Blog – Page 722 of 738

02 May 2013

Fed Meeting Statement Points To Continuing Low Interest Rates

Federal Reserve

Wednesday's Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) statement indicates the Federal Reserve's commitment to keeping long term interest rates and inflation under control. The Fed will continue monitoring inflation, but does not expect inflation to rise more than 0.50 percent above its target rate of 2.00 percent over the next one to two years. Ongoing monitoring of inflation and unemployment, as well as developing economic news, will guide the Fed in its future determinations concerning policy for its present iteration of quantitative easing (QE3). Currently, the Fed purchases $85 billion of treasury securities and mortgage –backed securities each month with the…

01 May 2013

By Mark Feder

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Case-Shiller Home Price Indices Post Highest Growth Rates Since 2006

Housing Analysis

Housing markets continue to improve according to the S&P Case Shiller Home Price Indices released April 30 for February's data. The Indices consist of a 10-City Composite Index and a 20-City Composite Index with housing markets for each city reported based on a three-month rolling average of home prices. Case Shiller Posts Highest Growth Rates Since 2006 The data released yesterday comprised the Indices' highest growth rates since May 2006. For the 12 months between February 2012 and February 2013, the 10-City Composite Index reports that average home prices posted a gain of 8.6 percent and average home prices for…

30 Apr 2013

By Mark Feder

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7 Fun and Easy Housewarming Gifts for A New Homeowner

Around The Home

Whether you have new neighbors next door or old friends moving across town, a housewarming gift is a great way to show you care. New owners always appreciate anything that relieves the pressures of moving and settling in to an unfamiliar neighborhood. Here are seven fun and easy housewarming-gift ideas for your friends moving into their home. A Door Wreath You can choose a wreath that fits the season or that is simply attractive on the front door. Include a wreath door-hanger and storage box so they can easily hang it or put it away. A Pair of Candlestick Holders…

29 Apr 2013

By Mark Feder

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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 29, 2013

Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates fell again last week and are again near record lows. According to Freddie Mac, the average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage did achieve a record low of 2.61 percent as compared to 3.1 percent one year ago. The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage fell to 3.40 percent and near the record low of 3.31 percent. Low mortgage rates are helping homeowners with refinancing and are boosting housing markets as more buyers can qualify for mortgage loans. Home Values Continue To Rise Last week's economic news was mixed; The Federal Housing Finance Agency, which…