Case-Shiller Home Price Growth Slower in January

Home price indices issued by S&P Case-Shiller showed further slowing in home price growth in January. The national home price index showed 4.30 percent home price growth for the three months ended in January. Analysts expected home prices to grow 4.20 percent for the same period in cities surveyed by Case-Shiller. More cities reported declines in home prices than those that posted gains in home prices. The top cities posting year-over-year home price gains in the 20-City Home Price Index were Las Vegas, Nevada with 10.50 percent growth; Phoenix, Arizona posted a year-over-year home price gain of 7.50 percent. Three…
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3 Pros And Cons Of Renting Or Owning A Home

Home ownership is highly valued in our culture. However, buying a home isn't the best decision for everyone. Examine the differences between owning and renting your home to help you decide if now is the time to buy. Effect On Flexibility Renters enjoy more freedom than homeowners. After the leasing period ends, renters are free to walk away and find a new place to live. Homeowners, on the other hand, are at the mercy of the market. Depending on the conditions, owners might have a hard time selling their property quickly. It also takes a lot more paperwork to sell…
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9 Strategies to Handle Home Maintenance Costs

Maintenance is an important part of home ownership. Improper care compromises the safety of your property and can result in big repair bills. Include these strategies in your maintenance plan to reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Educate Yourself It's usually cheaper to do most home maintenance jobs yourself. Teach yourself some basic skills to save yourself from professional fees. Take some classes. Community colleges and hardware stores often host community courses that help you plan projects, get familiar with new tools, or gain more value from property assessments. Invest in beginner books on carpentry, electrical work, and plumbing. These will be…
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