NHM Rafic Vartan : le point sur l’économie des USA au 31 août 2019

Treasury Bond Yields almost unchanged –  The 10 year Treasury bond closed the week yielding 2.04%, up from 2% last week. The 30 year Treasury bond yield ended the week at 2.54%, up from 2.52% last week. We watch Treasury bond yields because mortgage rates follow bond yields.
 

Mortgage rates remain at lowest levels in 2 years –  The June 27, 2019 Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that the 30 year fixed mortgage rate average was 3.75%, up from 3.73% last week. The 15 year fixed was 3.18%, up from 3.16% last week. The 5 year adjustable rate mortgage ( ARM) was 3.45%, up from 3.39% last week.
 

What is curb appeal? How to boost the first impression buyers have of your home –  What is curb appeal? This all important practice will improve how your home looks to buyers right as they pull up and park, or even as they drive by ( slowly, I hope!). That includes your front yard, driveway, and your home's exterior, from its paint job to the potted plants on your patio to even the welcome mat that greets people as they pass through your front door. Curb appeal is both an art and a science. And since it's a buyer's first impression of your home, it can be absolutely essential in selling your home. Adding curb appeal doesn’t have to cost an outrageous amount of money. You’d be surprised by how inexpensive “prettifying” your home’s front exterior can be, if you’re willing to do a little work yourself. Or maybe a lot of work! ( Hey, you want to sell the place, right?) Here are some of my favorite suggestions.

Strategic landscaping –  One of the most important aspects of curb appeal is getting the grounds to look as good as they possibly can. Experts estimate that well landscaped homes had a sales price advantage ranging from 5% to 12%.

Clean everything –  Washing the windows is a given, but before you do that, think about giving your house a good power wash to remove the dirt, grime, and moss that may have accumulated over the years. This could save you the expense of repainting your entire home.

Go for the touch ups –  Once your house is shiny and clean, you may find that the entire house doesn’t need repainting. Just the trim and the front door. While you’re at it, consider brightening the facade with a touch of contrasting color. You’ll be surprised by how a little pop of color can really freshen up the place.

Consider the mailbox –  If your mailbox is on the street, there’s a good chance it’s been a bit beaten up. If it’s affixed to your house, you’ve probably forgotten about it, aesthetically speaking. Paint it, polish it, or replace it. You'll be glad you did.

Repair and/or clean off the roof –  If some of the shingles have come loose or there’s visible damage to your roof, you absolutely must fix that. Hire a roof specialist to see just how much work is needed, then get it done. If your roof is relatively new and in good shape, at least clean off any leaves, branches, or other detritus that might have accumulated there. Buyers are justifiably picky about the condition of the roof.

Tame the foliage –  This involves not only cutting the grass, but also clearing out any dead limbs, plants, and other unwanted foliage that might be hanging around. In addition, get rid of any tree branches or bushes that may make your yard look crowded and dark, and trim all hedges so that they look neat. Finally, plant some colorful flowers. Best to do it a couple of weeks before the house goes on the market, so they’ve had the chance to grow in a bit and don’t look too contrived.

Check the light fixtures –  A small investment in a new front porch light can work wonders, but you’ll also want to pay attention to the condition of any other light fixtures in front, like those that may be on either side of the garage, or the street light in your front yard. Yes, potential buyers will probably make their first visit during the day, but attractive light fixtures can really add to the appeal of a home even if the lights aren't on. And when the lights are on? You may have just nailed the curb appeal deal!
 

How to get a building permit. Don't renovate without it! –  How to get a building permit is one of those things you'll need to learn when you renovate your home. That's right, even though you own your house, you still need to get permits for structural changes, to ensure that your changes will be "up to code," as they say. Before you start grumbling about all this paperwork, keep in mind that the permitting process is put in place by the government to keep you and your family safe. Building permits ensure that your home meets important requirements that minimize fire hazards, structural failure, electrical shock, and other potential health and safety risks. Ready to get your renovation rolling? Here’s everything you need to know about how to get a building permit.

Do you need a building permit? –  Well, you probably do, unless you’re only doing cosmetic interior upgrades, like painting or updating your kitchen faucet. Any time you are adding square footage, making structural modifications, or significantly altering other building components, you’ll need to obtain a permit. And don’t think about trying to sidestep the question. Doing the work without a permit is just a bad idea, for a number of reasons.

How to apply for a building permit –  The great news is that getting a building permit is easier than you think, mostly because you probably don’t have to do it yourself. Unless you’re a pretty slick DIY-er, chances are good that your project is going to require a contractor, and that’s the person to rely on for the building permit process. First of all, contractors will know the ins and outs of the process for obtaining building permits in your local area, and they’ll also know exactly which permits you need, from structural to electrical to plumbing. And it’s not just easier to have them do it; it’s smarter, too. That’s because the person who pulls the permit is responsible for making sure the work is done correctly. As such, you'll want to make sure you fully trust whomever you hire. If you are doing the work yourself, then you’ll need to get your own building permit, which will involve drawing up and submitting plans. For a relatively simple project, check with your local building permits agency to see if they have suggested plans.

How much does a building permit cost? –  Asking how much a building permit costs is a little like asking how much a house renovation will cost, prices vary wildly. Not only does it matter how extensive the project is, but each municipality will have its own price schedules for permits. Your first step to determine how much a building permit will cost should be your local building permits website. Most will have a fee schedule. Your contractor will be well-versed in how to ballpark the costs, depending on what your specific project needs. The good news is that the upfront permit price will cover all additional inspections that the city will make as the work progresses, including the final sign-off. Any work with a permit attached usually requires one or more inspections to be performed by licensed inspectors, to verify the work was done according to code, the plans on file, and any other requirements. The local building department or permit office will have all the information you need to make sure the inspections are scheduled appropriately.

How long does it take to get a building permit? –  Most areas will allow a permit to be pulled the same day for relatively simple projects such as fences, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, decks, roofing, and small remodels. However, once you are significantly altering a structure or building an addition, the review process could take several weeks, especially depending on how many projects are ahead of yours. You should be given a ballpark timeline when you submit the plans. Most permits require that work start within six months. And if you take a break for more than six months, you'll probably need an extension. However, if you are consistently working, the permit lasts as long as the job does.

Building permit paperwork to keep –  Once the dust has settled on your renovation project, a final inspection will occur. After that, a final approval will be filed with your local building department. It’s always wise to get copies of the documentation, including permits and final approvals, for your own records. Having them at your disposal if you are selling the home is a great way to assure the buyer that any work was done correctly and verified by the local inspector.

Treasury Bond Yields almost unchanged –  The 10 year Treasury bond closed the week yielding 2.04%, up from 2% last week. The 30 year Treasury bond yield ended the week at 2.54%, up from 2.52% last week. We watch Treasury bond yields because mortgage rates follow bond yields.
 

Mortgage rates remain at lowest levels in 2 years –  The June 27, 2019 Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that the 30 year fixed mortgage rate average was 3.75%, up from 3.73% last week. The 15 year fixed was 3.18%, up from 3.16% last week. The 5 year adjustable rate mortgage ( ARM) was 3.45%, up from 3.39% last week.
 

What is curb appeal? How to boost the first impression buyers have of your home –  What is curb appeal? This all important practice will improve how your home looks to buyers right as they pull up and park, or even as they drive by ( slowly, I hope!). That includes your front yard, driveway, and your home's exterior, from its paint job to the potted plants on your patio to even the welcome mat that greets people as they pass through your front door. Curb appeal is both an art and a science. And since it's a buyer's first impression of your home, it can be absolutely essential in selling your home. Adding curb appeal doesn’t have to cost an outrageous amount of money. You’d be surprised by how inexpensive “prettifying” your home’s front exterior can be, if you’re willing to do a little work yourself. Or maybe a lot of work! ( Hey, you want to sell the place, right?) Here are some of my favorite suggestions.

Strategic landscaping –  One of the most important aspects of curb appeal is getting the grounds to look as good as they possibly can. Experts estimate that well landscaped homes had a sales price advantage ranging from 5% to 12%.

Clean everything –  Washing the windows is a given, but before you do that, think about giving your house a good power wash to remove the dirt, grime, and moss that may have accumulated over the years. This could save you the expense of repainting your entire home.

Go for the touch ups –  Once your house is shiny and clean, you may find that the entire house doesn’t need repainting. Just the trim and the front door. While you’re at it, consider brightening the facade with a touch of contrasting color. You’ll be surprised by how a little pop of color can really freshen up the place.

Consider the mailbox –  If your mailbox is on the street, there’s a good chance it’s been a bit beaten up. If it’s affixed to your house, you’ve probably forgotten about it, aesthetically speaking. Paint it, polish it, or replace it. You'll be glad you did.

Repair and/or clean off the roof –  If some of the shingles have come loose or there’s visible damage to your roof, you absolutely must fix that. Hire a roof specialist to see just how much work is needed, then get it done. If your roof is relatively new and in good shape, at least clean off any leaves, branches, or other detritus that might have accumulated there. Buyers are justifiably picky about the condition of the roof.

Tame the foliage –  This involves not only cutting the grass, but also clearing out any dead limbs, plants, and other unwanted foliage that might be hanging around. In addition, get rid of any tree branches or bushes that may make your yard look crowded and dark, and trim all hedges so that they look neat. Finally, plant some colorful flowers. Best to do it a couple of weeks before the house goes on the market, so they’ve had the chance to grow in a bit and don’t look too contrived.

Check the light fixtures –  A small investment in a new front porch light can work wonders, but you’ll also want to pay attention to the condition of any other light fixtures in front, like those that may be on either side of the garage, or the street light in your front yard. Yes, potential buyers will probably make their first visit during the day, but attractive light fixtures can really add to the appeal of a home even if the lights aren't on. And when the lights are on? You may have just nailed the curb appeal deal!
 

How to get a building permit. Don't renovate without it! –  How to get a building permit is one of those things you'll need to learn when you renovate your home. That's right, even though you own your house, you still need to get permits for structural changes, to ensure that your changes will be "up to code," as they say. Before you start grumbling about all this paperwork, keep in mind that the permitting process is put in place by the government to keep you and your family safe. Building permits ensure that your home meets important requirements that minimize fire hazards, structural failure, electrical shock, and other potential health and safety risks. Ready to get your renovation rolling? Here’s everything you need to know about how to get a building permit.

Do you need a building permit? –  Well, you probably do, unless you’re only doing cosmetic interior upgrades, like painting or updating your kitchen faucet. Any time you are adding square footage, making structural modifications, or significantly altering other building components, you’ll need to obtain a permit. And don’t think about trying to sidestep the question. Doing the work without a permit is just a bad idea, for a number of reasons.

How to apply for a building permit –  The great news is that getting a building permit is easier than you think, mostly because you probably don’t have to do it yourself. Unless you’re a pretty slick DIY-er, chances are good that your project is going to require a contractor, and that’s the person to rely on for the building permit process. First of all, contractors will know the ins and outs of the process for obtaining building permits in your local area, and they’ll also know exactly which permits you need, from structural to electrical to plumbing. And it’s not just easier to have them do it; it’s smarter, too. That’s because the person who pulls the permit is responsible for making sure the work is done correctly. As such, you'll want to make sure you fully trust whomever you hire. If you are doing the work yourself, then you’ll need to get your own building permit, which will involve drawing up and submitting plans. For a relatively simple project, check with your local building permits agency to see if they have suggested plans.

How much does a building permit cost? –  Asking how much a building permit costs is a little like asking how much a house renovation will cost, prices vary wildly. Not only does it matter how extensive the project is, but each municipality will have its own price schedules for permits. Your first step to determine how much a building permit will cost should be your local building permits website. Most will have a fee schedule. Your contractor will be well-versed in how to ballpark the costs, depending on what your specific project needs. The good news is that the upfront permit price will cover all additional inspections that the city will make as the work progresses, including the final sign-off. Any work with a permit attached usually requires one or more inspections to be performed by licensed inspectors, to verify the work was done according to code, the plans on file, and any other requirements. The local building department or permit office will have all the information you need to make sure the inspections are scheduled appropriately.

How long does it take to get a building permit? –  Most areas will allow a permit to be pulled the same day for relatively simple projects such as fences, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, decks, roofing, and small remodels. However, once you are significantly altering a structure or building an addition, the review process could take several weeks, especially depending on how many projects are ahead of yours. You should be given a ballpark timeline when you submit the plans. Most permits require that work start within six months. And if you take a break for more than six months, you'll probably need an extension. However, if you are consistently working, the permit lasts as long as the job does.

Building permit paperwork to keep –  Once the dust has settled on your renovation project, a final inspection will occur. After that, a final approval will be filed with your local building department. It’s always wise to get copies of the documentation, including permits and final approvals, for your own records. Having them at your disposal if you are selling the home is a great way to assure the buyer that any work was done correctly and verified by the local inspector.

Treasury Bond Yields almost unchanged –  The 10 year Treasury bond closed the week yielding 2.04%, up from 2% last week. The 30 year Treasury bond yield ended the week at 2.54%, up from 2.52% last week. We watch Treasury bond yields because mortgage rates follow bond yields.
 

Mortgage rates remain at lowest levels in 2 years –  The June 27, 2019 Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that the 30 year fixed mortgage rate average was 3.75%, up from 3.73% last week. The 15 year fixed was 3.18%, up from 3.16% last week. The 5 year adjustable rate mortgage ( ARM) was 3.45%, up from 3.39% last week.
 

What is curb appeal? How to boost the first impression buyers have of your home –  What is curb appeal? This all important practice will improve how your home looks to buyers right as they pull up and park, or even as they drive by ( slowly, I hope!). That includes your front yard, driveway, and your home's exterior, from its paint job to the potted plants on your patio to even the welcome mat that greets people as they pass through your front door. Curb appeal is both an art and a science. And since it's a buyer's first impression of your home, it can be absolutely essential in selling your home. Adding curb appeal doesn’t have to cost an outrageous amount of money. You’d be surprised by how inexpensive “prettifying” your home’s front exterior can be, if you’re willing to do a little work yourself. Or maybe a lot of work! ( Hey, you want to sell the place, right?) Here are some of my favorite suggestions.

Strategic landscaping –  One of the most important aspects of curb appeal is getting the grounds to look as good as they possibly can. Experts estimate that well landscaped homes had a sales price advantage ranging from 5% to 12%.

Clean everything –  Washing the windows is a given, but before you do that, think about giving your house a good power wash to remove the dirt, grime, and moss that may have accumulated over the years. This could save you the expense of repainting your entire home.

Go for the touch ups –  Once your house is shiny and clean, you may find that the entire house doesn’t need repainting. Just the trim and the front door. While you’re at it, consider brightening the facade with a touch of contrasting color. You’ll be surprised by how a little pop of color can really freshen up the place.

Consider the mailbox –  If your mailbox is on the street, there’s a good chance it’s been a bit beaten up. If it’s affixed to your house, you’ve probably forgotten about it, aesthetically speaking. Paint it, polish it, or replace it. You'll be glad you did.

Repair and/or clean off the roof –  If some of the shingles have come loose or there’s visible damage to your roof, you absolutely must fix that. Hire a roof specialist to see just how much work is needed, then get it done. If your roof is relatively new and in good shape, at least clean off any leaves, branches, or other detritus that might have accumulated there. Buyers are justifiably picky about the condition of the roof.

Tame the foliage –  This involves not only cutting the grass, but also clearing out any dead limbs, plants, and other unwanted foliage that might be hanging around. In addition, get rid of any tree branches or bushes that may make your yard look crowded and dark, and trim all hedges so that they look neat. Finally, plant some colorful flowers. Best to do it a couple of weeks before the house goes on the market, so they’ve had the chance to grow in a bit and don’t look too contrived.

Check the light fixtures –  A small investment in a new front porch light can work wonders, but you’ll also want to pay attention to the condition of any other light fixtures in front, like those that may be on either side of the garage, or the street light in your front yard. Yes, potential buyers will probably make their first visit during the day, but attractive light fixtures can really add to the appeal of a home even if the lights aren't on. And when the lights are on? You may have just nailed the curb appeal deal!
 

How to get a building permit. Don't renovate without it! –  How to get a building permit is one of those things you'll need to learn when you renovate your home. That's right, even though you own your house, you still need to get permits for structural changes, to ensure that your changes will be "up to code," as they say. Before you start grumbling about all this paperwork, keep in mind that the permitting process is put in place by the government to keep you and your family safe. Building permits ensure that your home meets important requirements that minimize fire hazards, structural failure, electrical shock, and other potential health and safety risks. Ready to get your renovation rolling? Here’s everything you need to know about how to get a building permit.

Do you need a building permit? –  Well, you probably do, unless you’re only doing cosmetic interior upgrades, like painting or updating your kitchen faucet. Any time you are adding square footage, making structural modifications, or significantly altering other building components, you’ll need to obtain a permit. And don’t think about trying to sidestep the question. Doing the work without a permit is just a bad idea, for a number of reasons.

How to apply for a building permit –  The great news is that getting a building permit is easier than you think, mostly because you probably don’t have to do it yourself. Unless you’re a pretty slick DIY-er, chances are good that your project is going to require a contractor, and that’s the person to rely on for the building permit process. First of all, contractors will know the ins and outs of the process for obtaining building permits in your local area, and they’ll also know exactly which permits you need, from structural to electrical to plumbing. And it’s not just easier to have them do it; it’s smarter, too. That’s because the person who pulls the permit is responsible for making sure the work is done correctly. As such, you'll want to make sure you fully trust whomever you hire. If you are doing the work yourself, then you’ll need to get your own building permit, which will involve drawing up and submitting plans. For a relatively simple project, check with your local building permits agency to see if they have suggested plans.

How much does a building permit cost? –  Asking how much a building permit costs is a little like asking how much a house renovation will cost, prices vary wildly. Not only does it matter how extensive the project is, but each municipality will have its own price schedules for permits. Your first step to determine how much a building permit will cost should be your local building permits website. Most will have a fee schedule. Your contractor will be well-versed in how to ballpark the costs, depending on what your specific project needs. The good news is that the upfront permit price will cover all additional inspections that the city will make as the work progresses, including the final sign-off. Any work with a permit attached usually requires one or more inspections to be performed by licensed inspectors, to verify the work was done according to code, the plans on file, and any other requirements. The local building department or permit office will have all the information you need to make sure the inspections are scheduled appropriately.

How long does it take to get a building permit? –  Most areas will allow a permit to be pulled the same day for relatively simple projects such as fences, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, decks, roofing, and small remodels. However, once you are significantly altering a structure or building an addition, the review process could take several weeks, especially depending on how many projects are ahead of yours. You should be given a ballpark timeline when you submit the plans. Most permits require that work start within six months. And if you take a break for more than six months, you'll probably need an extension. However, if you are consistently working, the permit lasts as long as the job does.

Building permit paperwork to keep –  Once the dust has settled on your renovation project, a final inspection will occur. After that, a final approval will be filed with your local building department. It’s always wise to get copies of the documentation, including permits and final approvals, for your own records. Having them at your disposal if you are selling the home is a great way to assure the buyer that any work was done correctly and verified by the local inspector.