Klor Strong Team Blog

I am consistently asked my opinion on how accurate the websites are that create home-value estimates. Read this rundown and let me know your thoughts or questions.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204224604577028161126902988.html?

This analysis is helpful in explaining the strong correlation between home equity loans and remodeling over time. Take a look at the graphs and charts to get the full picture.

http://eyeonhousing.wordpress.com/2011/12/01/the-importance-of-home-equity-loans-for-remodeling/

“Zillow says my house is worth….” is one of the most frequent comments I hear when it comes to real estate. This Wall Street Journal article gives a solid analysis of where Zillow and similar sites are both strong and weak.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204554204577026131448329006.html?

Ever wonder about the different reasons for buying or building a “New” home versus an buying an older home?  Check out this article for some of the benefits to buying or building NEW.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/why-would-you-buy-a-new-home-2011-09-26

Some mortgage basics can be located here.  For more specifics, let me know how I can help you with your home purchase.

http://www.homeloanlearningcenter.com/MortgageBasics/WhatsinaMortgagePayment.htm

Read this article first if you are considering challenging your property taxes.  As stated in this MarketWatch article, “The fact that the market is down doesn’t mean that every property is over-assessed and entitled to relief.”

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/5-tips-to-turn-lower-home-values-into-tax-relief-2011-10-25

Some home projects are just not worth doing on your own: Whether for time, cost or safety reasons.  So take a look at the projects listed in this post and leave them to the professionals who do this ‘everyday’.

http://www.diylife.com/2011/07/29/10-home-projects-you-should-never-diy

In some good news for the housing market, a decline in mortgage payment delinquencies reflects the fact that the U.S. is continuing to get positive job growth.

http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2011/11/17/mortgage-delinquencies-decline-in-the-third-quarter

Many home owners could help themselves when it comes to getting their home appraised.  Take a look at the steps in this article and let us know if you have any questions.

http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2011/10/11/ten-tips-for-high-value-home-appraisals/

This climb in national building permits signals an uptick in optimism. Both permits and construction have increased from a year ago.  The article further states that housing starts are up 16.5% from the same month a year ago, and building permits are up 17.7%.

http://money.cnn.com/2011/11/17/real_estate/housing_construction/index.htm