“We are good where we stand right now.” (Fed President James Bullard — January 10, 2019) Stocks continued to react positively to Fed Chair Powell’s Jan 4th speech, where he essentially said, “we... »
Read More of the post Opposing Forces Keep Rates Steady
“Workin’ for a Livin’.” (Huey Lewis and the News) iPhone maker Apple, was a downer this week as the company announced a surprise weak sales and earnings forecast for the first quarter of... »
Read More of the post Good News for the Start of the New Year
It was all about the Fed this past week. On Wednesday, they hiked the Fed Funds Rate by 25 basis points (0.25 percent). That rate affects short-term loans like auto and credit cards... »
Read More of the post The Santa Claus Rally
“It’s a tug of war, we expected more.” (Paul McCartney) Home loan rates bounced around this week due to volatility in the U.S. Bond market, but went into the weekend still near three-month... »
Read More of the post Great Environment for Home Buyers
“We want what we don’t have, be careful what you ask for.” (Everclear) As it pertains to low rates, be careful what you ask for — you just might get them! (And with... »
Read More of the post Rates Improve… For Now
By Miriam Cross, Kiplinger.com
The line between home rentals and hotels is blurring, and that’s good news for travelers who like the idea of staying in a home away from home but are skittish... »
Read More of the post New Upscale Options for Travelers Who Prefer Home Rentals
“This is what is sounds like when doves cry.” (Prince) We heard “doves cry” this week, when Fed Chairman Jerome Powell spoke in NYC on Wednesday. Doves are people who offer peaceful polices,... »
Read More of the post The Fed Changes its Tune
We hope this Thanksgiving finds you just where you want to be, surrounded by those you love, eating scrumptious food, and enjoying your favorite activities (even if that means napping on the couch).
Read More of the post Happy Thanksgiving!
“This ain't love, it's clear to see. But darling, stay with me.” (Sam Smith) It’s clear to see there “ain’t” much love in the process of the U.K. leaving the European Union (EU)... »
Read More of the post Brexit Trouble Good for Dollar & Mortage Rates
"I’m on my way, I’m on my way home sweet home"- Home Sweet Home, Motley Crue
Last Tuesday, many politicians went "home" after the midterm election results and the day ended with a split... »
Read More of the post Getting Back to Normal
"I’m on my way, I’m on my way home sweet home"- Home Sweet Home, Motley Crue
Last Tuesday, many politicians went "home" after the midterm election results and the day ended with a split... »
Read More of the post Home Loan Rates
For the second year in a row, the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) endorsement summary report has Homebridge ranked as the #1 203(k) renovation lender of the year. Setting the standard,... »
Read More of the post Homebridge Ranks No. 1 in 203(k) for 2018, According to HUD
“Workin’ 9 to 5, What a way to make a livin’.” (Dolly Parton) This past week showed more and more people working 9 to 5 and home loan rates didn’t like it.
First the... »
Read More of the post Jobs and Wages Better Than Expected
“The key to making money in stocks is not getting scared out of them.” (Peter Lynch) Folks didn't receive that memo this past week as the threat of rising rates and some not-so-rosy... »
Read More of the post Rough Week for Stocks
“Now did you read the news today? They say that danger’s gone away.” (Genesis) Our Federal Reserve has a dual mandate: to maintain price stability (inflation) and maximize employment. They also have a... »
Read More of the post Mixed Messges from the Fed
“Inflation is when you pay fifteen dollars for a ten-dollar haircut you used to get for five dollars when you had hair.” (Sam Ewing) When following the direction of interest rates, one only... »
Read More of the post Good News on Inflation
Looking for a baby gift that keeps on giving? Gift of College, an online registry for 529 plans and student loan accounts, lets you contribute to a child’s college education with gift cards for... »
Read More of the post Give the Gift of College
“Well, I’m going down...down, down, down, down, down.” (Jeff Beck) The big news of the week — Bond prices went down, down, down, resulting in a sharp rise in interest rates to levels... »
Read More of the post Bond Prices Drop While Interest Rates Rise
“I've got to admit it's getting better. A little better all the time.” (The Beatles) Sales of new homes increased from July to August, with the available inventory of homes also a welcome... »
Read More of the post Uptick in New Home Sales
"Don't rain on my parade." Barbra Streisand. Housing Starts were on the move higher in August, but the news on future construction was a bit of a damper.
August Housing Starts rose 9.2 percent from... »
Read More of the post Mixed News on New Construction
"Rainy days seem to wind up sunny, long as you got a little spending money." Jimmy Buffett. Retail Sales were on the damp side in August, rising at their smallest level since February.
Retail... »
Read More of the post Consumer Spending Disappoints
"There's no thrill like throwing a touchdown pass." Joe Montana. The labor sector scored in August with solid numbers on job and wage growth.
U.S. employers hired 201,000 new workers in August, above the... »
Read More of the post Growth in Jobs and Wages
Wi-Fi can be slow for many reasons. Here are some tips for checking your Wi-Fi device or placing it properly to ensure the best signal.
Restart your router occasionally. Much like rebooting a mobile device,... »
Read More of the post Speed Up Your Wi-Fi
Did you know?
The first “labor day” assembly in America was held September 5, 1882, when roughly 10,000 working people marched in New York City to urge labor law reforms. Labor Day became a... »
Read More of the post Happy Labor Day
"Can you hear me now?" (Paul Marcarelli) July home sales figures spoke loud and clear regarding the impact low inventory is having on potential buyers.
Existing home sales decreased 0.7 percent to a seasonally... »
Read More of the post Low Inventory Impacts Sales
"I'm on my way. I'm on my way. Home sweet home." (Motley Crue) July brought some mixed news for homebuyers around the country who've been looking to find their way to new homes... »
Read More of the post Housing Starts and Building Permits Move Up
"Home. Home on the range. Where the deer and the antelope play." (Bing Crosby) A discouraging word was heard by many potential homebuyers, as home prices continue to rise across much of the... »
Read More of the post Home Prices Continue to Climb
"What a feeling." (Irene Cara) Job growth eased in July, but a closer look at the report shows that job seekers shouldn't be too alarmed.
Non-farm payrolls rose by 157,000 new jobs in July,... »
Read More of the post Solid Job Numbers
Did you know:
The month of August was named for Julius Caesar’s grandnephew, Augustus, who defeated Marc Antony and Cleopatra to become emperor of Rome. As a result, the Roman Senate decided that he... »
Read More of the post Summer Fun Facts
"Sing with me, sing for the year, sing for the laughter, sing for the tear." (Aerosmith) Home sales declined from May to June. The ongoing inventory shortages across much of the country may... »
Read More of the post Economic Growth Surges
"My mama told me, 'You better shop around.'" (The Miracles) Consumers weren't afraid to shop around in June, while construction data did little to lessen inventory woes.
U.S. homebuilders broke ground on fewer homes... »
Read More of the post Retail Sales Rise
"Got the inflation blues." (B.B. King) Small business optimism may be near record highs, but signs of inflation could cause some to sing the blues.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 2.9 percent in... »
Read More of the post Small Business Optimism Neared Record Highs
"I get knocked down, but I get up again." (Chumbawamba) Mortgage bonds have bounced up and down in recent weeks as global trade headlines sparked volatility. The markets were closed Wednesday for Independence... »
Read More of the post Good News on Jobs
If you've got a paint project to tackle in the coming months, here is a little help to make the job easier and cleanup faster. Plus, a few tips to keep you organized... »
Read More of the post Summer Project Paint Tips
On July 4 we celebrate Independence Day — the formal adoption of our Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, the first step in turning the 13 colonies of England into the United... »
Read More of the post Happy Independence Day
"It's gonna be a bright sun-shiny day." (Johnny Nash) The sun was shining on new home sales in May, as they reached their highest level since November.
Sales of new homes rose 6.7 percent... »
Read More of the post New Home Sales Shine
"There's something happening here, and what it is ain't exactly clear." (Buffalo Springfield) Sales of existing homes fell for the second straight month in May, with low inventory being a clear reason why.
May... »
Read More of the post Tight Inventory Has Impact on Sales
