Many times real estate market experts point to the feelings of the nation's home builders as a bell-weather signalling the health of the housing sector. This month's reading indicates that home builders are feeling pretty good. The National Association of Home Builders / Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) for February changed by one point to 46 as compared to 47 for January's reading. Over the last four months, HMI readings have stayed within a three-point range between 45 and 47, indicating a plateau after rising from 25 to 45 in 2012. Housing Market Index Near Highest Levels Since 2006 The good news is that February's reading remains near the HMI's highest level since April 2006, when the HMI reading reached 51. Some builders may be taking a wait-and-see stance in their confidenc... 02/20/2013

Moving everything in your house to your new Parkland home can be an overwhelming task. You never realize how much stuff you actually own until you try to fit it all into boxes and move it somewhere new. When you are packing up your things to relocate, here are some helpful tips to make your moving experience much easier: Start Packing In Advance You don't have to wait until the day before you move to start packing everything in your house! As soon as you find out that you are moving, you can start packing the items you don’t often use, such as your seasonal decorations, photo albums and family keepsakes. If you pack a few items per week, you’ll have almost everything packed by the time you are ready to go except for the essentials you use every day. Establish A System Rather than random... 02/18/2013

Buying Parkland real estate doesn't just give you a place to live; it can also be a very smart financial move. This is because owning a home can be like having a forced savings account, which you are committed to for the long term. Consistent Saving On Autopilot Sometimes saving money on our own each month is difficult. It takes a lot of discipline to maintain a consistent savings plan. However, paying your mortgage every month means that you are paying down the principal and working toward eventually owning the property outright. In the early years of the mortgage, the payments will go primarily to the interest on the loan. But over time, the portion of your payment dedicated to principle increases, which accelerates paying off the entire mortgage. Make Yourself Wealthy Instead Of Your... 02/15/2013

The National Association of Homebuilders recently released its Improving Markets Indexfor the month of February. The report attempts to identify U.S. metropolitan areas in which the economy is improving, demonstrating "measurable and sustained growth". 259 U.S. markets are qualified as "improving" this month, a 17-market jump from the month prior and includes participants from all 50 states as well as the District of Columbia. Experts point to improving market conditions in at least one market in all 50 states as a strong indication that the housing recovery is gaining substantial momentum. This increasing momentum may suggest that now may be a very good time to purchase a home. Compared to September 2011, when there were just 12 improving metro market areas, the widespread positive mov... 02/14/2013

How to Save Money on Energy Costs in Your Home Many communities in Florida and around the US are seeing their energy costs increase; sometimes dramatically. Whether you are energy conscious or just trying to save money, there are many steps you can take to lower your Parkland and Coral Springs home bills while helping the environment at the same time. Below are several energy-saving measures to help you save money either in your current house or future residence. Heating and cooling Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature uses more energy than anything else. To save energy, install a programmable thermostat to adjust the inside temperature when you are not there for long periods of time. Seal windows and doors to prevent air leaks, and close doors and air vents to rooms that are ... 02/12/2013

The perfect combination of coastal living and suburban experience await any family who is considering homes for sale in Parkland, Florida. Just a short drive to the dozens of beaches along the Atlantic Coast of western Florida, including Deerfield and Pompano Beach, Parkland offers wholesome small town living for individuals of all ages. From the local Barkland Dog Park and Parkland Family YMCA to the weekly Farmer's Market and Parks and Recreation system that culminates at Pine Trails Park, Parkland has the activities, facilities, and amenities for a family of any size. Ultimately, Parkland is perfectly situated away from the hustle and bustle of the coastal communities, but it is close enough that a day at the beach is literally only moments away. For those craving the excitement of t... 02/12/2013

Paying off the mortgage on your Parkland and Coral Springs home faster not only means that you’ll be able to enjoy the peace of mind that comes with completely owning your property earlier, but you may also save thousands of dollars in interest payments. Below are seven clever tips to help you get your mortgage payments on the fast track. 1. Save for a large down payment Pay as large a down payment as you can reasonably afford. The more you can put down, then the less you’ll have to borrow from the bank. 2. Read the fine print When you are choosing a mortgage, look at the fine print to find out if any restrictions apply to paying early. Some lenders will charge you for making extra or early payments. 3. Prepay early in the life of the mortgage This is when the loan is the most interest... 02/11/2013

Mortgage rates worsened last week in response to more indications that the U.S. economy and global economic trends are improving. Global economic data was stronger than expected; which generally boosts investor confidence and leads to higher mortgage rates in FL and across the country. According to Freddie Mac, the average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage was 3.53 percent with borrowers paying all of their closing costs and 0.8 percent in discount points along with a full complement of closing costs. The U.S Department of Commerce reported that Factory Orders for December improved over November; they rose from 0.0 percent in November to 1.89 percent in December, but fell short of Wall Street's expectation of 2.5 percent. The ISM Services Index for January was released Tuesday and ... 02/10/2013

If you lost your Parkland or Coral Springs home due to foreclosure, you probably haven't given up on the dream of owning a new home. The good news is that a number of guidelines have changed which may allow you an opportunity to buy that new home sooner than you think. There are a few guidelines that lenders follow to determine when you’ll qualify for financing after foreclosure. Arming yourself with this information may help you qualify again for a mortgage. Foreclosure With Extenuating Circumstances Generally, lenders will take into consideration any extenuating circumstances surrounding the foreclosure on your FL real estate. Was there a death or illness that prevented you from earning money to pay your mortgage? Did you have a job transfer that came with a steep pay cut? Were you se... 02/10/2013

Home prices continue their upward climb. Last week, the S&P/Case-Shiller Index showed home prices gaining 5.5 percent during the 12-month period ending November 2012, marking the largest one-year gain in home prices since May 2010. The Case-Shiller Index measures changes in home prices by tracking same-home sales throughout 20 housing markets nationwide; and the change in sales price from sale-to-sale. Detached, single-family residences are used in the Case-Shiller Index methodology and data is for closed purchase transactions only. Between November 2011 and November 2012, home values rose in 19 of the 20 Case-Shiller Index markets, with previously-hard hit areas such as Phoenix, Arizona leading the national price recovery. The Phoenix market gained 1.4% for the month and was up 22.8% f... 02/07/2013

There was plenty of discussion and debate leading up to the New Year's looming "fiscal cliff". Ultimately, the event was avoided, but not before legislation was passed which may benefit homeowners in Parkland , Coral Springs and nationwide. If you have yet to file your 2012 taxes, take a minute to review the tax limitations and credit extensions, which Congress passed through the HR 8 legislation. You'll want to ensure you're paying the proper tax bill come April 15. Of course, every individual's tax situation is unique. Review your allowable deductions and credits with your tax preparer. Energy Updates The tax credit for homeowners to receive a ten percent deduction, up to $500, for energy efficient improvements to homes is extended for 2013. Estate Tax Individual estates valued at up ... 02/06/2013

Older Parkland homes & Coral Springs homes sometimes offer more charm and character than the newer houses of today. They boast gabled roofs, crown moldings, hardwood floors and antique fixtures. Buying an old house is like buying a piece of local history. Its beautiful period features can give it a timeless beauty and grace that is hard to resist. However, buying a house from another era can be an endeavor fraught with potential problems. Older houses are not necessarily built to the same electrical or plumbing standards of today. Plus, if they have not been maintained correctly through the years, they can turn into a serious money pit or a potential hazard. Here are six tips to keep in mind if you are considering buying an older home: Always hire a professional real estate inspector to... 02/05/2013

With telecommuting continuing to rise, and with more jobs requiring after-hours attention, showcasing your home's "home office" can help it show better with a prospective home buyer. It's wise to have your kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms show well, but a great-looking home office can make a huge impact and help you sell your home more quickly. Here are a few tips to helping your home office shine : Designate The Right Space Whether it's a spare bedroom or a computer nook, specify a separate place at which business is done. Make sure the area has enough room to set up a desk, a chair, a computer and a printer without making it look messy or cramped. Clean The Area A clean and orderly home office shows better than a messy one. To help your home office look its best to potential buyers, ge... 02/04/2013

When preparing to sell a home, few things improve its curb appeal more than a fresh coat of exterior paint. Many people are intimidated by the thought of painting their home's exterior, and choose to hire a third-party to handle the work. But, you cando it yourself, with these easy steps. First, before starting, you'll want to inspect your home. Examine all walls, look under the eaves, and pay attention to door frames and windows. Be on the lookout for peeling paint, mildew and rough surfaces and make a note of them. Next, gather the tools you'll need to do the job. These include : A power washer A 2-3” inch putty knife A 2-3” inch pull scraper A wire brush A sander Chlorine bleach Then, to create a clean surface on which to paint, power-wash the walls with plain water. Detergents are n... 01/30/2013

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) reports that the Pending Home Sales Index fell 4.3 percentin December as compared to the month prior. The index now reads 101.7. The Pending Home Sales Index measures the number of U.S. homes that have gone "into contract", but have not yet closed. The report is based on data collected from local real estate associations, and from national brokers. Despite December's drop, however, the annual rate at which contracts for a home purchase were drawn increased 6.9 percent from one year ago, and marked the 20th consecutive month of annual purchase contract gains. NAR reports that 80% of homes under contract are closed within 60 days, with the majority of the remaining homes "sold" within months 3 and 4. Analysts believe that December's Pending Home... 01/29/2013

Mortgage rates rose last week as investors gained confidence in the global economy. China and Europe posted better-than-expected manufacturing rates, U.S. Jobless Claims fell for the second straight week, and the worst of the European debt crisis appears to have passed. Last week's economic news provided further evidence of a strengthening U.S. economy. The National Association of REALTORS® released its Existing Home Sales report, which indicates that existing home sales improved by 13 percent on a year-over-year basis and are now at their highest point since 2007. The group expects sales of existing homes to increase by 9 percent in 2013. The Commerce Department released its monthly New Home Sales report; while new home sales for December fell short of Wall Street's expectations, sales... 01/28/2013

As a home buyer in Parkland or Coral Springs , you can get a feel for whether a home's systems and appliances are in working order. However, you can't know for certain until after the home's been inspected. This is why real estate agents recommend that buyers hire a licensed home inspector immediately after going into contract. It's the best way to really know the home which you're buying. By definition, a home inspection is a top-to-bottom check-up of a home's physical condition and systems, including a review of the structure, and its plumbing and electrical systems. Home inspections are not the same as a home appraisal, which is a valuation of the property. When you commission a home inspection, you should be present for it. Here are 3 reasons why : Seeing For Yourself There's a big ... 01/24/2013

Home sales dropped last month, but not because demand was lacking. There are fewer homes for sale than at any time in the last 11 years. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, Existing Home Sales for December 2012 fell to a seasonally-adjusted, annualized rate of 4.94 million homes from November's tally of 4.99 million existing homes. The Existing Home Sales report is based on the number of closings for previously-owned, single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops. It's estimated that existing homes account for 85 to 90 percent of all home sales nationwide. 2012 was a good year for housing. Sales of existing homes climbed 12.8 percent as compared to the December 2011 tally, which may be a strong indicator of future mortgage originations and short-term demand for... 01/23/2013

It's January, but home sales in golf communities remain strong like in the rest of the country. If you're looking to buy a home in a golf course community, either as a primary residence or as a vacation or retirement home, there are additional home traits which make buying on a golf course different from buying a typical Parkland or Coral Springs single-family residence. Here is a quick primer of home characteristics to consider when buying in a golf community. Land Plot When looking at homes within a golf course community, be aware of its location with respect to the community entrance. Homes nearest to the entrance will receive the most drive-by traffic and may be slightly more noisy that a home which is situated far from the entrance. However, homes close to the entrance will also be... 01/22/2013

It's January, but home sales in golf communities remain strong like in the rest of the country. If you're looking to buy a home in a golf course community, either as a primary residence or as a vacation or retirement home, there are additional home traits which make buying on a golf course different from buying a typical Parkland or Coral Springs single-family residence. Here is a quick primer of home characteristics to consider when buying in a golf community. Land Plot When looking at homes within a golf course community, be aware of its location with respect to the community entrance. Homes nearest to the entrance will receive the most drive-by traffic and may be slightly more noisy that a home which is situated far from the entrance. However, homes close to the entrance will also be... 01/22/2013