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Consumer Confidence Makes a Comeback in August

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index®, which had declined in July, rebounded in August. The Index now stands at 101.5 (1985=100), up from 91.0 in July. The Present Situation Index increased from 104.0 last month to 115.1 in August, while the Expectations Index improved to 92.5 from 82.3 in July. The monthly Consumer Confidence Survey®, […]
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Best and Worst Drivers Ranked by State

Bankrate.com ranked all 50 states according to several factors such as fatal crashes, car thefts, average commute times, gasoline spending, repair costs and insurance premiums. Idaho topped the list due to its low gas and insurance expenses, below-average thefts and short commute times. Vermont, Wyoming, Wisconsin and Minnesota rounded out the five best states for drivers. […]
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6 Financial To-Do’s before Going on a Trip

(TNS)–While people disagree on many topics, there’s one thing most people can agree on: Vacations are great. Some might prefer big cities or public beaches, while others seek out quiet countrysides or towering mountains. Whatever your vacation dreams happen to be, it’s important to plan your trip so it goes smoothly. Travel experts and financial […]
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Consumer Confidence Hikes in August

Despite the August increase in overall confidence, respondents’ appraisals of current conditions and expectations for the next six months were mixed. While 82 percent of respondents rated current business conditions “good” (23 percent) or “normal” (59 percent), 56 percent of respondents characterized employment conditions as “jobs not so plentiful.” The remaining 44 percent were split […]
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Market Shifts to Buyers’ Advantage

Recent stock market volatility and seasonal trends may give buyers better financial options and more time to make purchase decisions entering the fall, says Jonathan Smoke, chief economist for realtor.com. August data remains positive with regard to overall housing health as both demand and supply continue to grow. According to realtor.com®’s ‘Advance Read of August Trends,’ which […]
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HUD and FHA Urge Buyers to Have Homes Inspected before Purchase

For the first time, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has asked the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) to give information to prospective home buyers that explains: Why a buyer should get a home inspection How appraisals are different from home inspections Why the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) does not guarantee the […]
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Historic Estate Now Available in Bellport, N.Y.

The 1838 Greek Revival estate “Nearthebay” is now up for grabs in Bellport, N.Y. The estate was the home of Birdsall Otis Edy, author, playwright, and later, the organizer and national president of the Girl Scouts of America. “Nearthebay” sits on 1.54 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds on the highest point of the waterfront Village […]
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Financially Unprepared Consumers Are Vulnerable when Disaster Strikes

There are a variety of natural disasters that could happen anytime during the year, but early September officially marks the peak of hurricane season. Those who are fortunate enough to survive the initial impact often find themselves dealing with a financial disaster that arrives soon after the storm is gone. It is not pleasant to […]
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7 Reasons Why You Should Use a REALTOR® to Sell Your Home

Selling your home can seem a daunting task. When you close that deal, you want to make sure that your home goes to the best buyer for the best price. It may seem cheaper to sell your home yourself, and many do; however, there are a lot of details to work through. “Selling your home […]
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Top 8 Reasons Homeowners Choose a Metal Roof

In recent years, there has been a lot of talk about metal roofs and their manifold benefits. And why not? As one of the most durable roofing materials available on the market, metal roofs have outshined the famous asphalt shingles, slates, and other composite roofing materials. Here are eight reasons why homeowners choose a metal roof: 1. Durability […]