06 Jul 2016
By Mark Feder

The 4 Most Common Mortgage Questions, Answered

Home Mortgage Tips
Making the decision to purchase a home is one of the most significant investments most people will make in their life, and this automatically means there are a lot of questions that need to be answered before putting any money down. If you're considering making the leap, here are some insights into some of the common questions you might have. How Much Should You Put Down? While many homebuyers have the option of putting as little as 3% down in order to purchase a home, there are benefits to saving up for a down payment and putting in 15 or…
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21 Mar 2016
By Mark Feder

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 21, 2016

Financial Reports
Housing Starts Up in February Shortages of available homes are a major factor in rising home prices; shortages also make it more difficult for buyers to find homes they want. Housing starts in February rose, which is good news for the peak spring and summer home buying season. Other housing related news released last week included the Fed's decision not to raise the target federal funds rate and Housing Starts and Building Permits reports issued by the Commerce Department. Consumer Sentiment was also released along with regularly scheduled releases on mortgage rates and weekly unemployment claims. Builder Confidence Holds Steady,…
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17 Mar 2016
By Mark Feder

Fed Policymakers Make Interesting Decision on Interest Rates

Financial Reports
According to a press release by the Federal Reserve, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), the current target federal funds rate will hold steady at  0.25 to 0.50 percent. Committee members cited positive developments in the U.S economy including jobs growth, stronger labor markets and gradually increasing inflation. In addition, stronger housing sector and household spending were also noted as positive signs for the economy. Committee members cited risks associated with global economic and financial developments as a concern. FOMC members are guided in decision making by the Federal Reserve's dual mandate of maximum employment and price stability. Inflation remains…
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07 Mar 2016
By Mark Feder

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 7, 2016

Financial Reports
Week in Review Last week's scheduled economic news included reports on pending home sales, construction spending and several jobs related readings including ADP Payrolls, the government's Non-Farm Payrolls and the national unemployment rate. Mortgage Rates, Weekly Unemployment Claims Rise Mortgage rates rose across the board according to Freddie Mac's weekly report. The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage rose two basis points to 3.64 percent; the average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage rose by one basis point to 2.94 percent and the average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage rose five basis points to 2.84…
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