Lowest Mortgage Rates this year!  30 Year Fixed rate at 4.375%

Today, the mortgage bond market improved once again and continues to climb.  The higher the bonds go, the lower rates fall.  The Fed expects rates to remain low for sometime but certain anticipate them to begin slowly climbing over time. 

At 1pm ET today, the Treasury auctioned a record $42B in 5-year Notes.  This follows yesterday’s good auction results of 2-Years, which helped push Bond prices higher.  Then at 2pm ET, the Fed Minutes from the November 4th meeting were released.  And looking ahead, next Thursday December 3rd, is the day the Senate decides to either approve or disapprove Obama's nomination of Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke to a second term.  There has been chatter from some, including Chris Dodd, suggesting that Bernanke's nomination is in jeopardy – but we think it will go through.

It seems fitting that in advance of Thanksgiving, tomorrow's economic calendar is packed like a stuffed turkey.  We are expecting Personal Income and Spending, Initial Claims, Durable Goods Orders, Michigan Consumer Sentiment and New Home Sales.  It will be interesting to see how the market digests this enormous helping of news, with the market being closed on Thursday and having a shortened trading day with a 2pm closing on Friday.

Courtesy of Mortgage Market Guide

If you, or a friend, or a family member, or a co-worker could possibly take advantage of these rates, then please feel free to contact me anytime.  This truly might be the absolute best time to refinance your current mortgage and save tons of money each month.  Rates dropped this low back in February and then shot up to the mid to high 5's.  Please do not waste this opportunity tobetter your financial position or to buy a house with the cheapest money in history!

Lowest Mortgage Rates this year!  30 Year Fixed rate at 4.375%

Today, the mortgage bond market improved once again and continues to climb.  The higher the bonds go, the lower rates fall.  The Fed expects rates to remain low for sometime but certain anticipate them to begin slowly climbing over time. 

At 1pm ET today, the Treasury auctioned a record $42B in 5-year Notes.  This follows yesterday’s good auction results of 2-Years, which helped push Bond prices higher.  Then at 2pm ET, the Fed Minutes from the November 4th meeting were released.  And looking ahead, next Thursday December 3rd, is the day the Senate decides to either approve or disapprove Obama's nomination of Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke to a second term.  There has been chatter from some, including Chris Dodd, suggesting that Bernanke's nomination is in jeopardy – but we think it will go through.

It seems fitting that in advance of Thanksgiving, tomorrow's economic calendar is packed like a stuffed turkey.  We are expecting Personal Income and Spending, Initial Claims, Durable Goods Orders, Michigan Consumer Sentiment and New Home Sales.  It will be interesting to see how the market digests this enormous helping of news, with the market being closed on Thursday and having a shortened trading day with a 2pm closing on Friday.

Courtesy of Mortgage Market Guide

If you, or a friend, or a family member, or a co-worker could possibly take advantage of these rates, then please feel free to contact me anytime.  This truly might be the absolute best time to refinance your current mortgage and save tons of money each month.  Rates dropped this low back in February and then shot up to the mid to high 5's.  Please do not waste this opportunity tobetter your financial position or to buy a house with the cheapest money in history!

This week is loaded with high-impact economic reports.

Reports to Watch

The information below is a highlight of the reports due out this week. For more detailed information and insight, view the Economic Calendar, the Daily Market Update, and our exclusive Market News. And don’t forget, you can easily download the Economic Calendar to your Outlook Calendar to make sure you don’t miss important economic releases. Just click here to read instructions for downloading to Outlook.

• On Monday, we'll get a glimpse of consumer spending patterns as we head into the crucial holiday shopping season when the Retail Sales report is released. In last month's report, Retail Sales for September were reported at -1.5%. The drop was due in part to a slump in auto sales after the Cash for Clunkers program ended, but the overall number was better than the -2.1% that was expected. When stripping out autos, sales rose 0.5%, which was higher than the 0.2% anticipated. The report due out this week is expected to come in at 0.9% (and 0.4% when auto sales are stripped out).

• Inflation news is also on tap this week. The Producer Price Index (PPI), which provides information about inflation at the wholesale level, will be released on Tuesday. Remember, inflation is harmful to Bonds and interest rates. Last month, PPI unexpectedly came in at -0.6% for September, mostly due to a drop in energy prices. When stripping out food and energy, the Core PPI came in at -0.1%, versus the 0.1% rise that was anticipated. This week, PPI is expected to come in at 0.5% and Core PPI is expected to be reported at 0.1%.

• More inflation news comes in on Wednesday when the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is released. In last month's report, CPI rose 0.2% in September--despite "creative" accounting of the Cash for Clunkers program, which dramatically lowered that number. Imagine how much higher CPI would have been had this "creativity" not been used. Overall, the report indicated that inflationary forces may be underway. We'll see if that thinking continues this week, when CPI is expected to be reported at 0.2% and Core CPI is expected to be reported at 0.1%.

• Wednesday also brings us a look at the health of the housing industry with reports on Housing Starts and Building Permits. In last month's report, 590,000 Housing Starts were reported for September, which was lower than expectations of 610,000. Building Permits, which are an indicator of future construction, fell to 573,000, below the 595,000 expected. This week, Housing Starts are expected to be reported at 600,000 and Building Permits are expected to be reported at 580,000.

• Finally, the Philadelphia Fed Index is due out on Friday. This is one of the most-watched manufacturing reports because industry experts use it to help forecast the upcoming national ISM Index. Last month, the index came in below expectations at 11.5 for October, which was down from September's reading of 14.1. The report this week is expected to come in at 12.0.

The X Factor

Thursday we could see some volatility in the markets when the Treasury Department announces next week's auctions, which include auctions of 2-year, 5-year, and 7-year Notes. Remember, these auctions may move the markets more and more as the Fed scales back its purchases of Mortgage Backed Securities.

The Bottom Line

After hitting multi-year highs back on October 2, Mortgage Bonds hit a two-month low on October 26. Since that time, however, they have been pushed higher by continued Fed buying. While that has been good news for Bond prices and interest rates, now's a good time to remember that the Fed is winding down that type of buying support. As they do, we'll likely see two things happen. First, we'll probably see higher levels of volatility, especially when the Treasury Department announces upcoming auctions and auction results. Second, since Mortgage Backed Securities will have less support from the Fed, rates are likely to gradually rise over time. So while rates are still near all-time lows now, they may not be for long.

Courtesy of Mortgage Market Guide

The Georgia Shrimp Company is one of the very few restaurants in Peachtree City, Georgia that actually understands how to successfully create an enjoyable atmosphere while providing fantastic meals on a very consistent basis. 

I have lived in Peachtree City, Georgia for over 27 years and can arguably say that The Georgia Shrimp Company is one of the best restaurants that Peachtree City and Fayette county have ever hosted.  The owners, Ant and Dee Murphy, are extremely friendly and welcoming to every visitor that walk through the door regardless if you are a first time visitor or weekly regular. 

At The Georgia Shrimp Company, they offer a wide variety of lunch and dinner items along with many fantastic daily specials.

Ant and Dee are true connoisseurs of great wine.  They provide a wide variety of tastes from all over the world ranging South Africa, to Australia, to California.  The Georgia Shrimp Company carries white wine, medium white wine, semi-sweet wine, sweet wine, light red wine, medium to full bodied reds, and superior blended red wines.  If you have questions about any, then do not hesitate to ask the owner's or the highly educated staff about certain selections.

Every month, The Georgia Shrimp Company and their fantastic chefs create an incredible menu for customer to experience worldly cuisines.  The five course Wine Dinner includes 5 different wines that are exceptionally paired with each course.  October, the Wine Dinner consisted of a German theme in honor of celebrating Oktoberfest!  Here is last month's Wine Dinner menu for you to view.

German Oktoberfest

Featuring Wine or Beer Pairings or Both

Course 1:

Kassler Pork Chop

Served braised with red cabbage and apple.

 Clean Slate Riesling - Ripe peach flavors balanced with lively acidity, hints of lime and good minerality.

Or

Urthel Hibernus Quentum Belgian Triple Ale - This 9% offering is full bodied with a honeyed nose and beautiful hop bitterness.

Course 2:

Leatherneck Soup

A hearty country style German soup made with lean bacon, carrots, onions and broad white beans.

 Zaca Mesa Shiraz – Rich blackberry, cassis and espresso, mocha and spicy sage aromas.  The silky finish lingers following the ripe tannins & smoky oak.

Or

Franziskaner Hefe-Weisse Dunkel - This beer is dark, rich, amber and cloudy from the yeast. The aroma has a slight banana and fruit smell from the unfiltered yeast balanced with sweet roasted malt and toffee from the dark wheat malt.  You immediately taste yeast and citrus with a hint of bananas and spice up front. The Dunkel finishes clean with a hint of hops.

Course 3:

Poached Cod in White Wine Cream

Poached in Spatlese Riesling with garlic, herbs and lightly creamed.   Served with German potato dumplings.   

 Karl Erbes Riesling Spatlese – A powerful wine with a noble sweet character accompanied by ripe peach and subtle spice accented with nice acidity and a strong bright finish.

Or

Weihenstephan's Festbier – Rich and full bodied, hoppy beer truly representative of the Bavarian way of celebrating. Deep gold color and a great mouth-feel with big flavor. Prost!

Course 4: 

Wiener Schnitzel

 The original chicken fried steak!  Tender Veal, flattened, breaded and pan sautéed; served with a traditional garnish of lemon, egg, anchovy and warm potato salad. Exquisite!

Way Kuhl Riesling – Semi-dry offering floral aromas accompanied by bright citrus fruit. Crisp flavors of lime zest, honey and slate with bright acidity and a lingering finish of fruit and stone.

Or

Spaten Oktoberfest Beer –This medium bodied beer, amber in color, has achieved impeccable taste by balancing roasted malt flavor with the perfect amount of hops. Rich textured palate with traditional underlying sweetness.

Course 5:

Bavarian Chocolate Éclairs

A delicious dessert that melts in your mouth.  Piped with Naghtmuziek cream.

 Covey Run Gewutztraminer - Floral aromatic & lemony on the nose with clean spiciness and lychee flavors on the palette.

Or

Amadeus Biere Blanche – Unfiltered seasoned wheat beer with pineapple and lemon overtures. 

 $49.95 per person  (Wine or Beer only)

$ 59.95 (Beer & Wine)

This month, the Wine Dinner will either consist of a South African theme or a Russian theme.  Be sure to check the website weekly for updates and specials!  For December, check out the upcoming events that are taking place at the Georgia Shrimp Company!

All in all, everyone should visit The Georgia Shrimp Company as soon as you can.  I promise, you WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!

THE GEORGIA SHRIMP CO

100 NORTH PEACHTREE PARKWAY

General Information: <!--webbot bot="Substitution" s-variable="CompanyEmail" startspan -->Murph@georgiashrimpco.com<!--webbot bot="Substitution" i-checksum="12894" endspan -->

Telephone & Reservations:    770-631-9114B    770-631-9115F

Northstar Mortgage Group provides home loans to borrowers that are looking to purchase residential property in the southeastern United States.  Justin Messer is a Xinnix certified Loan Officer with Northstar Mortgage Group.  He has also been designated the ActiveRain Georgia Confirmed Loan Officer.

At Northstar Mortgage Group, we provide all sorts of residential mortgages.  Peachtree City, Georgia real estate financing includes

Peachtree City, Georgia real estate agents are a fantastic way to find the right home at the right price.  Homes for sale in Peachtree City, GA have begun to see a turnaround.  The turnaround has not necessarily taken off, but listings have started to move.  If you are thinking about listing your home or if you are simply new to the area and are in need of a great agent, then take a moment to review a few of the local offices. We have many fantastic real estate offices located in Peachtree City, Georgia.  These realtor offices are located all throughout the area.  A few brokerages that I highly recommend are

Obviously, there are many wonderful agents in Peachtree City, Georgia that can help you find the perfect home.  If you are looking to purchase, then there is no reason you should not have a real estate agent.  They can help you find the right property at the right price.  If you are a first time home buyer, then I highly recommend having an agent.  Agents will help you make sure you are protected with the proper contract contingencies such as a financing contingency and the appraisal contingency.  These contingencies allow you to receive a refund for your earnest money deposit if you are denied approval for a loan from your mortgage company or if the appraisal on the property comes in lower than the anticipated sales price. Peachtree City, Georgia real estate agents will also help you negotiate a sales price so that you are getting the deal that best meets your needs.  In today's market, the majority of seller's are more than willing to pay a portion of, if not all, closing costs.  So, if you are able to have your Peachtree City, Georgia real estate agent negotiate all the cloisng cost, then you will be in a fantastic position. 

To see how you can purchase a home with no down payment, no money out of pocket, and obtaining the first time home buyer tax credit, then visit my wealth creation blog to see how.

Before you speak with a real estate agent in Peachtree City, Georgia, its wise to be proactive and speak with a licensed mortgage professional from the local area.

Here is a GREAT source of valuable information!!!

Obama's extended first time home buyer tax credit was passed just moments ago!!!  There have been a few enhancements to the first time home buyer incentive program.  The Home buyers Tax Credit jumped its last hurdle yesterday, as the both the House and the Senate have passed the bill and it now has received the official signature President Obama!  The House voted 403-12 after the Senate unanimously approved the measure Wednesday night.  The president also signed the bill that will extend unemployment benefits.

And while we have been expecting this to happen for some time and have given you many details, let’s go over them one more time. For First Time Home-buyers or those who have not owned a home within 3 years, the tax credit remains at $8000, with income restrictions maxing out at $125,000 for singles and $225,000 for couples.  Current homeowners – those defined as having owned a home for five of the previous eight years – can now also take advantage of a credit, with the slightly lesser amount of $6500, with the income restrictions the same as described above.  To qualify for the new program, purchase agreements need to be signed by April 30^th and close by June 30^th.  For those in our armed forces, persons stationed outside the United States on official duty for 90 days during the period from January 1^st 2009 and before May 1^st 2010 will have eligibility extended for binding contracts signed before May 1^st, 2011 and closed before July 1^st, 2011.

This legislation is significant, and will give the housing industry the additional support we need to keep the real estate recovery going.

There are still many great loan programs out there for first time home buyers.  USDA rural housing loans and FHA loans are an excellent and extremely affordable way to take advantage of the home buyer tax credit regardless if you are a first time home buyer or if you are looking to purchase a primary residence.

If you or a friend missed out on the first tax credit, then you have been given one last chance to take advantage of a fantastic opportunity to put a little extra cash in your pocket, purchase a home at an incredible discount, and obtain a mortgage with interest rates at some of the lowest levels in history.  If you would like to see if you qualify for Obama's extended first time home buyer tax credit, then APPLY NOW or give me a call. 

Jusitn Messer | Northstar Mortgage Group

USDA Rural Housing History shows this government insured home loan program has had great success over the last 60 years and is gaining in popularity. 

In 1949, USDA's telecommunications loan program was established to provide telephone service to rural America. At the time, only one in three farms had access to telephone service. As it did with the rural electrification program, the Telephone Loan Program revolutionized the lives of millions of rural families and businesses by providing connectivity, access to emergency services and business activities that fueled economic growth. Today, Rural Utilities Service (formerly REA), provides loans and grants for telecommunication, electricity and water and environmental services. It is also administering a program, funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, to provide broadband service to under-served communities.

Also in 1949, passage of the Housing Act marked a turning point the nation's history by establishing the Farmer's Home Administration. To date, three million rural Americans have benefited by receiving housing loans, grants and guarantees totaling $124.6 billion.

USDA Rural Development's mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development fosters growth in home ownership, finances business development and supports the creation of critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting www.USDALoanExpert.com!

This week in the Economy: October 26th - 30th

Massive Treasury auctions and a big day of economic reports on Friday could combine for market-moving news throughout the week.  Currently, we are in a floating status for rate locks while mortgage bonds are trading sideways with potential to move higher.  If we can break through resistance, then mortgage rates should improve from their current levels.

Reports to Watch

The information below is a highlight of the reports due out this week. For more detailed information and insight, view the Economic Calendar, the Daily Market Update, and our exclusive Market News. And don’t forget, you can easily download the Economic Calendar to your Outlook Calendar to make sure you don’t miss important economic releases. Just click here to read instructions for downloading to Outlook.

• Consumer Confidence for October kicks off the week on Tuesday. Last month, confidence was reported at 53.1. This month’s report is expected to climb up slightly to 54.0.


• Coming after last week’s better-than-expected Existing Home Sales, New Home Sales for September will be reported on Wednesday. New Home Sales for August were reported at 429,000, slightly lower than expectations of 441,000. The inventory of unsold homes dropped to a 7.3-month supply--down from the previous reading of 7.5% and the lowest since January 2007. The report due out this week is expected to show an increase in New Home Sales to 440,000 for September.


• Durable Goods Orders will also be reported on Wednesday. Durable Goods Orders are considered a leading indicator of manufacturing activity, and the market often moves on this report despite the fact that its headline number is a less-than-perfect indicator of activity. Last month, Durable Goods Orders for August unexpectedly fell 2.4% for the largest decline since January. The report for September is expected to be reported at 0.7%.


• On Thursday, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and GDP Chain Deflator for the third quarter will be reported. The Chain Deflator is a key inflation measure included in the GDP Report. And since inflation is the archenemy of Bonds and home loan rates, this report could be a market mover. Unlike the Consumer Price Index--which is a more closely watched inflation indicator--the Chain Deflator has the advantage of not being a fixed basket of goods and services, so changes in consumption patterns or the introduction of new goods and services will be reflected in the Chain Deflator. GDP is expected to be reported at 3.1% compared to last quarter’s -0.7%, while the Chain Deflator is expected to come in at 1.3% from 0.0% last quarter.


• The all-important Core Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) and Year-Over-Year PCE will also be released this Friday. This is the Fed's favorite gauge of inflation so the markets will be playing close attention to this report.


• Friday also brings another look at Personal Income and Personal Spending. Personal Spending is expected to be reported at -0.4%, which would be down from last month’s reading of 1.3%. Personal Income is also expected to be down to 0.0% from last month’s reading of 0.2%.


• The Chicago PMI will be released on Friday as well. This is a big report for the markets because many industry experts use it to help predict the upcoming ISM report. Last month’s reading was reported at 46.1, and this month’s is expected to come in at 48.5 when it’s released.


• The Employment Cost Index (ECI) caps off the week of heavy hitters. This index is a comprehensive measure of labor costs and represents the price of labor as compensation per employee-hour worked, during the previous quarter. As such, the ECI is one way to evaluate wage trends and the risk of wage inflation, as well as possible price pressures. If wage inflation threatens, it is possible interest rates will rise through Bond prices dropping or Fed intervention.

The X Factor

This week, the Treasury Department auctions off a massive $123 Billion worth of Securities. That’s even more than anyone expected last week when the Treasury announced the amounts of this week auctions. Here’s how the auctions break down this week:

• $7 Billion in TIPS on Monday
• $44 Billion in 2-yr Notes on Tuesday
• $41 Billion in 5-yr Notes on Wednesday
• $31 Billion in 7-yr Notes on Thursday

This massive amount is enough to shake up the market all by itself if it isn’t received well. Then, when you combine that with the fact that the Fed’s purchase program of MBS is slowing and coming to an end, you can see how the X Factor has the potential to move the market this week as much as the heavy-hitting reports on tap.

The Bottom Line

Mortgage Bonds were able to stabilize last week but still closed below a key floor of support at the 200-Day Moving Average. The battle begins again this week.

Courtesy of Mortgage Market Guide