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05
May
By Jim Hasek
Uncategorized, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 5, 2014

Last week's economic news included several reports related to housing and mortgages. The NAR started the week on a positive note with its Pending Home Sales Index released Monday. Pending home sales in March were higher with an unexpected increase of 3.40 percent over February for an index reading of 97.40. This is encouraging news for home sales that were severely affected by a hard winter in many areas, and suggests that as warmer weather approaches, home sales will pick up. Analysts do not expect the rapid rate of price appreciation seen in 2013. The Fed's tapering of its "quantitative…
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02
May
By Jim Hasek
Uncategorized, ,

What’s in a Color? Six Paint Colors That Will Affect Your Mood

Believe it or not, paint colors can affect your mood. When remodeling your home, the color you use on the walls can end up being just as critical to the thematic consistency of your home as the furniture you use to decorate it. Before you slap any old color on the walls, take some time to consider what mood you'd like each room to inspire. Red, Yellow And Orange: The Colors Of Excitement, Hunger And Happiness Ever wonder why the dining rooms, kitchens and entertainment rooms you see in magazines always seem come in every shade of red? It's because…
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01
May
By Jim Hasek
Uncategorized, ,

FOMC Noted Retail Sales In March Reached Highest Level Since September Of 2012

The FOMC of the Federal Reserve released its customary statement after its meeting concluded April 30. FOMC members said that the economy is improving after a winter lull caused by poor weather. The national unemployment rate remains high, although some improvement in labor markets was reported. Fiscal policy is restraining economic growth, although FOMC said that the restraint is diminishing. FOMC Monitors Inflation, Further Reduces Asset Purchases The FOMC statement reflected members' concerns about the inflation rate remaining below its goal of two percent, and said that this could eventually impact economic recovery. The Fed expects inflation to approach its…
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30
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Uncategorized, ,

Warmer Weather Brings In The Buyers, Is There Inventory?

After three consecutive months of decline, the S&P Case-Shiller 20-City Composite Index remained nearly unchanged in February. Year-over-year home prices rose by 12.90 percent in February as compared to 13.20 percent in January. 20 Percent Below Their 2006 Pre-recession Peak Analysts note that in spite of recent slowdowns in home prices, the year-over-year rates of home price growth remain close to peak price growth attained in 2006. National home prices remain approximately 20 percent below their 2006 pre-recession peak. 13 cities posted lower rates of price gains in February. The Case-Shiller 10 and 20 city indices showed year-over-year price gains…
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29
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Five Questions You Might Want To Ask Before You Refinance Your Home

Refinancing your home might be a great way to save money or tap into the capital needed to pay off large debts. However, a refinance can also be an expensive endeavor, and you could even risk harming your credit rating or risk foreclosure if you're not careful. Before you take the plunge with a refinance, here are five essential questions that you should ask before signing on the dotted line. How Much Equity Do I Have In My Home? Many homeowners today owe more on their mortgage than what the property is actually worth. For mortgage refinancing to be possible,…
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28
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Rates, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 28, 2014

Last week's economic news supported recent reports that home sales were fewer and home prices increased, but did so at a slower pace. The NAR reported a slower pace of existing home sales, and FHFA reported a slower year-over-year rate of growth for home prices on properties financed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The U.S. Commerce Department reported that new home sales fell to their lowest level since July 2013. Mortgage rates rose for fixed rate mortgages, but were unchanged for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages. Here are the details: Existing Home Sales Slow, Moderate Growth In Home Prices March…
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