Homeowners are on a remodeling kick, and an increasing number of mortgage loan applications this year will be to generate funds for remodeling projects. Last year owners spent more money on remodeling projects than ever before, despite a slowdown period following September 11. Remodeling activity is now again on the upswing. Consumers spent about $161 billion on home remodeling during …

Some significant changes appear to be surfacing this year in the mortgage industry. These changes could save money for homebuyers and owners who want to refinance their existing mortgage loan. One change could be the elimination of formal appraisals that have long been an integral part of a mortgage or refinance application. Determining a reasonable estimate of the property’s value …

With mortgage interest rates creeping up, a home financing plan that shaves 2 percent off the top of a mortgage rate looks very appealing to consumers. That can be accomplished with a shared appreciation mortgage, a plan that was a hot product a couple of decades ago, but was shelved when the variable rate mortgage took center-stage. Now, the variable …

By Jim Woodard The tragic events of September 11 are having a profound impact on the housing and mortgage market, along with other major segments of our economy. There are some striking similarities between today’s economic environment and that of eleven years ago, it was noted in a report from the Meyers Group, a real estate research and consulting firm. …