The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) said in its last statement for 2014 that although economic conditions have improved at a moderate pace, the Fed believes that the target federal funds rate of between 0.00 and 0.25 percent remains “appropriate.” While labor markets show expanding job growth and lower unemployment rates, FOMC members noted that housing markets are recovering slowly.
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First-Time Condo Buyer? What to Expect from Your New Homeowners Association
Every owner of condominium property automatically becomes a member of a homeowners association, otherwise referred to a “HOA” throughout the United States or a “Strata” in Canada. With that membership come certain rights and responsibilities.
Home Builder Index Stays Near Nine Year Peak
Home Builder Sentiment slipped to a reading of 57 in December according to the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index. November’s reading of 58 prompted analysts to project a reading of 59 for December. The latest reading marks the sixth consecutive month for readings above 50.
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 15, 2014
Although there were few scheduled economic events related to mortgages and housing, last week brought an article about housing projections for 2015. Other news included increased job openings along with lower than expected jobless claims and higher mortgage rates.
Don’t Be That Guy or Gal: 3 Easy Ways to Ruin Your Relationship with Your Real Estate Agent
In today’s blog post we’ll share three easy ways that you can ruin the trust and rapport that you’ve built with your real estate agent – and how to avoid doing so.
Trying to Save on Your Closing Costs? Here Are Three Tips That Can Help Lower Them
Whether you’re about to close on a lovely new house for your growing family or a stylish beachfront condo so you can retire close to the ocean, one thing is certain: you’re going to face a variety of closing costs.
You Ask, We Answer: How to Choose Between Expanding Your Current Home and Buying a New One
Let’s take a quick look at a few questions that will help you to determine whether buying a new home or expanding your current home is the best choice when you’re in need of some extra space.
Looking for Luxury? How to Upsize Your Next Home Without Upsizing Your Costs
Size matters when you are buying a new home. Whether you plan to expand your family, need more room for your stuff, or are concerned with resale value, you want to get the most space for your money.
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 8, 2014
Last week’s economic reports related to housing and mortgages were few, but construction spending, the Fed’s Beige Book report, non-farm payrolls and the national unemployment report indicated trends for the end of the year.
Understanding the Difference Between a Mortgage Pre-qualification and a Pre-approval
If you’re in the market for a new home and you’ve been researching mortgages, you’ve likely come across the terms “pre-qualification” and “pre-approval”. While these terms are self-explanatory in some circumstances, they are quite different in regards to mortgage financing. In today’s blog post we’ll explain the difference between a mortgage pre-qualification and a pre-approval.