DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ An interior designer critiqued my neutral living room. Her tips showed me easy tricks to make a space cozy and stylish.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-29 | by ( Cheyenne Lentz | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

One that's been especially difficult to design is the living room. Our new home's living room has a built-in wood-burning stove and a shiplap ceiling. AdvertisementAfter sharing photos and a video tour of my space, Turner shared advice on how to make my living room feel more stylish and cozy. Cheyenne LentzThe biggest issue I've faced in decorating our living room is figuring out how to incorporate the fireplace into our design. Hiding wires and clutter can easily upgrade the roomThe designer suggested we minimize the items on our TV shelf.

Persons: —, it's, there's, Kim Turner, Turner, Cheyenne Lentz, I've, Lentz, You'll, Cheyenne Lentz Turner, that'd Organizations: Service, Business, Kim Turner Design

Mortgage rates have been very sensitive to incoming economic data, so we could see rates move up or down on Thursday depending on what this latest inflation report shows. Because we'll likely need to wait at least a few more months for the Fed to start cutting rates, mortgage rates have trended back up as well. 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 Rates Hold Steady (-0.03%)The average 15-year mortgage rate is 6.00%, just three points lower than last week. Mortgage Refinance Rates30-Year Fixed Refinance Rates Hold Steady (+0.03%)The average 30-year refinance rate is 7.01%, only three basis points higher than last week.

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

☆ Home Equity Loan Alternative Could Revolutionize the Housing Market
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-28 | by ( James Rodriguez | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +16 min

Like a lot of homeowners, Schummer was keen to convert some of his theoretical wealth into real cash. These kinds of deals, often referred to as home-equity-sharing agreements or home-equity investments, have existed on the fringes of housing finance for decades. The success or failure of home-equity investments could shape the future of homeownership in America. If the home's value has gone up, everyone wins; sell it for a loss, and the investor might share in that downside. "Over time for us, the customer becomes everybody," Eoin Matthews, the chief business officer and a cofounder of Point, told me recently.

Persons: Kennis Schummer, Schummer, Laurie Goodman, Goodman, he'd, Eoin Matthews, —, Hometap, Jim Riccitelli, Riccitelli, Adam Rust, Rust, Rust wasn't, I'm, Jordan Gilberti, Holly Bunting, Mayer Brown, Edwin Remsberg, Matthews, they'd, Jeffrey Glass, Glass, I've, he's Organizations: Consumer, Urban Institute, Federal Reserve, Bain Capital, Palisades Group, Redwood Trust, Getty, Consumer Federation of America Locations: Pensacola , Florida, California, homeownership, America, Connecticut, Maryland, Florida

☆ Freddie Mercury’s London home for sale for $38 million
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-27 | by ( Catherine Nicholls | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

London CNN —The former London home of rock legend Freddie Mercury is available to buy – that is, for those with a cool £30 million ($38 million) to spare. The property was bought by Mercury on the spot when he first visited it in 1980, according to Knight Frank, which is handling the sale. In this spirit, the dining room was painted citrus-yellow, reportedly Mercury’s favorite color, with complementary jewel tones in the cornices of the room. The property’s principal suite is entered through what used to be Mercury’s dressing room, where he stored his clothes and stage costumes. After more than 30 years taking care of them, Austin, now 72, auctioned about 1,400 of Mercury’s belongings last year, and is now looking to sell Garden Lodge for offers in excess of £30 million ($38 million), according to Knight Frank.

Persons: Freddie Mercury, Knight Frank, Robin Moore Ede, ” Knight Frank, Barney Hindle, Knight Frank The, Mercury, Mary Austin, “, ” Austin, Freddie Organizations: London CNN, Mercury Locations: London, Kensington, Austin

Mortgage rates have dropped a bit from last week's highs, but they haven't come down enough yet to substantially improve affordability for borrowers. Average 30-year mortgage rates dropped to 6.34% in January, according to Zillow data, a low not seen since last spring. If the core PCE price index comes in hotter than expected, mortgage rates could trend back up a bit. 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 6.29% last week, according to Freddie Mac data.

Persons: you'll, Freddie Mac, it's, they've Organizations: National Association of Realtors, Federal, Core PCE, Zillow, Federal Reserve Locations: Chevron

Strong economic data has pushed back expectations of when mortgage rates will drop, but experts still believe they'll go down this year. This means that mortgage rates may remain elevated for at least a few more months. 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 6.29%, a 17-basis-point increase from the previous week, according to Freddie Mac data. Once the Fed cuts rates, mortgage rates should fall even further.

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

Average 30-year mortgage rates started the month low, but they've increased substantially since then and are now nearing 7%. 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 6.90% last week, according to Freddie Mac. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesAverage 15-year mortgage rates were 6.29% last week, according to Freddie Mac data, which is a 17-basis-point increase from the previous week. Now that the Fed has paused hiking rates, mortgage rates have come down a bit.

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

☆ A financially independent real-estate investor explains the strategy she used to 'exchange' investment properties and sidestep capital gains taxes indefinitely
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-25 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The real-estate investor, consultant, and author of "30-Day Stay" explained how and why she did a 1031 exchange. How a 1031 exchange worksWith a 1031 exchange, you're essentially selling one property, purchasing another, and avoiding capital gains taxes in the process. There are ways to reduce your capital gains tax liability, like deducting your property's depreciation. But, with a 1031 exchange, you can sidestep your capital gains taxes indefinitely and continue reinvesting in more profitable properties and growing your wealth. However, real property in the United States is not like-kind to real property outside the United States."

Persons: —, Zeona McIntyre, McIntyre, St . Louis, Louis —, you'll, There's Organizations: Service, Business, IRS Locations: Boulder, St ., St, Florida, United States

Right now, average 30-year mortgage rates are more than 40 basis points higher than they were this time last month. As long as price growth continues to come down, mortgage rates should ease this year. The person with the better score would also pay around $300 less on their monthly mortgage payment. 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: They're, they've, it's, myFICO, Fannie Mae Organizations: Zillow, Federal Reserve, Mortgage, Association, ARM Locations: Chevron

☆ Your home sale may leave you in a tax shock. Here's how to reduce your capital gains tax bill
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-24 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Those gains could trigger a tax bill this season, depending on the size of the windfall, experts say. In 2023, home sellers made a $121,000 profit on the typical median-priced single-family home, according to ATTOM, a nationwide property database. Still, "the tax laws were written to encourage homeownership," and many sellers qualify for a tax break, Ringbauer said. Single homeowners can shield up to $250,000 of home sales profit from capital gains taxes and married couples filing jointly can exclude up to $500,000, provided they meet IRS eligibility. Who qualifies for the capital gains exemptionsThere are strict rules to qualify for the $250,000 or $500,000 capital gains exclusions, Ringbauer warned.

Persons: Witthaya, Miklos Ringbauer, Ringbauer, you've, There's, Assunta McLane Organizations: Summit Place Financial Locations: Los Angeles, Summit , New Jersey

The economy has been doing surprisingly well so far this year, and it's pushing mortgage rates back up. Average 30-year mortgage rates rose 13 basis points to 6.90% this week, according to Freddie Mac. Average 15-year mortgage rates also increased to 6.29% this week, a 17-point jump. Once the Federal Reserve starts lowering the federal funds rate, mortgage rates are expected to go down as well. This means your entire monthly mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, shouldn't exceed 28% of your pre-tax monthly income.

Persons: Freddie Mac, Sam Khater, Freddie Mac's, you'll, Fannie Mae Organizations: Federal Reserve, Zillow, Mortgage, Association, Sky Locations: Chevron

In its latest forecast, the Mortgage Bankers Association predicts that 30-year mortgage rates will fall to 6.1% by the end of this year. This means we'll likely have to deal with high mortgage rates for at least a few more months. 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 Rates Back Below 6% (-0.12%)The average 15-year mortgage rate is 5.91%, down just 12 points from last week. Mortgage rates also rose dramatically in 2023, though they started trending back down toward the end of the year.

Persons: Mike Fratantoni, MBA's, you'll, It's, refinance Organizations: Mortgage, Association, Survey, Zillow, FHA Locations: Chevron

If you plan to add a smart display to your setup as a smart home hub, I don't recommend the Show 5. If you're looking for a smart display that's big enough to enjoy movies on, the Echo Show 10 or Echo Show 15 would be a better option. The Echo Show 5 is a great smart display, but may be too small to cover all of your needs. Sarah Saril/InsiderIf you want to build out your Alexa smart home or just get started, the Echo Show 5 is an excellent smart display for basic needs. But if you need something compact or don't want to spend extra, the Echo Show 5 is a solid entry-level smart display and a worthy option for any smart home.

Persons: Sarah Saril, I've, Alexa, you'd, It's Organizations: Business, Hulu, Echo, Amazon, Netflix, Alexa, Google, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Echo

Mortgage rates jumped up last week following the release of some hotter-than-expected inflation data. Once it looks clearer that inflation is coming down to the Fed's 2% target, mortgage rates should ease. 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. 30-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesThis week's average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.77%, according to Freddie Mac. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesAverage 15-year mortgage rates inched down to 6.12% last week, according to Freddie Mac data.

Persons: Mary Daly, agilely, Daly, Price, you'll, Freddie Mac, it's, they've Organizations: Federal Reserve, National Association for Business, San Francisco Fed, Index, Fed, Zillow Locations: Chevron

The economy has been doing surprisingly well so far this year, so it may be a bit longer before we see mortgage rates start trending down. Higher mortgage rates will likely temper demand, meaning that those who are able to take on higher rates will be up against less competition. 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 6.12%, a 22-basis-point increase from the previous week, according to Freddie Mac data. Once the Fed cuts rates, mortgage rates should fall even further.

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

☆ This century-old 1 bathroom house took $11,000 worth of staging, attracted 25 bids, and sold for $253,000 above its asking price
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-20 | by ( Alcynna Lloyd | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. "I grew up in Nutley," Lorraine Hurlbut , the listing agent for the home who works with Keller Williams NJ Metro Group, told Business Insider. Advertisement“We have New Yorkers, people from Hudson County that live in Jersey City and Hoboken come,” to buy homes in Nutley, Hurlbut said. With 15 bids received, the home's sale price soared by over 40% of the asking price — setting a record in Nutley, Hurlbut told NJ.com. “I don't do minimal staging,” Hurlbut told Business Insider.

Persons: —, William Lambert, Lorraine Hurlbut, Keller, It's, Hurlbut, “, Geoffrey, NJ.com, ” Hurlbut, Hurlburt, ” Organizations: Service, Business, Keller Williams NJ Metro Group Locations: Nutley , New Jersey, Nutley, Essex County, New York City, Hudson County, Jersey City, Hoboken, New York, New Jersey

☆ How Tarek El Moussa turns outdated properties into luxury homes
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-20 | by ( Samantha Grindell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Tarek El Moussa spoke to BI about flipping luxury homes. AdvertisementTarek El Moussa is peeling back the curtain on luxury homes. AdvertisementThe details make the differenceAccording to El Moussa, "details and texture" are the key to elevating high-end homes. Tarek and Heather Rae El Moussa on "The Flipping El Moussas." But luxury owners still love the trend, which can lead to a lot of work during the flipping process, El Moussa said.

Persons: Tarek El Moussa, —, Christina Hall, Tarek, Heather Rae El Moussa, El, El Moussa, HGTV El Moussa Organizations: Service, HGTV, Business Locations: California

Average 30-year mortgage rates started the month low, but they've since ticked up and are now back near their mid-December levels. Once we see more data showing that inflation is slowing, mortgage rates could start to come down as well. 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 6.12% last week, according to Freddie Mac data, which is a 22-basis-point increase from the previous week. Now that the Fed has paused hiking rates, mortgage rates have come down a bit.

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

Mortgage rates have been trending up this month in response to strong economic data. Most major forecasts expect mortgage rates to go down in 2024, but when they'll actually start dropping depends on the economy. Once the Fed starts lowering the federal funds rate, mortgage rates should start to come down, too. 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'll, there's, Fannie Mae Organizations: Federal Reserve, Zillow, Mortgage, Association, ARM Locations: Chevron

If inflation remains near current levels or looks like it's ticking back up, mortgage rates could climb higher. Average 30-year mortgage rates rose 13 basis points to 6.77% this week, according to Freddie Mac. Once the Fed starts lowering its benchmark rate, the federal funds rate, mortgage rates are expected to go down as well. This means we might not see mortgage rates fall substantially until the second half of 2024. This means your entire monthly mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, shouldn't exceed 28% of your pre-tax monthly income.

Persons: Freddie Mac, Sam Khater, Freddie Mac's, Price, you'll, Fannie Mae Organizations: of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, Zillow, Mortgage, Association, Sky Locations: Chevron

Mortgage rates rose following the release of the latest Consumer Price Index data, and they remain elevated today. Though the Fed doesn't directly impact mortgage rates, investor expectations of Fed policy moves 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 mortgage rates would impact your monthly payments. Mortgage Rates for Buying a Home30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Up Closer to 7% (+0.24%)The current average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.68%, up 24 points from where it was this time last week. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Back Above 6% (+0.31%)The average 15-year mortgage rate is 6.05%, up 31 points from last week.

Persons: they've, we'll, you'll, It's, refinance Organizations: of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, Zillow, FHA Locations: reaccelerate, Chevron

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania's high court will consider whether some automatic life sentences for those convicted of murder violate constitutional protections for defendants, the justices said Friday. The appeal being pursued by Derek Lee, convicted of a 2014 killing, argues the state's life-without-parole law violates prohibitions in the Pennsylvania and U.S. constitutions against cruel punishment. Advocates say there are about 5,200 people in Pennsylvania currently serving what they call “death by incarceration” sentences, the highest per capita rate among states. In a June ruling, the Pennsylvania Superior Court cited decisions in previous, similar appeals as it turned down Lee's claim that life-without-parole violates his constitutional rights. But in a concurring opinion, Superior Court Judge Alice Beck Dubow urged the higher court to revisit the matter “in light of changes in related case law from other states and research and policy concerns regarding the criminal justice system.”.

Persons: Derek Lee, “, Quinn Cozzens, Lee, ” Cozzens, ” Kelly Callihan, Leonard Butler, Butler, ”, codefendant Paul Durham, Alice Beck Dubow Organizations: Abolitionist Law Center, Pennsylvania, Association Locations: HARRISBURG, Pa, Pennsylvania, Allegheny

Tuesday's CPI report suggests we may need to wait at least a few more months before we see rates start to fall. 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 interest rates will affect your monthly payments. 30-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesThis week's average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.64%, according to Freddie Mac. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesAverage 15-year mortgage rates inched down to 5.90% last week, according to Freddie Mac data.

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

This helped push mortgage rates and other consumer rates up. Now, the Fed is expected to start cutting rates this year, which should allow mortgage rates to go down. This means mortgage rates might not come down in time for the spring homebuying season, but they may be lower for summer buyers. 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. Once the Fed cuts rates, mortgage rates should fall even further.

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

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 6.64% last week, according to Freddie Mac. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesAverage 15-year mortgage rates were 5.90% 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 Reserve, Zillow, Fed Locations: Chevron

Search resuls for: "home's"

25 mentions found