24 Sep 2014
By Mark Feder

National Association of Realtors, Existing Home Sales Slip in August

Market Outlook
Sales of previously owned homes fell in August according to the National Association of REALTORS®. This was the first decline in sales in five months. Although not welcome news to homeowners and real estate pros, there is good news. Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of REALTORS®, as first-time buyers and moderate income families may now have an opportunity to find and buy affordable homes. Bidding wars and slim inventories of available homes made buying a home difficult for many prospective buyers in recent months, but Mr. Yun said that these obstacles have subsided in many markets. Other…
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22 Sep 2014
By Mark Feder

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – Sept 22, 2014

Market Outlook
Last week's economic news largely concerned the Federal Reserve's FOMC meeting statement and a post-meeting conference given by Fed Chair Janet Yellen. The FOMC statement indicated that the Fed continued its wind-down of Treasury and mortgage-backed securities and that its purchases are expected to cease after the next FOMC meeting. The FOMC statement said that committee members find the economy to be improving at a moderate pace and currently strong enough to further reduce the QE3 monthly asset purchases. The Fed seeks to achieve and sustain its dual mandate of maximum employment and an inflation rate of 2.00 percent. While…
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19 Sep 2014
By Mark Feder

Federal Open Market Committee, Fed Chair: No Rush to Raise Rates

Market Outlook
Wednesday's customary post-meeting statement issued by the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) of the Federal Reserve provided some relief to investors and analysts concerned that the Fed may soon raise its target federal funds rate. The target federal funds rate has held steady at between 0.00 and 0.25 percent since the inception of the Fed's current quantitative easing program. The FOMC statement indicated that the committee does not expect to raise the target federal funds rate until the Fed's dual mandate of maximum employment and reaching its target inflation rate is achieved. FOMC members don't expect the wind-down of scheduled…
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15 Sep 2014
By Mark Feder

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – Sept 15, 2014

Market Outlook
Last week's housing related economic reports were slim, but an unexpected increase in weekly jobless claims gained attention. Analysts calmed concerns by noting that last week's reading of 315,000 new jobless claims was not far removed from jobless claim levels before the recession. Expectations for last week's reading were for 301,000 new jobless claims based on the previous week's original reading of 302,000. The previous week's reading was revised to 304,000 new jobless claims. Jobless Claims: 4-Week Average for Continuing Claims Hits Lowest Level Since 2007 Prospective home buyers and current homeowners typically consider their jobs and employment prospects before…
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