Refinancing is Popular When Rates are Low

June 27, 2012, 2:03, pm By

With home loan and lending rates at historic lows, now is the best time to borrow money to make investments that you have always wanted to make but have been waiting for the right time.

Lending rates are at their lowest since 1961, and aren’t likely to be this low ever again.

Although irresponsible lending and borrowing was one of the causes of the economic breakdown in 2008, borrowing is now one of the best options for those who are looking to make investments that will pay off in the future. The Federal Reserve has announced that they plan to keep interest rates as low as possible through the year 2014, but this does not mean that they will stay down as far as they are now. Rates are almost certain to go up over the next few years, making now the best time to borrow money if you are considering it. Here are three great ways to take advantage of low rates. 

  1. Buy a home, rental property, or second home. With home loan rates as low as they have been in history, there has never been a better time to buy than right now. Loan rates have been cut almost in half since the economic crash, and lenders are pulling out all the stops to make it as easy as possible for buyers to get into the home of their dreams. Little or no money down up front, low interest rates, and low or no closing fees once everything has been said and done are just a few of the ways that lenders are trying to get people to buy in this down economy. If you have the extra income, now is the best time to buy additional properties and use them as rentals or vacation homes. Prices are starting to rise back up, and home values are only going to increase as the housing market is on the mend. If you want to buy, do it now.
  2. Refinancing your home is another great option to help you take advantage of low rates. If you bought a home before 2008, you are likely paying an interest rate that is much higher than what is being offered to home buyers now. If you have a rate that is about 4%, you can contact your lender and ask about their various refinancing programs. For example the HARP refinance program is popular as well as . Look for streamline refinance options, as these are very cheap and quick and will help you start saving hundreds of dollars right away.
  3. Improving your home is one of the other ways that you can take advantage of low rates and still make a profit on your investment. Borrowing money on a home improvement loan is a great way to get a low rate and add value to your home. Consider remodeling the kitchen, adding another bedroom or bathroom, or finishing the basement and adding hardwood floors. All of these improvements can be funded with a home improvement loan and will add significant value to your home if you ever want to sell.

With the low rates that are available now, there has never been a better time to borrow and make your financial dreams a reality. Be sure to shop around with different lenders (and make sure they are FHA and HUD approved because that is a popular loan option) to make sure you are getting the best rates. Start looking for the best rate in your area today with one of our loan officers who is waiting to help you.

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2012 Willo Home Tour

February 9, 2012, 1:33, pm By

One of the highlights of the downtown housing areas is the Willo Historic District. It is a popular destination to just drive through and see the homes. The annual 2012 Willo Historic District Home Tour attracts thousands of people each year because of this love affair with cool homes in this awesome downtown Phoenix location.

The Willo home tour is a self guided tour and lets you peek into some of the best houses as well as see the tree lined streets and there are also shuttle busses as well.

There will be 13 homes on the tour and the historic firehouse at 13th and Jewel will also be available for a tour. In addition to touring the homes, there is a LOT of excitement around the Willo street fair that will have food, artisans, music and more. Its a great way to spend a Sunday.

2012 Willo Home Tour:

Date: Sunday, February 12th, 2012
Time: Tour open 10am-4pm ( pick up will call tickets starting at 9am)
Place: Willo! ( McDowell to Thomas 1st Ave to 7th Ave
Tickets: You can BUY TICKETS for $15.75 before the tour, $18.00 day of tour
Parking: Free parking at 1st Ave and Holly ( just north of Chateau )

If you don’t already live in downtown Phoenix, here is an idea – TAKE LIGHT RAIL! Just a hunch, but I think it might just make the parking situation slightly better for you and your family.

Here is a video that gives a great overview of what to expect at the Willo home tour:

The Willo home tour is a family friendly way to see plenty of homes in the historic Willo district in a fun way. Maybe that is why many people come back for the Willo home tour year after year!

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With:

Trimming Your Trees in Phoenix

July 18, 2011, 2:38, pm By

Trimming Your Trees in Phoenix

When it comes to trimming your trees in Phoenix, fighting the heat isn’t the only thing you need to worry about: trimming trees correctly requires knowledge, skill and experience. We recommend Tree Doctors Inc for all of your tree trimming needs in the Phoenix area.

Condition of the Tree

Trees that are sick or decayed can be tricky to remove, so finding a Phoenix tree removal professional is critical to keeping your family, pets and home safe. How can you decide if your tree needs to come down or if it just needs trimmingLook carefully at your tree for these signs. Are the leaves wilted or discolored? Are there any cracks in the truck or limbs? Are funguses or mushrooms growing near the trunk and along the roots at the base of the tree? Can you see ants or sawdust at the base of the tree indicating insect infestation? Is the tree lopsided from human damage? These are signs the tree is severely damaged and probably dying which process is irreversible. A Phoenix tree trimming company can try to save the tree and will if it is possible.

Trimming

Crown trimming is needed when the tree has too many limbs and leaves to allow the light into the tree. Not only does this cause decay it blocks wind so when the monsoons come, the rain-heavy tree blocks the wind and falls.Crown raising involves removing branches that are too low to the ground preventing people walking under or blocking the line of vision to your home.Crown reduction refers to the trimming of the tops of the trees. This is especially necessary so utility lines are free from potential damage.

Mulch

Besides trimming, the most important thing you can do to have healthy trees is to mulch. Use hardwood grinding, bark chips or pine straw, 2-4 inches deep under the drip line of your tree (wherever the sun would shine if there was no tree) but staying 5 inches away from the trunk. Mulch will keep moisture in the ground, condition the soil and protect the tree’s roots from damage.

You Get What You Give

If you want to have healthy trees you are going to have to give them the attention they need. It is difficult to maintain plants in the Valley of the Sun, so you will have to be ready to either put the work in to your trees or pay for professionals to do so.

Have more questions? Be sure to contact Tree Doctors Inc for help.

Filed Under: Phoenix
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