Many deep-pocketed borrowers are paying lower rates on jumbo loans when compared to the average borrower. Jumbo loan borrowers have been experiencing interest rates that are at an all time low, and now many lenders are waiving mortgage insurance, lowering credit standards, and requiring minimal down payments as low as 10%. In some cases, the lessened requirements are justified by jumbo borrowers’ lower default rate. More here

Fall is here, and many people will soon begin packing up outdoor furniture until next year. If some pieces appear damaged, don’t immediately assume they are ready for the trash. A few things you can do to save money and preserve your outdoor furniture for future seasons are: Brighten your light colored lawn chairs with bleach, liquid detergent, and warm water. This solution will help get rid of the dingy look caused by sun and rain damage. If your picnic table is looking old and grungy, you can scrub it with ammonia, vinegar and water to make it look new again. For patio umbrellas covered in mildew, you can mix liquid bleach and dish-washing detergent, apply the solution and then scrub with a soft-bristle brush to remove mildew stains. Rinse off the umbrella with a hose and allow to dry.  Remember to check washing instructions before applying the bleach. More here

With many millennials carrying around large student loan debt and lending rules getting tighter, the number of millennial homeowners is disappointing. Although, in the near future, experts expect the millennial generation will boost the housing market to record levels. Today there are approximately 13.3 million millennial homeowners; that number is expected to increase to 21.6 million by the year 2018. Over the next five years, the same group is expected to spend $2 trillion on rent costs and home purchases, this is more than any other generation in history. 60% of millennials plan to own a home in the future while three-quarters think home-ownership is an important long-term goal. More here

Generally, brick siding on a home requires less maintenance than a wood-sided home, although brick still necessitates minimal yearly maintenance to keep the brick working efficiently and looking good. A few things one should do to maintain a brick home are: Yearly cleaning, use mild detergent and a brush to scrub off mildew and other unwanted stains on your home. Using a pressure washer may cause damage to your home, so try to avoid using harsh water treatments. After washing the home with the detergent and brush, gently rinse the brick to get rid of extra suds. You can also use an acid wash brick cleaner for hard to clean water spots. Protect your brick sided home with a siloxane-based or silane-based sealer, this will help protect your brick home from moisture related problems. You should also inspect your home for broken, bowing, or loose bricks. If water has gotten underneath the bricks, they will need to be repaired. More here

According to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Weekly Mortgage Application Survey for last week, mortgage applications increased substantially, jumping 7.9% from the previous week. This large increase made up for the 7.2% decrease during the week of September 5th. The Market Composite Index rose 7.9% on a seasonally adjusted basis, the Refinance Index jumped 10%, and the Purchase Index increased 5%. The MBA’s Chief Economist, Mike Fratantoni said, “application volume rebounded coming out of the Labor Day holiday, even as rates increased to their highest level in the last few months.” More here

Home price appreciation is growing, and many baby boomers are intimidated by rising prices, causing some to stay in their over-sized family homes. Some experts forecast things to change over the coming years, expecting the baby boomer generation to move out of their current single-family homes and downsize to apartments, condos, and smaller homes. Data suggests that downsizing is not as common as it used to and may come later in life than in years past. Experts expect the big baby boomer downsize movement to take place within the next ten years when the generation hits the age where downsizing is more a necessity. More here

As peak buying season comes to a close, many home sellers begin to feel concern over selling their home quickly during the offseason. While making a good impression, being friendly, and being easy to work with are important factors to help sell your home fast, there are a few other steps a home seller can take to ensure a speedy sale. Price your home right in the beginning; pricing your home lower will increase interest, and buyers will take your offer more seriously. Increase curb appeal; planting a few flowers outside and painting the front door can make a major difference. Prospective buyers will often drive by your home first to look in-person, and you want to make sure they have a good impression. Clean your home and depersonalize; make sure your home is spotless, and when you know people are coming by to take a look, take down family photos and other personal effects. You also should remove any pets before the showing. The point is to allow homebuyers to be able to see themselves in your home. More here

As summer winds to a close, mosquitoes can still be a problem in parts of the United States. There are plenty of products on the market that promise to repel mosquitoes or to relieve the itch caused by their bite. Experts say there are safer ways to keep mosquitoes away without buying chemical solutions. Keeping your outdoor area free of standing water will help decrease the amount of mosquitoes near your house, as they will have no place to lay their eggs. Lay sand underneath moist decks, and if you have an ornamental pool, you can stock it with mosquito fish (top-feeding minnows). Set up a fan to create a wind effect, wind stops mosquitoes from biting. There are also devices available to purchase such as  LarvaSonic, bug zappers, ultrasonic mosquito repellents, citronella smoke, and home misting systems. Experts advise that if you know you will be outside for a long period, putting on a bug repellent with the ingredient Picaridin is a safe option. More here

Construction spending has increased significantly in the United States, reaching levels not seen in over 5 1/2 years. Private construction jumped 0.7% as the housing market and the economy continue to make huge strides. Overall construction spending jumped 1.8%, reaching an annual rate of $981.31 billion according to the Commerce Department. Data suggests that the increase in residential construction is made up of new home construction and also home improvements. More here

Ceramic bathroom tiles are a great addition to any shower or tub. The durable material stays resistant to moisture for many years if maintained. When you begin to see cracks or damages to the tile, it is time to take action. Repairing ceramic tile walls is not something to procrastinate about as it may result in a total wall replacement if moisture reaches the drywall. Below are four simple steps to follow when repairing ceramic bathroom tiles. Number one – remove the old grout; you should use a grout saw to scratch out the faulty grout and use a straight blade scraper to cut out the caulk bed. Number two – re-grout the area between tiles. You can use a premixed grout or a powdered grout, both are inexpensive. Let the grout sit overnight before taking any other steps. Number three – re-caulk the seams of the ceramic wall starting with the joint that connects the tub or shower to the tile.  Lastly, wait until everything has dried and apply a silicon sealer to all of the joints to help lengthen the longevity of your work and make the grout more water resistant. More here