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Winter Curb Appeal
How to Prevent Water Damage
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NOVEMBER 2014

Dear Friends,

 

We've survived yet another busy tourist season and can finally unwind a bit with friends and family.  Although we may not have the busy influx of traffic, rest assured that there are still buyers out there looking.  Many people take their properties off the market in the fall and winter thinking that the, "selling" season is over when in fact Fall and Winter are possibly the best time of year for having your home seen!  

                 

 

If you are thinking of selling or buying, please remember, we strive to be YOUR local real estate experts and welcome any and all questions you may have!
 

Warmest regards, 

 

Don, Robert, Nola, Matt, Steve and Kyle

Mortgage Rates Tick Up Again to Just Above 4% This Week
 

By Rachel Stults

 

Fixed mortgage rates across the United States have risen slightly for a second consecutive week to land above 4%.

 

The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage inched up to 4.02% from 3.98% last week, according to the   from mortgage buyer Freddie Mac. At this time last year the average was 4.16%.

"Mortgage rates continued to rise this week with the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage eclipsing the 4% mark," Frank Nothaft, vice president and chief economist at Freddie Mac, said in a statement. "The rate increases coincide with real GDP beating consensus expectations of 3.0% growth by growing at an annualized rate of 3.5% in the third quarter. The ISM Manufacturing Index also beat expectations registering 59 in October, up from September's reading of 56.6."

 

The average rate on a 15-year fixed mortgage also registered a slight uptick, to 2.97% from 2.94% last week. A year ago, it averaged 2.96%, according to Freddie Mac.

Averages for the two most popular hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) also rose from last week. Previously at 2.94%, the five-year ARM increased to 2.97%. The one-year ARM also trended upward, from 2.43% a week ago to 2.45% this week.

 

Analysts predict we'll see more of the same over the next week. In the latest Mortgage Rate Trend Index by Bankrate.com, 81% of the panelists polled think rates will remain relatively unchanged. Another 19% say rates will increase, while none of the panelists expected mortgage rates to decline over the next week.

 

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RE/MAX Fit To Sell - Winter Curb Appeal
RE/MAX Fit To Sell - Winter Curb Appeal
 

Is Your Home Ready to Keep You Warm This Winter?

By Michael Franco

 

 

The crisp snap of autumn weather is a reminder that even colder days lie ahead. Get ready for them by performing a few simple chores now that will keep you toasty all winter long.

Install weatherstripping

Weatherstripping can save you up to 20 percent on heating bills - especially if you have drafty windows or doors. Plus, it's quick and easy, and doesn't cost a lot of money. Place weatherstripping along doorjambs and in the gaps between windows and sashes to keep chilly breezes out and heat in.

Fix drafty doors

If your doors need extra draft protection, add a door sweep along the bottom. These flexible rubber strips seal the gap at the bottom of the door to keep howling winds at bay. If cold air is still getting in, buy or DIY a door snake - a tube of fabric filled with sand, rice, or other material - to lay on the floor and plug the gap.

Add insulation

The attic and basement are two spots where you can lose a lot of heat. By insulating your basement ceiling and attic floor, you can prevent warm air from escaping the house. Also check around the exterior of your house for cracked foundation, gaps or cable holes, and seal them or fill them with spray foam insulation.

Check your furnace

Like any piece of machinery, your furnace works better if it's properly maintained. Some utility companies offer a free annual checkup for your furnace, but if yours doesn't, it may be worth paying a technician to ensure that your furnace is in top condition. But you can also improve your furnace's performance with simple maintenance that you can do yourself, like replacing filters and cleaning registers.

Swap your thermostat

Standard thermostats can lead to wasted energy. If you opt for a smart thermostat like the Nest, you could cut down on your energy use - and your utility bills. Among other features, these smart thermostats can sense when you're away and automatically adjust the temperature to save you money.

Seal ducts

If you have forced-air heat, leaks in your ducts could be costing you hundreds of dollars. Seal them with specially designed metal tape and keep your ducts - and your wallet - more secure.

Embrace fabrics

While a cool tile floor might feel nice underfoot in summer, it's not so appealing when it's sub-zero outside. Cover your floors in throw rugs and runners for the winter months. You can also hang heavy insulating drapes in front of your windows to keep warm air in and the cold out where it belongs.

Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Zillow.

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