FRIDAY - WHEN THE MOON HITS YOUR EYE, LIKE A BIG PIECE OF PI
-Millennials Lead All Buyers, Most Likely to Use Real Estate Agent
- Airbnb and other short-term rentals worsen housing shortage, critics say
- What First-Time Buyers Should Look for in a Starter Home
- An Economist’s 3 Tips for Spring Home Buying in a Sellers’ Market
- Updated standards for credit scores a positive for borrowers
- 17 Ways to Work a Deck
Enjoy!
Airbnb and other short-term rentals worsen housing shortage, critics say - A new study released from Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy, a labor-backed advocacy group, estimates that more than 7,000 houses and apartments have been taken off the rental market in metro Los Angeles for use as short-term rentals due to the surging popularity of websites such as Airbnb. According to analysis by the Times, in neighborhoods such as Venice and Hollywood, Airbnb listings account for four percent or more of all housing units. As a result, critics say this is worsening a housing shortage that already makes Los Angeles one of the least affordable places to rent in the country
What First-Time Buyers Should Look for in a Starter Home - In this market, many first-time buyers have to match their expectations with their budget and make compromises to purchase a home. One of the more important questions for first-time buyers is how much they are willing to compromise on location and whether they are willing to have a longer commute in favor of more space. Most experts agree that if you buy a home, you need to make sure you can live in it for at least five years, and maybe longer.
An Economist’s 3 Tips for Spring Home Buying in a Sellers’ Market - March typically ushers in a significant increase in home searches online, and as more people look for a home with the arrival of spring, many buyers may find that it’s still difficult to find a home that fits their needs and budget. Jonathan Smoke, chief economist for realtor.com, notes that due to recent changes by housing agencies, buyers have more options for low-down-payment programs and even lower mortgage insurance premiums than were available just a few months ago. He also advises considering new construction, and adds that having a new home built is one way to solve the problem of not being able to find a home on the market that fits one’s needs.
Updated standards for credit scores a positive for borrowers - A major industry overhaul will force the top three credit agencies to be more proactive in resolving disputes over information contained in credit reports in response to criticism from federal watchdogs and consumer advocates over concerns that the deck was consistently stacked against individuals. Addressing the onerous process to fix errors on credit reports will help many Americans ensure that their credit scores are in shape for obtaining a mortgage. In addition, credit-reporting firms will now have to wait 180 days before adding any medical-debt information to consumers’ credit reports.
17 Ways to Work a Deck - Layer it, bump it out, wrap it around a tree. Get inspiration with these ideas for adding a deck to your yard. Some of my favorites:
