FOMC Statement Shows “Moderate” Economic Growth

The Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee met last week and Janet Yellen held her first press conference as Fed chair. According to the FOMC statement released after the meeting, the Fed cited severe winter weather conditions as a reason for slow economic growth in recent months. FOMC members will continue to monitor economic conditions and developments as part of any decision to change the Fed's change monetary policy. Highlights included: "Moderate" Economic Growth; Asset Purchases Reduced For April FOMC made the predicted cut to its asset purchase program and reduced April's purchase of mortgage-backed securities and Treasury bills to…
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 24, 2014

Last week's economic news included several housing-related reports including the Housing Market Index (HMI) for March, a report on housing starts, and building permits for February. The National Association of REALTORS® also released its Existing Home Sales report for February and the Federal Reserve issued its first FOMC statement under the helm of Fed Chair Janet Yellen. Home Builders Conservative On Housing Market Conditions The National Association of Home Builders Wells Fargo Housing Market Index rose by one point to a reading of 47 in March against a reading of 46 in February and against an expected reading of 50.…
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It’s Almost Spring Cleaning Time! Kick Clutter to the Curb With These Home Cleaning Tips

Spring is around the corner, and it's time to get your home in order! Spring cleaning can be fun and easy if you follow some general guidelines, which are sure to get your home ready for the nice weather and looking as beautiful as the weather is about to. Kick the winter clutter to the curb with these spring cleaning tips. Start With The Closets Spring is here, and winter wear is no longer needed! It's time to box up all of the winter boots, jackets, gloves, and scarfs until next season. Starting your spring clean with your closets is…
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NAHB Housing Market Index Ticks Upward

Spring is almost here, and the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index (NAHB HMI) thawed slightly in March. The current reading of 47 is one point higher than for February, but still indicates pessimism among a majority of builders surveyed. Analysts expected a March reading of 50. The gauge of builder confidence stayed near its lowest level since May. March's NAHB HMI reading remained below the benchmark reading of 50, which indicates that an equal number of builders are positive about housing market conditions as those who are negative. A reading over 50 indicates that more builders are…
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