Chris McDonald's (chrismcdonald) Blog

In a bid to stand out in a sagging housing market, an increasing number of real-estate agents are marketing themselves as eco-friendly -- connecting environmentally conscious buyers to "green" homes and helping sellers make their homes more eco-sensitive.These agents are promoting their knowledge...

Overall, the most important day of the week is obviously today with the release of the CPI and the Fed minutes. It is the results of tomorrow's news and data that will likely determine of rates move higher or lower for the week.If I were considering financing/refinancing a home, I would.... Lock ...

You're about to send your young adult off to college, you've heard about the rising costs of scool tuition and room and board expenses.  Even with the financial aid available for today's college-bound students, cash-strapped families are looking for options.  Some are choosing to refinance their ...

There are only three economic reports worth watching this week that are likely to affect mortgage rates. Two of them are scheduled for release the same day, meaning we may see a relatively calm week for mortgage rates. The financial markets are closed tomorrow in observance of the President's Day...

The letter, issued Wednesday, reiterates concerns about the terms of the deal that the Cayman Island-based hedge fund expressed Feb. 1. Run by former UBS trader Jon Wood, SRM claims that the book value for Countrywide, as of December, was around $20 a share. In January, Bank of America agreed to ...

Float or Lock" (edit/delete) There is no relevant economic news scheduled for release today or tomorrow. There are only four pieces of economic data scheduled to be posted the rest of the week along with an after-hours congressional testimony by Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke. The first report comes e...

There is no relevant economic news scheduled for release today or tomorrow. There are only four pieces of economic data scheduled to be posted the rest of the week along with an after-hours congressional testimony by Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke. The first report comes early Wednesday morning with t...

   Mr. Bernanke will deliver the Fed's semi-annual testimo ny on the status of the economy late Thursday afternoon. He will be speaking to the Senate Banking Committee and market participants will watch his words very closely. The Fed Chairman is required to deliver this testimony twice a year, w...

Tuesday's bond market has opened in negative territory due to early stock strength. The stock markets are posting strong gains with the Dow currently up 205 points while the Nasdaq has gained 25 points. The bond market is showing sizable losses, currently down 21/32, which will push this morning'...

Out of the office today. Please email @ chris.mcdonald@hometownlendersllc.com or call my cell @ 770-757-6481 if you need my immediate attention.  Have a Great Day!!!