The economic data coming out of the US this week showed that not only is a recession highly unlikely anytime soon, but the economy is actually reaccelerating from the slowdown seen last Fall.
Back... »
Read More of the post Fed Sparks Economic Reacceleration
Initial Jobless Claims is a weekly report that tracks how many people have filed for unemployment benefits. It is both a solid gauge on the state of the labor market and economy, and... »
Read More of the post Let the Good Times Roll
"It's getting better all the time" (The Beatles) That is the best way to describe the current home loan rate environment. This past week we saw mortgage rates experience their largest one-week decline... »
Read More of the post Yield Curve Inversion Explained
The monetary authority of the United States, the Federal Reserve, meets 8 times a year to discuss the economy and adjust monetary policy to promote maximum employment and maintain price stability (inflation).
The Fed,... »
Read More of the post Thank You, Mr. Powell
Volatility has disappeared in the financial markets and a sense of calm and complacency has emerged. Why? Well, thanks to the Fed, and to reduced threat of inflation and higher rates, both stocks... »
Read More of the post Word of the Day: Complacency
“It's a small world after all.” If inflation moves lower — or is expected to move lower — rates must go lower as well. That's the situation right now.
The financial markets and interest... »
Read More of the post Disinflation Washes Up On Our Shores
Homebridge is honored to announce that 2018 saw 30 of our Loan Officers named to Mortgage Executive’s Top Mortgage Originators in America.
This distinction was based on the number of loans closed and volume.
We... »
Read More of the post Over 30 Homebridge MLO’s Named Mortgage Executive Top Mortgage Originators in the USA
This past week, the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reported the U.S. economy, as defined by Gross Domestic Product (GDP), grew at a 2.6% rate in the fourth quarter of 2018. Economists and... »
Read More of the post U.S. Economy Showing Solid Growth
We'd like to give a warm welcome to one of our new Mortgage Loan Originators - Cheryl Zenski! Cheryl will be helping the residents of the Temecula, CA metro area get one step... »
Read More of the post Welcome our new Mortgage Loan Originator – Cheryl Zenski!
"All we need is just a little patience…" (Guns N' Roses) The highlight of this past week was the Fed Minutes from the January Fed meeting. The minutes are a detailed record of... »
Read More of the post Patience is a Virtue
Presidents Day is a time to honor our past presidents. We look to Abraham Lincoln’s quote as it resonates with our mission as a company. Simply put: do as best as you can,... »
Read More of the post “Whatever you are, be a good one.”
"Only got twenty dollars in my pocket…" (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis) The financial markets are sensing that the predicted government shutdown and protracted trade war with China will be averted. This is good news... »
Read More of the post Canary in the Coal Mine
Bad news is good news for the U.S. bond market and rates. This past week, bad news by way of worse-than-expected economic numbers in Europe cast a dark shadow on the financial markets.... »
Read More of the post Issues in Europe Affect Our Markets
The Fed met this past week. As expected, they didn’t hike rates and the Fed Statement was very “dovish,” suggesting that rate hikes will be off the table for most, if not all,... »
Read More of the post Rates Improve on Mixed Economic News
Despite bond-friendly news with the unresolved US/China trade relations and the ongoing government shutdown, rates actually touched 2019 highs midweek — this as stocks continue to move higher.
Home loan rates have been on... »
Read More of the post A Booming Economy Sees Rates Climb
“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
