Blog – Page 703 of 798

04 Aug 2014

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – Aug 4, 2014

Market Outlook

Last week's economic news included a number of housing related reports. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, pending home sales dropped by 1.10 percent in June. The S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Index reports for May noted that home prices are growing at a slower rate of 9.30 percent year-over-year than April's year-over-year growth rate of 10.80 percent. Construction spending was also lower in June. The Fed's FOMC statement indicated that asset purchases connected to quantitative easing will cease in October, but that the current target federal funds rate is expected to stay in place "a considerable period" after asset…

01 Aug 2014

By Mark Feder

The 5-Minute Guide To Flood Insurance: What It Is, How It Works, And Whether You Need It

Real Estate

You've got house insurance, and assume your property is covered for any type of detrimental occurrence that can possibly take place. However, not all homeowners are aware that home insurance policies don't necessarily cover damage related to a flood, as the risks are too great. As a result, homeowners must purchase flood insurance through a private company. Floods are one of the most common hazards in the US, costing billions of dollars in damage to properties every year. What Is Flood Insurance? Flood insurance policies are typically made available to homeowners in flood-prone areas. The majority of insurance policies cover…

31 Jul 2014

By Mark Feder

FOMC Statement: Asset Purchases to end in October, Labor Market Stronger

Market Outlook

The Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) released its customary statement at the conclusion of its meeting on Wednesday. FOMC members oversee the Fed's monetary policy. In recent months, investors and economists have speculated on whether or not the Fed would continue tapering its asset purchases under its latest quantitative easing (QE) program, and whether the Fed would raise its target federal funds rate of 0.00 to 0.250 percent. According to its statement, FOMC members plan to continue tapering monthly asset purchases of Treasury securities and mortgage-backed securities until asset purchases under the QE program conclude in October. FOMC…

30 Jul 2014

By Mark Feder

S P Case-Shiller Home Price Index: May Home Prices Rise

Mortagage Tips

May home prices rose in all 20 cities tracked by the S&P Case-Shiller 20 City Home Price Index. This was the second consecutive month in which all cities posted gains. On average, national home prices rose by 1.10 percent in May as compared to April's reading. Year-over-year, home prices rose, but at a slower rate of 9.39 percent in May as compared to 10.80 percent year-over-year for April. Nevada, Florida and California Cities Post Highest Gains Cities posting the highest year-over-year price gains in May included Las Vegas, Nevada at 16.90 percent, San Francisco, California at 15.40 percent, Miami, Florida…