An article on the Bloomberg BusinessWeek website illustrates that, according to Freddie Mac, 3o-year fixed mortgage rates fell to an average of 4.93% this week, the 3rd-lowest rate on record in the United States.  As has been the case for the past year or two, interest rates on a variety of mortgage types (fixed and adjustable) continue to hover around historic low points.  However, a key point to take from the article is found in a quote from Metrostudy chief economist Brad Hunter, who states that rates are expected to climb, maybe as early as April.  If you are still on the fence about jumping into the San Clemente real estate market, don’t wait to long as it is an absolute certainty that rates will rise.

To read the complete article, click here: “Mortgage Rates on 30-Year U.S. Loans Fall to 4.93%”

To find out more information about current listings in the San Clemente real estate market, please contact San Clemente Coastal Living’s residential consultants.

With a tight housing market and large inventories of homes for sale, many sellers are looking for ways to gain an edge in the sale of their home.  Remodeling has always been an investment homeowners are willing to make as upgrades and additions add value to the home, both from a sales price standpoint and by making your home stand out from similar homes in your area.  On CNN’s website, there is an interesting article titled “6 Ways to Ensure a Remodeling Project Pays Off” that highlights specific rules that you may want to follow if you are planning to remodel your San Clemente home or condo.  From eco-friendly upgrades to completing simple repairs, the article demonstrates some effective ways to complete your remodel and realize a healthy return on your investment.  Simply adding granite countertops to your kitchen or making a large bedroom into two smaller rooms does not guarantee that your home will stand out in a crazy marketplace; you need to think outside the bubble yet get back to basics in order to make your remodel a success.  Another great point that the article makes is that if you are planning on staying in your home for awhile, now is a great time for remodeling and updating as home improvement contractor bids are 10-40% lower than they were a year or two ago (according to senior economist Bernie Markstein of the National Association of Home Builders).