Nicholas Padiak, writing for the Chicago Tribune, has assembled a list of 7 questions to ask prospective agents, before you make a commitment. More, here.

 

The average rates on 30-year fixed, 15-year fixed, and 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgages all dropped today. More, here.

 

62% of real estate agents polled by Realtor.com believe that staging—decorating and preparing a home before showing it to prospective buyers—helps to sell the house faster. More, here.

 

Vivian Marino, with the NYTimes, posted a lengthy piece last month about some older Americans preferring to have a mortgage, rather than paying off their home. She also examines the challenges some seniors face in getting approved for a mortgage loan. More, here.

 

Marian McPherson, writing for Inman, shares a simple tip for getting more attention on your real estate listing. More, here.

 

Hal Bundrick with the Los Angeles Times explores the necessity of paying 20% down on your mortgage loan. More, here.

 

Kelly Chen answers a reader’s question on CNN Money asking about a suitable strategy for paying off a mortgage, while simultaneously saving to put kids through college. More, here.

 

Diana Olick, reporting for CNBC, has a video and accompanying article that posit getting a mortgage is easier now, based on two major lending changes. More, here.

 

Realtor.com shares 5 reasons a 30-year mortgage may not be your best option. More, here.

 

Wolf Richter, writing for Business Insider, examines talk that mortgage lenders are relaxing credit standards. You can read why, and what that means, here.