Margaret "Maggee" Miggins's (maggee) Blog

Gov. Jon Corzine has proposed that the federal government purchase mortgages at market value.  Under this proposal, the mortgages would be restructured, and the houses may be bought outright.  This proposal, which Corzine announced on "Meet the Press", comes at a time when our economy is being d...

Too many consumers still don't get it when it comes to credit scores. And what you don't know about credit scores can hurt you when it's time to buy a home -- especially in a tight credit market. Only 28 percent of consumers are aware they need at least a 700 credit score to qualify for a low-rat...

  An interest rate lock is always a good idea in any market. But it becomes a better idea when it's crucial to lock in an interest rate and other loan costs at a level you can afford. A changing market -- especially when the change is for the worst -- is one of those crucial times. During the fir...

What a month this has been! Right after everyone phoned their broker about the stock market dive, they turned around and called me to ask about the value of their homes. Everyone wants to know: "Maggee, what should I do?"Here's what it looks like from my perspective: homes are continuing to sell...

  Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) shows that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.52% for the week ending July 31, 2008, which is down from the prior week when it averaged 6.63%.  Last year's FRM at this time of year averaged 6.68%.  The 15-year FRM averaged 6.07%,...

Floods are the most common natural disaster in America and are caused by heavy rains, melting snow, inadequate drainage, failed flood control structures, and tropical storms and hurricanes.  If you live in a flood plain, your home has more than one in four chance of suffering flood damage during...

  There's a lot of talk about curb appeal being the driving force drawing buyers into your home. It makes sense. If the house looks a mess from the outside, what buyer would want to set foot inside? Well, maybe your house isn't quite a mess. You have taken the time to fix-up the landscape, power-...

Fall is upon us bringing thoughts of falling leaves and the aroma of warm baked apple pie.  There is no better way to enjoy a fall day than picking your own apples or pumpkins.  There are several orchards in the Garden State that offer Pick-Your-Own pumpkins and apples.  Many of these orchards o...

Here's a tax alert for real estate investors who use popular tax-free exchanges: The recently signed federal housing legislation contains a hidden zinger that could cost you thousands of dollars if you don't plan around it. As of next January 1st, investors who exchange into rental or second hom...

If your home is on the market, chances are your agent will be holding an open house. Open Houses can be a great way to drive buyer traffic to your home. But most often the desire to physically come and see your home starts with a picture on the Internet. "I have developed a proprietary way to bu...