Home › Blogs ›

Joseph Pettinella's blog

Think Baby Boomers Want To Downsize? Think Again!

Submitted by Joseph Pettinella on January 30, 2015 - 5:02pm

Watch this video for some very surprising baby boomer survey results.  

January 2015 National Real Estate Market Update

Submitted by Joseph Pettinella on January 30, 2015 - 4:36pm

Century 21 Real Estate provides this real estate market update for January 2015.  

Here we can see the year-end results and comparisons nationally.

Want to Raise Your Credit Score?

Submitted by Joseph Pettinella on January 30, 2015 - 4:21pm

Here is a link to an informative article . . . all about credit scores.  It outlines the individual factors that are involved in your credit score and what percentage of your score is based on each factor.

There is also a good deal of sound advice on what to do to raise your score.

10 Ways to Raise Your Credit Score 100 Points in 2015 - (TNS)—It’s important to get your credit score as high as possible if you want to qualify for the best loans and credit. Many lenders don’t even look at your credit report; they stop at your credit score. FICO credit scores range between 350 and 850, with 850 being the very best score you can get. […] [RisMedia Consumer News]

Wall Colors That Help Sell Your Home

Submitted by Joseph Pettinella on January 21, 2015 - 1:43pm

Flipping through the HGTV shows and scanning the web looking for good ideas on what colors to paint your walls?  Don't trust yourself to pick the right colors and don't want to hire a professional stager to advise you?

Here is a quick link that will simplify the decision process.  Pick some of these colors, coordinated to your rooms of course, and chances are you'll make good decisions.

Benjamin Moore - How To Stage Your Home With Color

Remember, you're doing this to make your home appealing to as many buyers as possible.  It's not for you . . . so you don't have to love it.  The idea is to de-personalize your home.

In addition to the interior paint colors, be sure to follow the basic guidelines in the Pre-Marketing Checklist.

FHA Lowering Mortgage Insurance Premium by .5%

Submitted by Joseph Pettinella on January 9, 2015 - 1:25pm

It has just been announced that the FHA will lower its mortgage insurance premiums from 1.35 percent to 0.85 percent. This reduction could save a borrower $1,000 a year on a $200,000 loan.  That $84 per month can make a significant difference for first-time homebuyers who will be able to qualify for more home for their money.

It appears the FHA made this decision to increase its share of the mortgage market.   Since Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are now offering a 3% down payment loan program, many buyers looking to buy with the least amount of money down will be attracted to this new financing option.

This is all good news for borrowers and for home ownership, and we expect to get more good news in the near future.  

FHA Lowers Its Harangued Mortgage Costs -

Responding to recent calls from industry leaders and associations, the Federal Housing Administration announced it will lower its insurance... [NAR Daily News Magazine]

National Real Estate Market Update December 2014

Submitted by Joseph Pettinella on January 7, 2015 - 10:06am

Get an update of the national real estate market trends for December 2014.