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Mortgage Rates Drop After U.S. Credit Downgrade
Mortgage rates continue drifting downward, despite — or because of — a ratings downgrade on long-term U.S. government debt.
Mortgage Rates Make New 2011 Lows
According to Freddie Mac’s weekly Primary Mortgage Market Survey, the national, average 30-year fixed rate mortgage fell to 4.39% this week — the lowest 30-year fixed reading since November 18, 2010.
Closing At The Start Of September? Watch Out For Labor Day.
Like for the rest of the U.S. workforce, Labor Day is a popular vacation time in the real estate, title and mortgage industries. Closings can be slower to come together when the parties involved are on holiday.
A Mortgage Rate Strategy For July's Jobs Report
At 8:30 AM ET Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics will release the July 2011 Non-Farm Payrolls report. Mark it in your calendar. If you’ve been watching mortgage rates fall to new all-time lows this week and fear a mortgage rate reversal, Friday could be the day.
REOs and Short Sales Are Major Causes of Legal Disputes
Short-sale disputes were designated as the most significant legal issue facing real estate professionals, according to therecent National Association of Realtors’. In addition, according to a NAR survey, REO agency issues, property condition and RESPA issues are...
What Will The Debt Ceiling Agreement Do To Mortgage Rates?
Today’s debt ceiling agreement will be a major force in mortgage markets and home affordability. Are you prepared for it?
Don’t Use Your Ladder’s Top 2 Steps, And Other DIY Safety Tips
If you’re among the many homeowners forgoing paid contractors for DIY, make sure you follow these basic safety precautions.
Pending Home Sales Rise For 3rd Straight Month
Buyers are writing contracts at a furious pace nationwide. On a seasonally-adjusted basis, the Pending Home Sales Index rose 2 percent last month to reach its highest level since March.
16 of 20 Case-Shiller Cities Show Improvement In May
May’s Case-Shiller Index showed a 1 percent increase from April 2011. Home values rose in 16 of the Case-Shiller Index’s 20 tracked markets. Only Detroit, Las Vegas and Tampa fell. Phoenix was flat.
New Home Supplies Keep Shrinking; Prices Pressured Higher
According to Census Bureau data, the number of new homes slid 1 percent from May. On a seasonally-adjusted, annualized basis, home buyers bought 312,000 newly-built homes last month.