Jim Hasek, Author at Adrian Willanger

19

Mar

Market OutlookFed Chair Janet Yellen, Federal Reserve, FOMC

FOMC Statement: Federal Reserve Discusses Rate Increase, But Concerned About Growth

The post-meeting statement of the Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee indicated that while the Fed is considering raising its target rate as early as June, the agency is in no hurry to cast anything in cement. The statement cited stronger labor markets and low unemployment rates as encouraging, but noted that FOMC members remain concerned about economic growth due to low inflation failing to meet the FOMC goal of two percent. 15 of 17 Federal Open Market Committee members said that they expected interest rates to increase before year-end, but downwardly revised forecasts of how high rates might be…

18

Mar

By Jim Hasek

Mortgage RatesHome Mortgage Tips, Interest Rates, Mortgages

Variable-rate vs. Fixed-rate Mortgages – Which is Better for Your Financial Situation?

When applying for a new home mortgage, many loan applicants initially consider applying for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage. This is perhaps the most common and traditional type of mortgage available. It allows you to enjoy the opportunity to pay for your home over the course of 30 years with equal payments every month. While this is one option, there are actually multiple choices available. For some applications, a variable rate mortgage may be more advantageous. If you are comparing the options between a fixed rate and a variable rate mortgage, you may consider a few points. A Lower Initial…

17

Mar

By Jim Hasek

Mortgage RatesHome Mortgage Tips, Interest Rates, Mortgages

Understanding the Key Factors That Affect Your Mortgage Interest Rate

When you initially start shopping for a home mortgage, you may be drawn to advertisements for ultra-low interest rates. These may be rates that seem too good to be true, and you may gladly contact the lender or mortgage company to complete your loan application. However, the unfortunate truth is that all too often, mortgage applicants are unpleasantly surprised and even disheartened to learn that they do not qualify for the advertised interest rate. By learning more about the factors that influence your interest rate, you may be able to structure you loan in a more advantageous way. Your Credit…

16

Mar

By Jim Hasek

Market OutlookFreddie Mac, Market Outlook, Mortgage Rates

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 16, 2015

Last week's economic reports included job openings, retail sales, retail sales except automotive, consumer sentiment for March and the usual reports on weekly jobless claims and mortgage rates. Job Openings Highest in 14 Years The Labor Department reported that job openings reached their highest level in 14 years in January, and rose by 2.50 percent over December 2014 job openings. On a seasonally adjusted basis, there were five million job openings in January. Job openings rose by 28 percent year-over-year. Hiring rose by 3.50 percent to 5.24 million, but analysts said that employers continue to have difficulty in finding workers…

13

Mar

By Jim Hasek

Home Buyer TipsBuying a Home, Home Buyer Tips, Upgrades and Renovations

Have You Outgrown Your Current Home? Here Are Five Easy Ways to Tell if It’s Time to Upgrade

Your home is your castle, your own little piece of the American dream. But lately, your little corner of the world has been feeling cramped and you find yourself eyeing those larger homes. Is it time to pull up stakes and move on from your starter home? Growing Family If you've added to your family in recent years, you may have more bodies than bedrooms. A two-bedroom home may have been a great idea when it was just you and your spouse, but with two kids, you're starting to have turf wars over the play area. Overflowing With Stuff From…

12

Mar

By Jim Hasek

Home Mortgage TipsHome Mortgage Tips, Mortgage Payments, Mortgages

The Mortgage Pre-approval Letter: Why It’s Important and How to Get One

If you are thinking about buying a new home in the near future, you may already be searching online to get a feel for the different types of homes available in the local area. You may have reviewed your budget, and you may have a fair idea about a sales price that is comfortable for you to afford. While you may feel as though you have taken the preliminary steps necessary to prepare yourself to buy a home, it is important that you also get a mortgage pre-approval letter for your financing before you starting hunting for that perfect new…