What a difference a month makes. In May, stocks fell sharply, and interest rates declined each week. June has been a different story. The Fed has signaled rate cuts are likely coming. Stocks... »
Read More of the post Rate Decline Stalls
"Sell in May and go away" — an old Wall Street investment strategy which suggests not owning stocks during the Summer months.
That investment strategy certainly worked this past May as stocks declined each... »
Read More of the post Interest Rate Disconnect
The biggest story in the financial markets and around the globe is the ongoing US/China trade negotiations.
At the moment, there is no resolution and it appears there will be no resolution for at least several... »
Read More of the post Trade With China Causes Uncertainty
The Census Bureau recently reported a homeownership rate of 64.2% in the first quarter of 2019, up from the 10-year low of 63.7% in the first quarter of 2015.
A recent study by LendingTree... »
Read More of the post Americans Favor Owning
"Transitory" — defined as non-permanent or lasting a very short time — is the word Fed Chairman Jerome Powell used this week at the Fed Meeting to describe the current low inflation environment,... »
Read More of the post Is Low Inflation Finally “Transitory”?
Good news is typically bad news for bonds and home loan rates. That has not been the trend of late, and certainly not this past week.
Durable Goods Orders is a report which shows... »
Read More of the post The US Economy Remains “Durable”
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
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
"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
Electrical Safety Tips During the Holidays
Decorating your home is one of the most enjoyable parts of the holiday season. Because electricity is involved with so many holiday decorations, it's important you follow a... »
Read More of the post Electrical Safety Tips During the Holidays
Looking to take your listing photos to the next level?
You know the listing basics: great photos, highlight the strongest features, talk about amenities… this isn’t your first rodeo. Unfortunately, there are a lot... »
Read More of the post Looking to take your listing photos to the next level?
HOME MAINTENANCE YOU SHOULD BE DOING MONTHLY
According to NerdWallet, nearly half of homeowners cite unexpected home repairs as a source of anxiety. And no wonder — surprise repairs can be costly, and they also seem... »
Read More of the post Home Maintenance You Should Be Doing Monthly
“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
The 2019 VA Home Loan County Limits have been released.
2019 VA Loan Limits Announced
For 2019, the ZERO down payment limit will increase to $484,350 for most counties. For some... »
Read More of the post 2019 VA Home Loan County Limits Released
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
“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
10 things not to do while getting home financing
Transfer money between accounts unless receiving complete documentation from your bank itemizing all transfers.
Make unnecessary checking or savings account transactions, such as withdrawals... »
Read More of the post 10 Things Not To Do While Getting Home Financing
