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
“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
12 ways to prep for high winds and high water
Here’s how to prep for the hurricanes, Nor’easters and flooding that plague many parts of the country.
Remove dead tree limbs.
Secure patio furniture, trash barrels,... »
Read More of the post 12 ways to prep for high winds and high water
7 key steps if your home suffers a major loss
Immediately file a claim with your insurance company. For flooding, contact the National Flood Insurance Program(NFIP). If you don’t have coverage, check DisasterAssistance.gov and FloodSmart.gov for possible assistance.
Document pre-loss and... »
Read More of the post 7 key steps if your home suffers a major loss
8 keys to success in business—and in life!
Start the day early. Get things done without interruption. Respond to emails. Do your to-do list, beginning with what you need to accomplish the first two or three... »
Read More of the post 8 keys to success in business—and in life!
3 tips to keep hackers out of your smart devices
There are smart speakers, thermostats, appliances, security systems and virtual assistants (Amazon Alexa, Google Home). What makes them “smart” is the Internet—where hackers are.
Using... »
Read More of the post 3 tips to keep hackers out of your smart devices
10 home improvements to boost your home’s resale price
Doorways and decks. First impressions count. New doors, entries and decks score with buyers.
Polish the landscape. Prune bushes and trees, mulch beds, cut the grass.
... »
Read More of the post 10 home improvements to boost your home’s resale price
The Key to Establishing Good Habits
We all have habits that we wish we could build into our day-to-day lives. Whether you want to establish a habit of healthy exercise, excellent productivity at work,... »
Read More of the post The Key to Establishing Good Habits
Caring for Your Lawn All Year Round
A beautiful lawn can showcase a beautiful home — but a messy lawn can make the whole place look less appealing. Do you know how to keep... »
Read More of the post Caring for Your Lawn All Year Round
With home buyers, building trust is key.
In a super competitive industry, you can't just be good at your job — you need something extra to make sure you're closing deals and staying ahead... »
Read More of the post With home buyers, building trust is key.
How to start your day on the right foot.
Getting off on the wrong foot can derail your whole day. That's why it's so important to start your morning off right for a productive... »
Read More of the post How to start your day on the right foot.
Is your website effective?
Is your website working for you, or is it dead weight? A business website has to have certain features, capabilities, and information in order to be effective. And of course,... »
Read More of the post Is your website effective?
You know that listing photos are essential to selling a home. That's why it's crucial to do them right! Great listing photos can make potential buyers fall in love before they even set... »
Read More of the post Don’t be cheap with listing photos.
Whether you call it a living room, a family room, a den, or something else altogether, this space is meant for relaxing, socializing, and spending time with friends and family. Of course, that... »
Read More of the post GET A LIVING ROOM YOU LOVE TO LIVE IN!
When the economy is UP like it is right now it is even more important to stabilize the housing market. This means stabilizing rates. Housing and unemployment are doing VERY well so a... »
Read More of the post Why are mortgage rates up a little? (Very Little)
