"Hey, big spender." (Shirley Bassey) After three straight months of declines, retail sales rebounded in March as consumers spent their hard-earned dollars. Retail sales rose 0.6 percent in March, above the 0.4 percent expected... »
"You're gonna hear me roar." (Katy Perry) March may have come in like a lion, but consumer inflation was more of a whimper than a roar last month. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) fell... »
Did you know? Earth Day was originally proposed in 1970 by United States Senator Gaylord Nelson as a day of education about environmental issues. It is now a globally celebrated holiday that is sometimes... »
"Don't you shiver, shiver, shiver." (Coldplay) Job growth slowed in March due in part to harsh weather across much of the country, but there's more to this story. Just 103,000 jobs were created in... »
"You make me wanna…Shout!" (The Isley Brothers) The lack of homes for sale on the market may be causing some would-be buyers to shout these days. But what about the rest of the... »
"Third time's the charm." (The BellRays) Despite low inventories of homes for sale on the market, existing home sales bounced back in February after two straight months of declines. February existing home sales rose... »
"Go on, take the money and run." (Steve Miller Band) Consumers haven't been running to the registers with their hard-earned money, as spending at U.S. retail stores fell for the third straight month. The Commerce... »
"Happy ever after in the marketplace." (The Beatles) Many job hunters were singing a happy tune as job growth surged in February. Non-farm payrolls rose by 313,000 last month, well above the 210,000 expected,... »
If you’re like most homeowners, you’re always looking for ways to save money on home expenses. One great strategy for savings is to update your home’s insulation. According to the U.S. Department of Energy,... »
In fact, Florida is now considered a sellers’ market with increasing price points and an inventory of homes for sale that is at its lowest level in years. Homes that have been recently updated... »
"This could be the start of something new." (Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron) Would-be buyers may have been looking for new homes in January, but some were likely thwarted by a lack of... »
"Slip slidin' away." (Simon and Garfunkel) Sales of existing homes slipped in January as low inventories of homes for sale on the market continued to challenge would-be buyers. January existing home sales declined 3.2... »
Did you know? During spring, the axis of the Earth increases its tilt relative to the Sun, and the length of daylight rapidly increases for the hemisphere and warming occurs. The warming hemisphere causes... »
Did you know there are about 100,000 thunderstorms each year in the United States? About 10% of these storms reach severe levels. A thunderstorm is classified as “severe” when it contains one or... »
Once you have defined your goals using the SMART method (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timely), the next step is to establish the discipline to meet those goals. But infusing discipline into your everyday... »
"Feeling hot hot hot." (The Merrymen) Inflation and housing starts heated up in January, but retail sales were on the chilly side. January housing starts jumped 9.7 percent from December to an annual rate... »
"I don't know why I go to extremes." (Billy Joel) Extreme volatility in the markets was the norm in recent days, due in part to fears of inflation and higher rates. Plus, home... »
The best way to achieve your goals is to get SMART about them. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timely. SMART goals are well-defined and built to keep you on track... »
"All shook up." (Elvis Presley) The jobs report, inflation news and the Fed meeting were a recipe for volatility in the markets this past week. Employers added 200,000 new jobs in January while the... »
Here are seven tips to help you decide if you should purchase an extended warranty: Extended Warranties. Buying an extended warranty that covers five years generally adds 10% to 20% to the cost... »
A large part of HomeBridge’s success is due to the exceptional talent we have recruited and cultivated here. We not only hire the best, we provide ample opportunities for career advancement. Senior Vice... »
"Every rose has its thorn." Poison. Low inventories of existing homes for sale on the market continued to be a thorn in the side for would-be buyers in December. December Existing Home Sales fell 3.6... »
Originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington, Presidents Day is still officially called “Washington’s Birthday” by the federal government. Traditionally celebrated on February 22, Washington’s actual day of birth, the... »
"If I had a hammer, I'd hammer in the morning. I'd hammer in the evening, all over this land." (The Weavers) There was less hammering around the country in December, as construction of... »
"Hey, big spender. Spend a little time with me." (Shirley Bassey) Consumer spending ended 2017 on a high note as Americans purchased an array of goods and products. Retail sales rose 0.4 percent in... »
Did you know? In 1964, at 35 years old, Martin Luther King, Jr. became the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Prize. His acceptance speech is considered to be among the most powerful... »
Twitter now has close to 330 million users. And, according to Social Media Today, Twitter’s demographic trends more toward the millennial generation. Here are some ways to use Twitter to help target that... »
"These are extraordinary times." (Bon Jovi) December marked the 87th month in a row for job growth, the longest stretch on record. However, there was some mixed news within the report. The Labor Department... »
LinkedIn makes it easy to connect with people and companies that can use your services or help influence your business. With 500 million users in more than 200 countries, using LinkedIn is a... »
They say you spend one-third of your life in bed, but with the right set of sheets you might want to make it even longer. Thread count. This refers to the number of threads... »
"I wish I was homeward bound." (Simon and Garfunkel) Home sales and construction data rose in November, helping more buyers head toward new homes. November housing starts rose 3.3 percent from October to an... »
From my team to yours, I wish you a very happy and prosperous New Year! I look forward to bringing you economic news through our weekly Economic Update, and keeping you informed of the... »
The proposed SAFE Transitional License Act will allow Bank Loan Originators the ability to immediately originate loans while awaiting licensing. This bill amends the S.A.F.E. Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 and provides Loan... »
"I've got nothing but money...and I wanna spend it all on you." (will.i.am) Solid consumer spending kicked-off the holiday shopping season on a bright note. The Commerce Department reported that retail sales jumped in... »
A recent survey of top HomeBridge Loan Originators revealed the many reasons they choose HomeBridge. What do you think about HomeBridge’s Selling Solutions platform for Originators? “This is state of the art, contemporary and EXACTLY... »
The Veterans Administration gives veterans, active-duty military members and eligible spouses many benefits, including valuable VA home loan benefits. But, what does this mean and how does it work? Your VA loan benefit... »
"I got a job baby. I got work to do." (The Isley Brothers) New job creation exceeded expectations in November, but earnings disappointed. Job growth remained solid in November after the brief hiccup in... »
"You gotta break all the records set." (Rod Stewart). New home sales increased across the country in October, breaking through to their best level in a decade. The Commerce Department reported that sales of... »
If you are a U.S. Military veteran, surviving spouse or active military member, having served in the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard or National Guard, you could apply for a VA... »
