Fed Policymakers Cut Key Rate Range by .25 Percent
The Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee reduced its key short-term interest rate range one-quarter percent to 1.75 to 2.00 percent during it's September meeting. While FOMC members had mixed opinions on reducing the benchmark rate range for short term loans, the post-meeting statement suggested that reducing the federal funds rate was a hedge against inflation. The federal funds rate impacts short-term consumer loan rates for autos and adjustable rate mortgages, but does not impact fixed mortgage rates. FOMC monetary policy decisions are governed by the Federal Reserve's dual mandate of maintaining price stability and an inflation rate of 2.00 percent.
NAHB: Home Builders Remain Confident
The National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index shows steady builder confidence in housing market conditions. September's index reading of 68 was one point higher than August's reading. Any reading over 50 indicates that most home builders surveyed view housing market conditions as favorable. August's original index reading was adjusted upward by one point.
Is Now a Good Time to Cash Out Your Home Equity?
For many Americans, their home is their primary investment. The equity stored in your residence can be a source of available cash for home repairs, upgrades, or for financing the purchase of investment properties. However, few homeowners really understand the process that results in home equity.
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – September 16th, 2019
Last week's economic news included readings on inflation, core inflation and consumer sentiment. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims were also released.
Simple Tips To Pay Off A Home Mortgage Loan Faster
It is a major life decision to buy a home and yet many do not consider how much they will pay on the interest over the life of the loan. All they usually think about is if they can afford to pay the monthly mortgage payments.
6 Ways to Fight Foreclosure
Sometimes, things don't go as planned. Despite the best intentions, there are times when it's impossible for homeowners to fulfill their mortgage obligations. When your misfortune turns into a foreclosure notice, these tips will help you control the situation and realize the best outcome.
What Is A Reverse Mortgage?
A reverse mortgage is a way to use the equity value that built up in a home to improve the quality of life for those who have appropriate circumstances when they reach the retirement age of 62 or older. With a reverse mortgage, a person continues to live in their own home and retains the title to it but does not have to make any monthly reverse mortgage payments.
Boom Or Bubble? – Home Prices Hit Record Highs Across America
The rapidly rising home prices currently found in many parts of the United States make it seem like the Great Recession of 2008 never happened. It took approximately eight years for home prices to recover the values that were equivalent to those they had before the recession.
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – September 9th, 2019
Last week's economic reports included readings on construction spending, public and private-sector jobs and the national unemployment rate. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims were also released.
New Home Prices Going Down Making Them More Affordable
Residential real estate developers in America are responding to a national slowdown in new home construction by building smaller homes that are more modestly priced. The demand for smaller, less expensive homes is growing, while the overall demand for new custom homes is declining. Prices decreased slightly, by about one-half percent, from the price levels in 2018 for newly-constructed homes.
Using Smart Home Technology To Help Sell It
Smart home technology is useful for many reasons. It improves security, helps improve energy-efficiency, and makes it more convenient for the home's occupants. There is also a new trend in the use of smart home technology as a sales tool to help sell a home or a condominium.
6 Smart Ways Hardware Can Upgrade Your New Home
Decorating and putting the finishing touches on your new home is definitely one of the most fun parts of moving. It's satisfying to fill your new home with furnishings and d?cor choices that reflect your personality and lifestyle.