21 Jun 2021
By noelkelman

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 21, 2021

Financial Reports, ,
Last week’s economic news included readings from the National Association of Home Builders on housing markets and  Commerce Department readings on housing starts and building permits issued. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also published. NAHB: Home Builder Sentiment Slips Amid High Materials Prices, Labor Shortages The National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index fell two points to a May index reading of 81. Readings above 50 indicate that most home builders are confident in market conditions, but builder sentiment has fallen from its peak reading of 90 before the pandemic. The NAHB Housing Market reached…
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18 Jun 2021
By noelkelman

FOMC Statement: Fed Predicts 2 Interest Rate Hikes in 2023

Financial Reports, ,
The Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve said in its post-meeting statement that the Federal Reserve expects to raise its benchmark interest rate range twice during 2023. No rate changes will be made during 2022 as the economy continues to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic. The Fed’s current interest rate range is 0.00 to 0.25 percent. Fed Expects "Transitory" Inflation The Fed's post-meeting FOMC statement said that although Committee members adjusted their forecast for raising the Fed's benchmark interest rate range, members did not predict long-term inflation and described current upward inflation as "transitory." The Consumer Price Index reported…
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17 Jun 2021
By noelkelman

Is an ARM Loan Right for You?

Mortgage, ,
In today’s competitive housing industry, it’s important to find the loan that’s right for you. With the low-interest-rate environment, many buyers wonder if an ARM loan is the best choice. Here’s everything you should consider before choosing an ARM loan. Understanding how an ARM Loan Works An ARM loan offers an introductory rate. The rate remains fixed for the first few years. After the fixed period, the rate adjusts annually based on the index (such as LIBOR) and the chosen margin set by the lender. Many buyers prefer the ARM because the initial payment is much lower so they can…
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16 Jun 2021
By noelkelman

Deciding Whether To Move or Refinance: Which Is The Better Option?

Mortgage, ,
There are a lot of people who are wondering if now is the right time to move or refinance their current home loan. With interest rates still favorable, a lot of homeowners have the potential to save a lot of money if they are able to secure a home loan with a lower interest rate. There are two ways homeowners can secure a home loan with a lower interest rate. The first is to refinance. The second is to move. Which option is better? There are a few key points to keep in mind. Taking A Closer Look At Refinancing There…
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15 Jun 2021
By noelkelman

Do You Have Enough Of A Down Payment Saved Up?

Mortgage, ,
If you are planning on purchasing a home in the near future, you need to make sure you have enough money saved up. While there are a lot of expenses that go along with purchasing a home, the biggest expense is the down payment. The common belief is that people have to put 20 percent down; however, even if you don’t have 20 percent saved up, you might still be able to purchase a home. It will depend on whether you can get a lender to provide a loan that is greater than 80 percent of the purchase price of…
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14 Jun 2021
By noelkelman

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 14, 2021

Financial Reports, ,
Last week’s economic reporting included readings on job openings, inflation, and consumer sentiment. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released. Job Openings Increase as Employers Struggle to Fill Positions Job openings rose in April according to the Labor Department, but workers were quitting jobs in record numbers. 9.30 million openings were reported as compared to expectations of 8.20 million job openings and 8.30 million job openings reported in March. Increasing job openings indicate a stronger post-pandemic economy as businesses and service providers return to full capacity.  Employers faced multiple obstacles to filling job openings including early…
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11 Jun 2021
By noelkelman

How to Market Your Home as the Perfect Rental or Investment Property

Home Seller Tips, ,
When a homeowner is preparing to sell a home, it can be beneficial to determine the target audience that is most likely to be interested in the property as an important initial step. In some cases, it is advantageous for a homeowner to position a home as a great rental property or investment property, but this requires the right strategy. By adopting a few niche marketing steps, homeowners can work with their trusted real estate agent to market a property appropriately. Create A Cash Flow Sheet Buyers who are searching for a rental or investment property are looking for a…
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10 Jun 2021
By noelkelman

Photography Tricks To Watch Out For When Buying A Home Online

Mortgage, ,
With COVID and social distancing keeping people apart, buying a home in person has become a real challenge. Digital tools and online presentations of homes for sale have ramped up in response, making it possible to see properties with both static images/photos and with “360 degree” views or interactive walkthroughs. However, these are not real-time images of the home itself. They are professionally-developed representations of a property, and a lot of software work goes into making those images marketing ready. Photographic Tools of the Trade If a listing has included images created by a professional photographer, he or she will…
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