The real estate market has been as capricious as has the stock market, since the recession of 2008 leaving homeowners wondering when the best time to buy is. Two main factors come into play with the cost of a home. First is, of course, the price of the home, and second – the mortgage interest rate. We want to have some idea where these prices and rates are going. Unlike the stock market which changes daily, home values are are expected to increase by nearly 20 percent between now and 2018. Freddie Mac has projected that mortgage rates will be up to one full point higher by this time next year. With home values and mortgage rates moving upward, it would appear that right now is one of the best times to make that new home purchase.
Archives for November 2014
Housing Industry in St. Charles County Improving
According to the Home Builders Association of St. Louis and Eastern Missouri, St. Charles County is leading the area in single and multiple family housing permits issued for new construction through August 2014. County officials are optimistic that the housing industry will continue its recovery from the recession.
Francis Howell School goes SOLAR and once again makes the news!
Francis Howell School District has installed solar panels on the roofs of 5 district buildings, and are generating power for school operations. Panels were installed on the rooftops of the administration building, Castilo Elementary, Fairmount Elementary, Henderson Elementary, and Hollenbeck Middle schools.
The schools were outfitted with one 25-kilowatt system each, while Fairmount has 2 25-kilowatt arrays. Over the next 20 years the district predicts it will save $573,000 in electric costs while producing an average of 16,000 kilowatt hours per month. Thus far the systems have generated 48,000 kilowatt hours.
Francis Howell High School named among the nation’s best!
If you are thinking about moving, and the area school district is on your priority list, you will want to check this out.
Francis Howell High School has been recognized by Newsweek magazine as one of the best high schools in the country for the 2nd year in a row. Francis Howell High School was one of only 5 Missouri High Schools selected by Newsweek, ranking 364th out of 500 schools nationwide.