What Is a Home Equity Agreement (HEA)? A Debt-Free Way to Access Your Home’s Value

If you’re a homeowner with substantial equity in your property but don’t want to take on more monthly payments or a traditional loan, a home equity agreement (HEA) may be worth considering.  An HEA lets you access cash from your home’s equity without debt or monthly payments, but you give up a share

What Is an Open Floor Plan? Deciding the Perfect Layout for Your Home

If you have ever toured a home and noticed that the kitchen, dining, and living areas flow together without walls separating them, you have experienced an open floor plan. This popular layout has become a hallmark of modern living, offering a sense of spaciousness and flexibility that traditional ho

Existing Home Sales Rose Last Month, But The Bigger Picture Hasn't Changed

Existing-home sales climbed modestly in September, rising 1.5% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.06 million , according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Sales were also 4.1% higher than a year earlier as easing mortgage rates and better affordability began to lift demand. Even

Weaker Purchase Demand Offset by Stronger Refis

Mortgage application activity edged lower last week, driven by purchases, but the decline was marginal compared to recent swings. According to MBA’s Weekly Applications Survey for the week ending October 17, total volume slipped 0.3% on a seasonally adjusted basis and 0.2% unadjusted. The Refinance