Blog – Page 721 of 721

31 Jan 2013

Breaking Down The Federal Reserve Statement (January 2013 Edition)

Federal Reserve

The Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted to maintain the Federal Funds Rate within its current range of zero to 0.25 percent, and to continue its current stimulus program of purchasing $85 billion monthly in Treasury bonds and mortgage-backed securities (MBS). Citing weather-related events such as Hurricane Sandy and drought in the Midwest, the committee said in its statement that information received since its December 2012 meeting "suggests that growth in economic activity has paused in recent months in large part because of weather-related disruptions and other transitory factors." Concerns over the then-looming fiscal cliff crisis may have…

How To Paint Your Home’s Exterior Walls

Around The Home

When preparing to sell a home, few things improve its curb appeal more than a fresh coat of exterior paint. Many people are intimidated by the thought of painting their home's exterior, and choose to hire a third-party to handle the work. But, you can do it yourself, with these easy steps. First, before starting, you'll want to inspect your home. Examine all walls, look under the eaves, and pay attention to door frames and windows. Be on the lookout for peeling paint, mildew and rough surfaces and make a note of them. Next, gather the tools you'll need…

Pending Home Sales Post 20th Consecutive Month Of Annual Gains

Housing Analysis

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) reports that the Pending Home Sales Index fell 4.3 percent in December as compared to the month prior. The index now reads 101.7. The Pending Home Sales Index measures the number of U.S. homes that have gone "into contract", but have not yet closed. The report is based on data collected from local real estate associations, and from national brokers. Despite December's drop, however, the annual rate at which contracts for a home purchase were drawn increased 6.9 percent from one year ago, and marked the 20th consecutive month of annual purchase contract gains.…