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"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

Did you know... Thursday, June 21 marks the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, the first day of summer and the longest day of the year. On June 21, at the equator, there will be... »
Read More of the post Welcome Summer!

"Rise up." (Lin-Manuel Miranda) Recent tax cuts and a strong labor market helped retail sales rise in May. The Commerce Department reported that retail sales jumped 0.8 percent from April to May, well above... »
Read More of the post Retail Sales Beat Expectations

"Seems there ain't no end in sight." (Garth Brooks) Home price gains continued in April, with low inventory across much of the country remaining a key culprit. Research firm CoreLogic reported that home prices,... »
Read More of the post Home Prices Rise as Inventory Remains Low

"I put that work in, day in, day out." (Kelly Clarkson) More people were putting work in, as job growth beat estimates in May. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that Non-Farm Payrolls rose... »
Read More of the post Good News on Jobs

We celebrate Memorial Day as a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's military service. This is in contrast to Veterans Day, when we honor all who have served... »
Read More of the post In Honor of Memorial Day

"When she gets there she knows, if the stores are all closed." (Led Zeppelin) Retailers fared well in April, as consumers spent broadly across most retail sectors after a slow start in the... »
Read More of the post Retail Sales Rise

4 keys to building a strong team To take care of clients when you’re not available, and to have more time for new business, you need a strong team behind you. Here’s how to... »
Read More of the post 4 keys to building a strong team

"Anticipation ... is keeping me waiting." Carly Simon. Between the April Jobs report, inflation news and the Fed meeting, investors had plenty to anticipate in the latest week. The Jobs Report for April was a... »
Read More of the post Home Prices Higher

What's for dinner? That's the question ... but it doesn't have to be when you prepare ahead! If you want to save both time and money, and eat healthier, get organized with one... »
Read More of the post Awesome Meal Planning Apps

"Risin' up to the challenge." (Survivor) Home sales may have increased in March, but low inventory remained a challenge for many would-be buyers. March existing home sales rose 1.1 percent from February to an... »
Read More of the post Inventory Remains Tight

"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... »
Read More of the post Retail Sales Rebound

"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... »
Read More of the post Inflation Remains Tame

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... »
Read More of the post Celebrate Earth Day, April 22, 2018

"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... »
Read More of the post Job Growth Slowed in March

"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... »
Read More of the post Housing Supply Remains Tight

"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... »
Read More of the post Existing Home Sales Bounce Back

"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... »
Read More of the post Retail Sales Dip Slightly

"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,... »
Read More of the post Job Growth Surges

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,... »
Read More of the post Insulate Your Home for Comfort and Savings

"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... »
Read More of the post Inventory and Rates Impact Buyers while Inflation Eases

"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... »
Read More of the post Low Inventory Affecting Home Sales

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... »
Read More of the post Welcome Spring!

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... »
Read More of the post Prepare for Spring and Summer Storms

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... »
Read More of the post Be Smart About Your SMART Goals

"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... »
Read More of the post Inflation and Housing Starts Heat Up

"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... »
Read More of the post Inflation Worries Spark Volatility