Monthly Archives: August 2016

Sales Contracts Surge to Highest Rate in 10 Years

Posted on August 31, 2016 by Erin Johnston

Daily Real Estate News | Wednesday, August 31, 2016 Pending home sales were up in most areas of the country in July, reaching the second highest reading in more than a decade, according to the National Association of REALTORS®’ Pending … Continue reading →

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HARP Extended to 2017 as Bridge to New Refi Program

Posted on August 29, 2016 by Erin Johnston

Daily Real Estate News | Monday, August 29, 2016 The Federal Housing Finance Agency is extending the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) until Sept. 30, 2017. The FHFA estimates that more than 300,000 home owners could still benefit by refinancing … Continue reading →

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Good for Buyers: Mortgage Rates Barely Budge

Posted on August 26, 2016 by Erin Johnston

Daily Real Estate News | Friday, August 26, 2016 Mortgage rates continue to hover around all-time lows with the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaging 3.43 percent this week. “This marks the ninth consecutive week that mortgage rates have been below 3.5 … Continue reading →

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Will That Home Work as You Age?

Posted on August 24, 2016 by Erin Johnston

Daily Real Estate News | Tuesday, August 23, 2016 Many older adults say they want to stay put in their homes as they age. But how many older adults will actually be able to do so is another question. Indeed, … Continue reading →

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Mortgage Rates Move Even Lower This Week

Posted on August 22, 2016 by Erin Johnston

  Daily Real Estate News | Friday, August 19, 2016 Fixed-rate mortgages dropped slightly this week compared to the previous week, and continue to hover near all-time lows. “The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell 2 basis points to 3.43 percent this … Continue reading →

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Protecting your home from Wildfire

Posted on August 19, 2016 by Erin Johnston

If your home is situated in an area vulnerable to wildfire,  designing and creating a fire-resistant landscape should be considered. Here are some easy steps to provide some protection to your home: Mulches: Bark mulches in the landscape add organic … Continue reading →

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‘Red Flag’ fire warnings for Columbia Basin

Posted on August 19, 2016 by Erin Johnston

The National Weather Service has issued a “red flag” warning, effective through 9 p.m. Friday, August 19th  for the Columbia Basin. High heat, gusty winds and low humidity have created critical fire danger conditions, the weather service said. All burning … Continue reading →

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2016 BENTON COUNTY FAIR & RODEO

Posted on August 18, 2016 by Erin Johnston

BENTON COUNTY FAIR & RODEO, AUGUST 3-6, 2016 Fair hours: Wednesday, August 3, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Thursday, August 4, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday, August 5, 11 a.m.-midnight Saturday, August. 6, 11 a.m.-midnight (Exhibit and Commercial Buildings close at 10 PM … Continue reading →

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Good Schools Give 77% Boost to Home Values

Posted on August 12, 2016 by Erin Johnston

Daily Real Estate News | Monday, August 08, 2016 Home values can get a big increase from having a highly rated school nearby. According to the new ATTOM Data Solutions 2016 Schools and Housing Report, homes in ZIP codes with … Continue reading →

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