Gary Pierpont Blog

According to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo’s Housing Market Index, this month’s builder confidence for new single-family homes jumped two points, averaging 55, the highest level seen since the beginning of the year. August is the third consecutive month that the Housing Market Index has experienced an increase. The Chairman for the NAHB, Kevin Kelly said, “as the employment picture brightens, builders are seeing a noticeable increase in the number of serious buyers entering the market.” More here

States such as Arizona and Florida are among the most-popular locations in which to retire, according to research. As reported by TopRetirements.com, there are other less-known locations that are worthy of exploration. A few cities that are great locations for older Americans are: Greenville, North Carolina, Greenville is a growing city with mild weather and affordable living. Lincoln, Nebraska, Lincoln is a city full of activity with large walking, jogging, and cycling trails, a world-class performing arts center, low cost of living, and great access for Medicare. Huntsville, Alabama, Huntsville is a destination with exceptional heath care, great golfing courses and the median home price is under $140,000. Finally, Jackson, California, Jackson is a quaint town with pleasant weather all year and is located in wine country. The city offers great amenities for seniors, with charging stations for vehicles and lower utility costs. More here

There are excellent ways to keep your pool well maintained without using harsh chemicals that can be harmful to the earth and one’s health. A few ways to go green with your home swimming pool are: Use salt- salt provides a natural alternative to chlorine and may be easier on your pocketbook, as well. Chlorine causes dry skin, itchy eyes, and even increases the risk of asthma in children. Consider purchasing an energy-efficient pump to help save electricity and money. Go solar- solar covers are a great way to warm your pool without using electricity, and can reduce the rate of evaporation by 95%. More here

According to Zillow’s Mortgage Rate Ticker, the 30-Year fixed-rate mortgage increased five basis points from around this time last week, averaging 4.08% nationally. The vice president of mortgages at Zillow, Erin Lantz said,”Mortgage rates were subdued last week as ongoing geopolitical concerns and economic softness in Europe encouraged investors to buy U.S. mortgage-backed securities as a safe-haven. This week, we expect international headlines, rather than U.S. economic data, to drive any meaningful changes to mortgage rates.” Additionally, the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.12% nationally, according to Zillow. More here

Smart home-management systems are here and making significant changes and improvements to home life. Smart home systems have been designed to make everyday life easier, but many come at a hefty price. A few systems that can make your house smarter without breaking the bank are: A signal booster, this is an antenna outside of your house that strengthens your smartphone signal, making it approximately ten times stronger. A home management system, this is a relatively inexpensive system that allows you to keep your home safe from burglars while away, and allows you to control the thermostat via smartphone. Lighting system, this allows you to control the timing and intensity of lighting in your home. Water sensors and keyless entry are also interesting options available. More here

Research shows that millennials are attracted to specific cities in the U.S. According to the National Association of Realtors, cities with affordable living, job growth, and fun attractions are magnets for young adults. Some cities that made the top ten best cities for millennials are Austin, Texas- the median home price is $226,000 and job growth is approximately 4.3%. Des Moines, Iowa- the median home price is $153,000, and job growth comes in at 3%. New Orleans also made the list, the Crescent City’s median home price is $158,000, and job growth is around 2.5%. Other cities included on the list are Seattle, Minneapolis, and Denver. More here

Buying a less expensive home that needs some improvement can be a fun way to add character to the house, and if done correctly, save money. While you may be getting a good deal on a house that you can make your own, obtaining insurance on the house may turn out to be difficult and expensive. A few options you can consider that may lower the cost of home insurance and make the process a little easier are: Conventional insurance, if you are planning on making minor or quick repairs and updates this would be a good option as it is a low-risk scenario. Builder’s risk, this type of insurance is easiest to get if you have a timed schedule for all repairs and updates; the cost will be lower in the beginning and as the home improves costs will rise. Vacant dwelling is another option to consider if you will not be living in the home during reconstruction. This type of insurance will cover most physical accidents but will not cover theft. More here

Every season brings the threat of basement flooding and being prepared can save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. A few ways you can ensure your basement stays dry during wet weather are: Check and maintain your gutters, keeping your gutters clean and working efficiently can decrease the risk of water coming into your house. Check to make sure you have land slopes that direct water away from the foundation of your home. Install a sump pump and be sure it can run with or without power. Also, consider installing a french drain, a drain that will conduct water away from your home and empty it at safe distance. More here

Searching for a new or first home is an exciting time for many Americans. When you find the home that fits your needs and decide to make an offer, you want to do everything possible to ensure the offer is accepted. Here are a few tips to keep in mind: Compliment the house, many sellers have an emotional attachment to the home and won’t tolerate negative remarks well. Come in with a positive attitude, and try to establish a personal relationship with the seller. Don’t make an extremely low offer as it may offend the seller. Also, be organized to help speed the process along if your offer is accepted. More here

According to the Mortgage Credit Availability Index from the Mortgage Bankers Association, mortgage credit availability increased last month by .5% averaging 116.4. The jump is good news as it means lending standards are becoming more relaxed. Experts have implied that the increase is due to the growing number of jumbo adjustable rate mortgages. Additionally, many programs have loosened their lending requirements helping scores of new borrowers obtain mortgages. More here