26
Feb
By Adrian Willanger
Uncategorized

Some Experts Say Mortgage Rates May Fall Below 6% Later This Year

There’s a lot of confusion in the market about what’s happening with day-to-day movement in mortgage rates right now, but here’s what you really need to know: compared to the near 8% peak last fall, mortgage rates have trended down overall. And if you’re looking to buy or sell a home, this is a big deal. While they’re going to continue to bounce around a bit based on various economic drivers (like inflation and reactions to the consumer price index, or CPI), don’t let the short-term volatility distract you. The experts agree the overarching downward trend should continue this year. While we won’t see the record-low rates homebuyers got during…
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26
Feb
By Adrian Willanger
Financial Reports, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 26th, 2024

A government holiday followed by an extremely light release schedule has led to a limited amount of data, with the FOMC Minutes being the only impactful report for the prior week. The Federal Reserve had stated they will continue to maintain their current stance in light of the most recent inflation data. With rates holding into the year, as a result, lending partners have started back tracking some of their recent rate cuts. Lastly, Unemployment Numbers are seen to be well within expectations. FOMC Minutes “Most” officials noted the risks of moving too quickly to cut rates and wanted to…
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23
Feb
By Adrian Willanger
Real Estate, ,

Understanding Short Sales: What They Are and Why You Might Want One

In the world of real estate, the term "short sale" often surfaces in conversations, but its meaning and implications might not be immediately clear to everyone. As a real estate agent, it's important to not only understand what a short sale is but also to effectively communicate its potential benefits to your clients. Let's delve into the intricacies of short sales and explore why they might be advantageous for certain buyers. What is a Short Sale? A short sale occurs when a homeowner sells their property for less than the outstanding mortgage balance. In essence, the proceeds from the sale…
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22
Feb
By Adrian Willanger
Home Care, ,

Maximizing Your Home Improvement Budget

Many homeowners seek to enhance their living spaces while concurrently adding value to their properties. However, numerous home improvement initiatives often come with exorbitant price tags, reaching six figures for extensive renovation projects. Nonetheless, there exist cost-effective alternatives that homeowners can explore. What are some of the top considerations for homeowners? Invest in Quality Ceiling Fans: The installation of high-quality ceiling fans represents a prudent investment for homeowners. Beyond mere aesthetics, ceiling fans play a pivotal role in maintaining optimal indoor comfort levels throughout the year. Energy Star-certified models not only contribute to energy efficiency but also demonstrate a commitment…
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21
Feb
By Adrian Willanger
Real Estate, ,

A New Homebuyer’s Guide to Understanding Property Taxes

Purchasing a new home is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with various responsibilities, including understanding property taxes. Property taxes are a crucial aspect of homeownership, as they contribute to local government funding and services. In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about property taxes as a new homebuyer. What Are Property Taxes? Property taxes are taxes imposed by local governments on property owners. These taxes are based on the assessed value of real estate properties, including land, buildings, and improvements. The revenue generated from property taxes is used to fund essential services such as…
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20
Feb
By Adrian Willanger
Financial Reports, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 20th, 2024

Last week's release of CPI and PPI resulted in slightly higher than expected inflation rates which led to speculation that the Federal Reserve's decision to cut rates will likely come much further in the year than anticipated. There was some suspicion that if inflation rates would continue to exceed predictions, it could result in another rate hike. Lending partners have responded in kind with the first significant increase in lending rates since the end of November. However, The Federal Reserve will likely maintain its current stance.  Other reports such as US Retail Sales are showing a drop, but this is…
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