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This week's dirt in mortgage markets

By Lou Barnes, Friday, March 9, 2007.

Long-term rates are rising quickly, with the 10-year T-note to 4.6 percent from sub-4.5 percent one week ago, and mortgages to 6.25 percent. Both are headed higher.

The immediate cause of retreat: February payrolls did just fine in today's dawn release. The economy produced 97,000 new jobs, and January and December were revised up another 55,000; unemployment fell a tick to 4.5 percent, and wages are up 4.1 percent year-over-year. No way the Fed's going to ease on numbers like that, not with inflation still in the hazard zone.  more...

Financial planning Q&A with Dick Bellmer Premium Content

By Alison Rogers, Friday, March 9, 2007.

So I'm still doing my taxes -- my accountant has sentenced me to organize my expenses into categories, can you imagine? And one of the questions in my mind is whether I need to contribute to my retirement plan or not. While I was debating all things financial, I checked in with Richard L. Bellmer, CFP, president of Deerfield Financial Advisors in Indianapolis.  more...

Florida home puts new spin on efficiency

By Katherine Salant, Friday, March 9, 2007.
You can't learn much in the dark.

I learned this lesson once again at the International Builders Show in Orlando last month when I visited the New American Home for the second time in broad daylight. When I saw it the night before, I could discern a highly unusual exterior, a stark aesthetic and an unconventional floor plan.  more...

Quick cures for roof leaks

By Paul Bianchina, Friday, March 9, 2007.
Few things can be more upsetting than the dripping of water from a leak in the roof. Roof leaks typically occur either from a missing or cracked shingle, or from problems around flashings. Fortunately, with a little work and some inexpensive sealant material, you can often cure the problem with a quick and permanent repair, stopping the drip and extending the life of your roof.

The first step is to locate the source of the leak, and that can often be more difficult than making the actual repair.  more...

To-do list for spring, summer home sellers

By Robert Bruss, Friday, March 9, 2007.

If you plan to sell your house or condo in 2007, in most communities the peak sales months are April, May, June and July. The reason is the largest number of prospective buyers are in the market during this time of the year.

That means now is the time to get your home ready for sale. If you want to earn top dollar, careful preparation and planning are essential. The four key steps are:

1. GET YOUR HOME INTO "MODEL HOME" CONDITION. Home buyers are especially fussy this year.  more...