Author: Sarah Greenleaf

Mortgage rates for 30-year fixed mortgages fell this week, with the current rate borrowers were quoted on Zillow Mortgage Marketplace at 4.88%, down from 5.08% at this same time last week. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose last week, spiking Sunday at 5.05 percent before falling to 4.88 percent Monday.

Additionally, the 15-year fixed mortgage rate on Tuesday morning was 4.29% and for 5/1 ARMs, 3.49%.

What are the rates right now? Check Zillow Mortgage Marketplace for up-to-the-minute mortgage rates for your state.

Our weekly series of “What can you buy in…” brings us to Cincinnati today. The city along the Ohio River has been pummeled by decreasing home values — like most homes in the U.S. — and is presently showing a 14.4 percent year-over-year drop in home values. Let’s take a look at what you can buy in Cincinnati these days for a mortgage between $1,000 and $4,000.

(Note: These monthly mortgage payment figures are based on a 30-year fixed loan, using the current Ohio mortgage rate, with a 20% down payment. Estimated taxes and insurance are not included).

Monthly mortgage of $500-$1,000/month:

This home at 815 Suire Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45205 (below) has a low monthly payment and has been recently remodeled.

> See more West Price Hill real estate
> See Cincinnati home values

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This sweet little home at 6118 Benneville St, Cincinnati, OH 45230 (below) has a great price tag and lots of yard in both the front and back and a shed behind the house.

> See more Mt. Washington real estate

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Monthly mortgage of $1,000-$2,000/month:

This newer townhome at 5313 Reserve Cir, Cincinnati, OH 45230 (below) has all the modern details and is located 10 minutes from downtown.

> See more Mt. Washington real estate

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Built in 1906, this 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home at 2625 Perkins Ln, Cincinnati, OH 45208 (below) has stained glass windows and a lovely fenced backyard.

> See more Hyde Park real estate

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Monthly mortgage of $2,000-$4,000/month:

The perfect porch can be found at 2448 Observatory Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45208 (below) and with summer coming up, you’ll be all set. The interior of the home has impeccable detail work and was built in 1895.

> See more Hyde Park real estate

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This gorgeous home at 8 Far Hills Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45208 (below) has been almost entirely rebuilt. Inside the home is full of light and the kitchen could rival many on Dueling Digs.

> See more Hyde Park real estate

If you had your heart set on living next to President Obama’s Chicago home, you may need to re-think your dreams.

The Huffington Post is reporting that the home next to the Obama’s just sold to a Chicago buyer who paid $1.4 million dollars in cash. The home next door to the Obama’s was first listed without a price tag and then later listed for $1,849,000.

The 6,000 square-foot home has 8 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and was built in 1910. The neighborhood was billed as “The World’s Ultimate Gated Community” due to the high level of security on the street.

> See more Chicago homes for sale
> See Chicago home values

Mortgage rates for 30-year fixed mortgages continued to rise this week, with the current rate borrowers were quoted on Zillow Mortgage Marketplace at 5.08%, up from 4.93% at this same time last week. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate spiked Sunday at 5.14 percent before falling to 5.05 percent Monday.

Additionally, the 15-year fixed mortgage rate on Tuesday morning was 4.37% and for 5/1 ARMs, 3.68%.

What are the rates right now? Check Zillow Mortgage Marketplace for up-to-the-minute mortgage rates for your state.

Mortgage rates for 30-year fixed mortgages rose this week, with the current rate borrowers were quoted on Zillow Mortgage Marketplace at 4.93%, up from 4.80% at this same time last week. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate spiked late Wednesday at 4.98 percent, before leveling off just above 4.90 percent over the weekend.

Additionally, 15-year fixed borrowers were quoted on average, 4.26% and for 5/1 ARMs, 3.53%.

What are the rates right now? Check Zillow Mortgage Marketplace for up-to-the-minute mortgage rates for your state.

Mortgage rates for 30-year fixed mortgages rose slightly this week, with the current rate borrowers were quoted on Zillow Mortgage Marketplace at 4.80%, up from 4.78% at this same time last week. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose over the weekend, with a Sunday spike of 4.88 percent, before coming down on Monday.

Additionally, 15-year fixed borrowers were quoted on average, 4.19% and for 5/1 ARMs, 3.66%.

What are the rates right now? Check Zillow Mortgage Marketplace for up-to-the-minute mortgage rates for your state.

Chicago is home to great improv theater (Second City, I’m looking at you), jazz, pizza deep enough to bathe in and great sports teams like the ever-lovin’ Cubs! It also has some lovely homes for sale — including President Barack Obama’s home.

So, what can you buy in Chicago for $1,000 to $4,000? Let’s take a look.

(Note: These monthly mortgage payment figures are based on a 30-year fixed loan, using the current Illinois mortgage rate, with a 20% down payment. Estimated taxes and insurance are not included).

Monthly mortgage of $1,000-$2,000/month:

This lovely home was custom-built in the Bronzeville neighborhood and includes a Jacuzzi tub and granite counter-tops.

>  See more Bronzeville real estate
>  See Bronzeville home values

If you are a fan of hardwood floors, this house in the West Lawn neighborhood will pique your interest. Plus, it’s on a lot that is larger than the standard city lot.

>  See more West Lawn real estate
>  See West Lawn home values

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Monthly mortgage of $2,000-$3,000/month:

Need lots of room? Love the retro look? This boxy, 6-bedroom, 5-bath home could be right up your alley in the Jefferson Park neighborhood.

>  See more Jefferson Park real estate
>  See Jefferson Park home values

This quaint, robin’s-egg blue home is as lovely on the inside as it is on the outside and can be found in the Andersonville neighborhood.

>  See more Andersonville real estate
>  See Andersonville home values

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Monthly mortgage of $2,000-$3,000/month:

This pristine home, located in the Irving Park neighborhood, was built in 2005 and looks like it hasn’t seen a speck of dirt since.

>  See more Irving Park real estate
>  See Irving Park home values

This recently remodeled home in the Wicker Park neighborhood has a great kitchen and a wonderful backyard with large deck.

>  See more Wicker Park real estate
>  See Wicker Park home values

Mortgage rates for 30-year fixed mortgages rose this week, with the current rate borrowers were quoted on Zillow Mortgage Marketplace at 4.78%, up from 4.76% at this time last week. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose and fell the past week with a Monday spike to 4.85 percent.

Additionally, 15-year fixed borrowers were quoted on average, 4.22% and for 5/1 ARMs, 3.52%.

What are the rates right now? Check Zillow Mortgage Marketplace for up-to-the-minute mortgage rates for your state.

Mortgage rates for 30-year fixed mortgages declined this week, with the current rate borrowers were quoted on Zillow Mortgage Marketplace at 4.76%, down from 4.80% at this time last week. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate fluctuated between 4.76 and 4.82 during the past week.

Additionally, 15-year fixed borrowers were quoted on average, 4.24% and for 5/1 ARMs, 3.47%.

What are the rates right now? Check Zillow Mortgage Marketplace for up-to-the-minute mortgage rates for your state.

Houston is a diverse city with one of the largest ports in the U.S. It has a diverse economy, really sunny weather and is host to a wide variety of events including the 20-day-long Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and an Art Car parade. Want to live in Houston? We found some homes for sale in the monthly mortgage rate of $1,000-$4,000 per month.

(Note: These monthly mortgage payment figures are based on a 30-year fixed loan, using the current Texas mortgage rate, with a 20% down payment. Estimated taxes and insurance are not included).

Monthly mortgage of $1,000-$2,000/month:

If you like to entertain this lovely home in the Lake Houston neighborhood of Houston, has a two-story family room (!) and a slick kitchen with an island, granite counter-tops and stainless-steel appliances.

>  See more Lake Houston real estate
>  See Lake Houston home values

With an amazing study that looks like something out of a movie on secret societies, this house in the Meyerland Area neighborhood is for you. There is also a great yard with mature trees in case you ever leave said study.

> See more Meyerland Area real estate
> See Meyerland Area home values

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Monthly mortgage of $2,000-$3,000/month:

This home, in the Braeswood Place neighborhood, has a gorgeous, spacious kitchen that opens to both a formal dining room and a family room. The backyard has both a large grass area and a covered seating area.

> See more Braeswood Place real estate
> See Braeswood Place home values

Delightful Victorian charm! Located in the Greater Heights neighborhood, this home has two enclosed balconies, a glass sun-room and a pond in the back yard. Pass the lemonade, please.

> See more Greater Heights real estate
> See Greater Heights home values

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Monthly mortgage of $3,000-$4,000/month:

Into golf? This home sits right on the course in a private, gated community in Westchase. The upstairs balcony looks onto the course, so you won’t miss a single hole.

> See more Westchase real estate
> See Westchase home values

This handsome home, located in the University Place neighborhood, was build in 1923 and remodeled in 2001. So, not only do you have the old-world glamor, but everything is re-wired for the modern age.

>See more University Place real estate
>See University Place home values

Mortgage rates for 30-year fixed mortgages rose this week, with the current rate borrowers were quoted on Zillow Mortgage Marketplace at 4.84%, up from 4.79% at this time last week. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate peaked over the weekend at 4.95%, which is the highest the rate has been in the past thirty days.

Additionally, 15-year fixed borrowers were quoted on average, 4.32% and for 5/1 ARMs, 3.67%.

What are the rates right now? Check Zillow Mortgage Marketplace for up-to-the-minute mortgage rates for your state.

Mortgage rates for 30-year fixed mortgages declined this week, with the current rate borrowers quoted on Zillow Mortgage Marketplace at 4.79%, down from 4.81% at this time last week and at the lowest level this year. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate hovered below 4.85 for most of the last week, but peaked near 4.90 percent on Thursday and Friday.

Additionally, 15-year fixed borrowers were quoted on average, 4.22% and for 5/1 ARMs, 3.61%.

What are the rates right now? Check Zillow Mortgage Marketplace for up-to-the-minute mortgage rates for your state or the nation.

Mortgage rates for 30-year fixed mortgages declined this week, with the current rate borrowers quoted on Zillow Mortgage Marketplace at 4.84%, down from 4.87% at this time last week. The 30-year fixed mortgage rates hovered at or below 4.80 percent for most of the past weekend and neared 4.75 percent on Monday.

Additionally, 15-year fixed borrowers were quoted on average, 4.27% and for 5/1 ARMs, 3.70%.

What are the rates right now? Check Zillow Mortgage Marketplace for up-to-the-minute mortgage rates for your state or the nation.

Pennsylvania, the Keystone state, usually has among the lowest mortgage rates in the county, week in and week out.  As we looked at Pennsylvania as the subject of our weekly roundup of mortgage rates, we were impressed by its relative affordability — Pennsylvania has a Zillow Home Value Index of $152,300 compared to the U.S. Zillow Home Value Index of $190,000. Let’s take a look at some of the homes in the 6th-most populated state in the U.S.

(Note: These monthly mortgage payment figures are based on a 30-year fixed loan, using the current Pennsylvania mortgage rate, with a 20% down payment. Estimated taxes and insurance are not included. Also, this post was written late yesterday, so rates may have changed).

Monthly mortgage of $500-$1,000/month:

Imagine a monthly mortgage payment that resembles a low monthly rent — and this one is in Pittsburgh, PA and it even has a garden! This house, located at 2064 Hampstead Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15235, could be the perfect fit.

> See more Pittsburgh, PA real estate
> See more Pittsburgh, PA home values

If you are into stone houses, this little place in Butler, PA is a great price and it’s on one acre of land.

> See more Butler, PA real estate
> See more Butler, PA home values

Monthly mortgage of $1,000-$2,000/month:

If you like water, this place is for you. This Dover, PA home has a pool, hot tub and pond.

> See more Dover, PA real estate
> See more Dover, PA home values

Great for chilly winters, this 4-bedroom home in Cranberry Twp, PA has both a fireplace and jacuzzi bath tub.

> See more Cranberry Twp, PA real estate
> See more Cranberry Twp, PA home values

Monthly mortgage of $2,000-$3,000/month:

This stately home has vaulted ceilings, large windows and a deck.

> See more Chester Springs real estate
> See Chester Springs home values

This 4-bedroom 2.5-bath home in Merion Station, PA has had extensive updates and remodels.

> See more Merion, PA real estate
> See more Merion, PA home values

Mortgage rates for 30-year fixed mortgages are holding steady this week, with the current rate borrowers quoted on Zillow Mortgage Marketplace at 4.87%, up from 4.85% at this time last week. The 30-year fixed mortgage rates hovered between 4.80 and 4.90 percent for most of the past week, peaking just above 4.90 percent on Sunday.

Additionally, 15-year fixed borrowers were quoted on average, 4.26% and for 5/1 ARMs, 3.84%.

This morning, the national rate for 30-year fixed purchase mortgages had fallen to 4.87%.

What are the rates right now? Check Zillow Mortgage Marketplace for up-to-the-minute mortgage rates for your state or the nation.

The season premiere of Lost is upon us (yes! finally!) so we will find out exactly what has been going on, right? RIGHT?

One of the best characters on the show is the island itself, with its gorgeous beaches, lush tropical forest and mountains. Turns out, the island is not quite so hard to reach – most of the filming is done on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu.

According to my extensive Lost Internet research, many of the beach scenes are filmed on Oahu’s North Shore, which is famous for its amazing waves and surfing. However, much of the filming is done on a sound-stage (yawn) in Honolulu, HI.

Interested in losing yourself? There are some lovely homes for sale on the North Shore, many in Haleiwa, HI:

1. Check out the lovely porch at 59-660 Alapio Rd Haleiwa, HI (below) – perfect for keeping an eye out for smoke monsters, I’m sure.

2. This stunning new construction at 61-300 Kamehameha Hwy Haleiwa, HI (below) looks like paradise itself.

3. If you don’t get enough sun outside, the light-filled home at 66-023 Alapii St Haleiwa, HI (below) will make sure it is never dark. Ever.

4. This cheery place, at 66-052 Kaiaka St Haleiwa, HI (below), would be the perfect getaway after a day of running from polar bears and Benjamin Linus.

5. Palm trees, sandy beaches and adventure can be found at 68-092 Akule St #B Waialua, HI (below). (I can’t guarantee the adventure, but I’m sure it is there.)

> See homes for sale in North Shore, Honolulu, HI
> See North Shore, Honolulu, HI homes values

As a side-note, did anyone know there is a Benjamin Linus Facebook page? I had no idea anyone wanted to be friends with him.

(Lost photo courtesy ABC)

Sometimes it seems like the only people who live in California are celebrities, or politicians, or celebrity politicians and being able to afford a home in California is extremely difficult. But this is not true! We were able to find some great California homes for sale that won’t cost you millions of dollars.

(Note: These monthly mortgage payment figures are based on a 30-year fixed loan, using the current California mortgage rate, with a 20% down payment. Estimated taxes and insurance are not included. Also, this post was written late yesterday, so rates may have changed).

Monthly mortgage of $1,000-$2,000/month:

For $1,490 a month, you can buy this 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom house, with private guest room, in Camarillo, CA. (below)

> See more Camarillo, CA real estate
> See more Camarillo, CA home values

For $1,828 a month, you could land this condo in West Los Angeles, CA. (below)

> See more West Los Angeles, CA real estate
> See more West Los Angeles, CA home values

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Monthly mortgage of $2,000-$3,000/month:

If $2,342 a month sounds good to you, check out this lovely stucco house in the Mount Washington neighborhood of Los Angeles, CA. (below):

> See more Mount Washington, CA real estate
> See more Mount Washington, CA home values

This sunny Mediterranean-style home is $2,679 a month in Santa Monica, CA: (below): Oh look! An open house this weekend!

> See more Santa Monica, CA real estate
> See more Santa Monica, CA home values

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Monthly mortgage of $3,000-$4,000/month:

This home, with a lush garden, will run you $3,098 a month in beautiful Redwood City, CA: (below): Ooh, another open house!

> See more Redwood City, CA real estate
> See more Redwood City, CA home values

For $3,410 a month, you can purchase this lovely home (with barbecue patio!) in Laguna Niguel, CA.

> See more Laguna Niguel, CA real estate
> See more Laguna Niguel, CA home values

Justin Timberlake recently made a posh purchase in Tribeca, paying $4.689 million (down from $6.75 million, what a steal!) for the fifth floor of the Pearline Soap Factory lofts on Washington Street. Sounds like a good deal, except the penthouse apartment right above Timberlake’s (with the EXACT same layout) reportedly sold for just $4.1 million. Oops — $589,000 down the drain, but if anyone can handle it, JT can.

The Pearline Soap company used the building, on 414 Washington Street, as its factory headquarters in the late 1800s according to the NY Condo Blog. The building followed the trend of so many former factories and warehouses in the area and was converted into seven fancy-pants condominiums.

And we do mean fancy: Brazilian teak floors, twelve triple-pane windows, and a Control 4 System which is something that dims lights, closes the blinds, heats the house, and turns on jazz, according to the listing site. Jazz and Justin Timberlake? Sounds like a cool-cat match.

Photos of model units below are courtesy Pearline Lofts:

> See more Tribeca real estate
> See more Tribeca home values

This season of The Bachelor follows Jake “The Pilot” Pavelka on his grand search for love and a wife. But, if you need to know only one thing about The Bachelor this season, know this: Jake is really, really boring. The women are, of course, fascinating to watch, but Jake is about as exciting as dry toast, IMHO.

And, as opposed to Jake’s boring personality, the Tuscan-style house where Jake entertains his many lady friends is simply AMAZING. The Bachelor house is located at 2351 Kanan Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 and it has six bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a four-car garage, gourmet kitchen, an infinity pool with a swim-up barbecue and bar, and a detached 4,000 square foot studio/office area.

See photos of The Bachelor house.

The pool where the ladies seem to spend much of their time:

And the living room where there are so many fights:

> See Los Angeles real estate
> See Los Angeles home values

What kind of house could you buy with a monthly mortgage of say $1,000 a month? $2,000? $4,000?

We took a look at some homes for sale in New Jersey (no — the Jersey Shore house is not for sale, that we know of) and organized them by monthly mortgage payment range.

Note these monthly mortgage payment figures are based on a 30-year fixed loan, using the current New Jersey mortgage rate, with a 20% down payment. Estimated taxes and insurance are not included. Also, this post was written late yesterday, so rates may have changed.

Here we go:

Monthly mortgage of $1,000-$2,000/month:

For $1,388 a month, you can buy this lovely yellow home in Clinton, NJ. (below)

> See Clinton Township, NJ real estate
> See Clinton Township, NJ home values

For $1,768 a month, you can buy this condo in Hoboken, NJ (below)

> See Hoboken real estate
> See Hoboken home values

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Monthly mortgage of $2,000-$3,000/month:

For $2,400 a month, you can buy this 4-bedroom, 2.5 bath home in Milford, NJ. (below). Oh, look – they’re having an open house this weekend!

> See more Milford, NJ real estate
> See more Milford, NJ home values

For $2,527 a month, you can buy this Colonial with a pool in Branchburg, NJ (below).

> See more Branchburg, NJ real estate
> See Branchburg, NJ home values

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Monthly mortgage of $3,000-$4,000/month:

For $3,370, you can buy this 3-bed, 3-bath home in Ridgewood, NJ (below)

> See more Ridgewood, NJ real estate
> See Ridgewood, NJ home values

For $3,787, you can snag this gracious 9-bedroom 5.5 bath home in Morristown, NJ (below):

> See more Morristown, NJ real estate

> See Morristown, NJ home values

Interested in getting a mortgage?  First, check current rates in your state, or others:
– See California mortgage rates
– See New York mortgage rates
– See Pennsylvania mortgage rates
– See Massachusetts mortgage rates

Then, get a custom loan quote free and anonymously at Zillow Mortgage Marketplace.