Sky Locations: Chevron

Mortgage rates are forecast to go down in 2024, but they've actually increased a bit so far this year. Mortgage rates first started rising early in 2022 in response to high inflation and expectations that the Federal Reserve would hike rates to combat price growth. 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 Inch Down (-0.08%)The current average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.54%, down just eight points from where it was this time last week, according to Zillow data. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Hold Steady (+0.01%)The average 15-year mortgage rate is 5.94%, just a single point up from last week.

Persons: they've, you'll, It's, refinance Organizations: Treasury, Federal, Zillow, FHA Locations: Chevron

Mortgage rates have been holding steady after rising last month, and they could stay near their current levels throughout March. This means that mortgage rates will likely remain elevated for at least a few more months. But investor expectations how of Fed rate changes could impact the broader economy can push mortgage rates up or down. 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 inched down to 6.26% last week, according to Freddie Mac data.

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

☆ Tour this $24 million mansion in Delray Beach, Florida, where home prices have doubled
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-04 | by ( Ray Parisi | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

watch nowThe owners of this Florida mansion are asking for $24 million for their almost 11,500 square-foot residence inside one of the most expensive gated communities in Delray Beach, Florida. Over the past five years, the Delray Beach market has more than flourished — it has skyrocketed. "But Delray Beach is, without question, one of the region's premier luxury residential markets." An aerial view of the Rockybrook Estate in Delray Beach, Florida. Here's a look inside the 6 bedroom, 10 bathroom Villa Ananda:Aerial view of 9303 Hawk Shadow Lane in Delray Beach.

Persons: Villa Ananda, Daniel Petroni, Senada Adzem, Villa, Adzem, Steve Cohen, Khalil Mack, Gerry Smith, Romeo Santos, Antonio Neri, Neri, Rockybrook, Douglas Elliman, Krent Wieland, Inson Dubois, Liaigre Organizations: CNBC, Miami, Palm, National Football League, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Adzem, HP Enterprise Locations: Florida, Delray Beach , Florida, Delray Beach, Manhattan , New York, Miami, Delray, Stone, South Florida, Italy's, Adzem

This week, we'll be getting two big pieces of labor market data that could have an impact on mortgage rates. This means it's possible we'll see mortgage rates start to ease right as the homebuying season is heating up. 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 6.26%, a three-basis-point decrease from the previous week, according to Freddie Mac data. Once the Fed cuts rates, mortgage rates should fall even further.

Persons: we'll, you'll, Freddie Mac, it's Organizations: Labor, Zillow, Federal Reserve Locations: Chevron

☆ Retiring early is a dream for many. In reality, some regret it.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-03 | by ( Matt Turner | Jordan Parker Erb | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . But when Nupur Dave walked away from corporate life at 40, becoming part of the FIRE (financial independence, retire early) movement, she soon came to regret it . Many of the early retirees who've spoken with BI in the past have shared the challenges that come with quitting work altogether. And there are many more striving to make early retirement a reality .

Persons: —, Nupur Dave, Dave, FIREgret, Dave's, who've, Rebecca Zisser, it's, Jenny Chang, Rodriguez, Alyssa Powell, Steve Pemberton, there's, Pemberton, Robert L, Johnson, America's, Matt Turner, Jordan Parker Erb, Dan DeFrancesco, Lisa Ryan Organizations: Business, Service, Microsoft, Google, Wall, Getty, Walgreens, Toyota, BET Locations: New York

Mortgage rates are still expected to go down in 2024, but it will probably be at least a few more months before we see rates start to trend lower. 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. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesAverage 15-year mortgage rates were 6.26% this week, according to Freddie Mac data, which is a three-basis-point decrease from the previous week. Now that the Fed has paused hiking rates, mortgage rates have come down a bit. Once the Fed starts cutting rates, which is likely to happen this year, mortgage rates should fall even further.

Persons: Freddie Mac Organizations: Federal Reserve, Zillow, Fed Locations: Chevron

Uncertainty around when the Federal Reserve will start cutting rates has kept mortgage rates elevated in recent weeks. This week, average 30-year mortgage rates ticked up four basis points to 6.94%, according to Freddie Mac. Once inflation gets closer to the Fed's 2% target rate and the central bank starts lowering its benchmark rate, mortgage rates should go down. 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. This is good news for mortgage rates — as inflation slows and the Federal Reserve is able to start cutting the federal funds rate, mortgage rates are expected to trend down as well.

Persons: Freddie Mac, Sam Khater, Freddie Mac's, we'll, Fannie Mae Organizations: Federal Reserve, homebuying, Commerce Department, Zillow, Mortgage, Association, ARM Locations: Chevron

Mortgage rates have been fairly calm so far this week, with average 30-year mortgage rates hovering around 6.61%, according to Zillow data. Once the Fed starts lowering its benchmark rate, mortgage rates are expected to trend down as well. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowToday's refinance ratesMortgage type Average rate today This information has been provided by Zillow. Sky high mortgage rates have pushed many hopeful buyers out of the market, slowing homebuying demand and putting downward pressure on home prices. This means your entire monthly mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, shouldn't exceed 28% of your pre-tax monthly income.

Persons: Fannie Mae, you'll Organizations: Fed, Zillow, Mortgage, Association, Sky Locations: decelerate, stagnate, Chevron

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