economy: Happy New Year - and back to business! - 01/08/08 09:51 AM
I hope that you, your family, and your friend's enjoyed an outstanding holiday season. Just like you, I am back to work and keeping busy in the Denver real estate market. The market is primed for buyer's to get outstanding deals in residential real estate. With so many people holding off … (1 comments)
|
economy: Credit Card New Year's Resolution Ideas - 01/08/08 09:25 AM
Check all of your credit cards that you carry balances on to confirm the current rate. You may be surprised to see that some of these rates are higher than you recall. Remember that credit card rates can be changed very frequently and easily by the issuer, and rarely in your … (1 comments)
|
economy: Foreclosures...WHO REALLY LOSES? - 01/08/08 09:23 AM
Over the past several months a steady stream of large financial companies have given notice of large losses that they are sustaining as a result of the credit crunch and sub-prime mortgage market issues. So the question is, who really loses when a company or in this case an industry loses … (0 comments)
|
economy: Federal Government Seeks to Prevent Economic Recession - 01/08/08 09:22 AM
Federal Government Seeks to Prevent Economic Recession Mortgage Home Loan and Housing Market Main Areas of Focus for Government By, Gaurav Bhola, MSM
The housing market corrections of 2007 may well continue into 2008. The government is scrambling to forestall any further market adjustments. The government wants to be proactive in avoiding … (0 comments)
|
economy: Economic Forcast for the Week of 1/7/08 - 01/08/08 09:21 AM
The economic event calendar slows down significantly this week, with only one meaningful report scheduled to arrive on Thursday - Initial Jobless Claims, giving a look at the most recent reports of filings for unemployment. Considering the recent stats on higher unemployment levels, this report will be given special attention.And notice … (0 comments)
|
economy: Economy Week In Review - 01/08/08 09:19 AM
last Friday's Jobs Report indicated that many more Americans than expected are not just imagining themselves without a job, they truly are without a job. The Unemployment Rate jumped up to 5.0% from 4.7%, and new job growth in December was reported at a paltry 18,000 jobs...with private-sector job growth actually … (0 comments)
|
economy: Americans Are $6.25 Billion More Wealthy Since September Because Of The Federal Reserve - 01/08/08 07:17 AM
Since September 2007, the Federal Reserve has lowered the Fed Funds Rate by 1.000%.
This has caused Prime Rate to fall by 1.000%, too. This is because the Fed Funds Rate and Prime Rate are directly related.
In mathematical terms, the relationship looks like this:
(Prime Rate) = … (1 comments)
|
economy: SIOUX FALLS BUCKS TRENDS NOT BRONCS - 01/07/08 05:55 PM
WE'RE NOT THE WILD WEST ANYMORE!
We have a rich history with stories of Wild Bill Hickock and Calamity Jane, Deadwod and the 1776 Gold rush, Crazy Horse and General Custer - Just watch "Deadwood" on HBO. The Presidents on Mount Rushmore watch over the Black Hills welcoming tourists from around the world. … (2 comments)
|
economy: Fort Hood Real Estate - Local Statistics For Future Home Buyers - 01/07/08 05:32 PM
Listen Up, Ya'll!
Here is it, straight from the horse's mouth! Year end numbers are finally tallied, and according to the Fort Hood Association of Realtors, home prices rose about 5% over 2006, while the number of homes sold last year is down about 10.73%.
Does this mean the market for Fort … (1 comments)
|
economy: Slow But Steady - Tucson Real Estate Market Analysis - 01/07/08 11:15 AM
While the national media still reports very bad news for the real estate market, our local Tucson market continues to stabilize slowly but surely. It is still a fantastic time for buyers because our inventory is still so high. However, I predict that within the next 12 months we will see … (1 comments)
|
economy: Buying Your Home At An Auction. - 01/07/08 08:17 AM
Buying properties at auctions Buying properties at auction certainty has its advantages but the pitfalls are plentiful. Shopping for real estate is always a trial, but buying a property at an auction-whether it's a Foreclosed unit sold by a lender or a new condo offered by a developer comes with a special set … (2 comments)
|
economy: New Years Perspective - 01/06/08 05:43 PM
A Brand New "Ball" Game
"I was in the drug store the other day. There's an entire wall of cold products: Well, this one is quick acting but this is long lasting. Which is more important, the present or the future?"JERRY SEINFELD
I see where Times Square erected a new "ball" this year. … (1 comments)
|
economy: FHA & the Real Estate Circle of Life. - 01/06/08 01:05 PM
There is some great news for home buyers (and sellers!) on it's way in. On December 14, 2007 the Senate passed a new law - the FHA Modernization Act of 2007.
What is this?
Essentially, this will help buyers by offering alternative ways of borrowing money that are much less risky than … (9 comments)
|
economy: MORTGAGE RATES IN A FREE FALL! 2008 WILL BE A YEAR OF RECOVERY - 01/06/08 11:01 AM
Happy New Year to all of my Real Estate Partners!
2008 will be the best year in Real Estate in many years. I know...you wonder what I'm drinking! I am stone cold sober when I say that. Here is why.
Since Spring of last year, I have been saying to you all that … (0 comments)
|
economy: Should we expect a BIG RATE CUT in the near future? - 01/06/08 10:29 AM
If Wall Street gets their way, they will.
Wall Street is pushing for the Federal Reserve to slash interest rates, after the unemployment rate sky rockets to 5% in December. Job growth came in well below forecasts. They predicted 70,000 jobs to be added, and it seems that only 18,000 jobs … (2 comments)
|
economy: Should we expect a BIG RATE CUT in the near future? - 01/06/08 10:25 AM
If Wall Street gets their way, they will.
Wall Street is pushing for the Federal Reserve to slash interest rates, after the unemployment rate sky rockets to 5% in December. Job growth came in well below forecasts. They predicted 70,000 jobs to be added, and it seems that only 18,000 jobs … (5 comments)
|
economy: Treasuries Post Best Start Since 2001 on Unemployment - 01/05/08 12:01 PM
The Treasury market had its best start to a year since 2001 after U.S. unemployment rose to the highest rate in more than two years and manufacturing expectedly contracted. The Federal Reserve will cut borrowing costs by a half-percentage point more than forecast to prevent a recession. Fed Chairman Ben S. … (0 comments)
|
economy: Fed May Not Avoid a Recession Even With More Rate Cuts - 01/05/08 11:56 AM
Bill Gross, manager of the world's biggest bond fund, said the Federal Reserve may not be able to avoid a recession even if central bank policy makers lower borrowing costs by at least another percentage point. Wow! Scary News for sure!Hiring in the U.S. slowed more than forecast in December and … (4 comments)
|
economy: I'm about ready to give up!! - 01/05/08 02:18 AM
2008 has been rough, here we are, 4 days into the year, and I haven't sold a thing. When is it going to change? I thought by now the market would be on the rebound and there would be buyers and sellers knocking on my door to help them with their … (13 comments)
|
economy: More Good News - Beyond the Headlines - 01/05/08 12:26 AM
Unemployment is low and has been holding steady for the past two years. US personal income held steady in 2007 as well. GDP (Gross Domestic Product) forecast is projecting growth in 2008. Home mortgage interest rates remain historically low. All of these factors point to a stable US Economy.
It's a … (0 comments)
|
economy: NJ Governor To Hold Town Meetings In January 2008 - 01/05/08 12:09 AM
New Jersey Governor Corzine will be holding 21 town hall meetings to discuss financial restructuring and debt reduction in New Jersey.The meetings, starting January 12, 2008, will be open to the public and held throughout the state and at various times of the day. You must RSVP in order to attend.View the … (0 comments)
|
economy: High Unemployment bodes well for interest rates...unfortunately. - 01/04/08 10:56 AM
Today's Market CommentaryThe curve steepened slightly on Thursday with the two-year's yield falling 5bp while the ten-year was little changed and the yield on the long-bond rose a touch. Trading activity was light ahead of today's payroll report. This morning, bond prices are sharply higher with two to five-year yields down … (0 comments)
|
economy: $100 Oil Could Mean More Than High Gas Prices For Americans - 01/03/08 02:06 PM
The price of oil briefly touched $100 per barrel yesterday, just short of the all-time inflation-adjusted high of $102.81 in April 1980. According to economic forecasting firm Global Insight, each $10-per-barrel increase in oil prices: Increases gas prices by 19 per gallon Cuts consumer spending by one-third of a percent Reduces … (3 comments)
|
economy: Should Lie Detector Tests be Mandatory to All Real Estate Professionals? - 01/02/08 06:39 PM
Well this subprime problem to the economy is akin to the climate cliff of the Doom and Gloom Global Warming Alarmists. There are many factors involved here, even some overseas providing huge amounts of capital to financial markets for home loans. Everyone is busy blaming everyone else and the lawyers are … (22 comments)
|
economy: Some Positive news for Realtors and Home buyers in -08 - 01/02/08 12:39 PM
Some positive news for Realtors in -08 In spite of all the bad news reports as of late regarding the nations housing, there is plenty of good news, the most recent of which comes from NAR, the National Association Of Realtors. Laurence Yun, the chief economist for NAR, has plenty of good news … (2 comments)
|
economy: Year End Summary....pretty crazy no matter how you slice it!!! - 01/02/08 11:37 AM
1. After several twists and turns, the story that we laid out a year ago has indeed played out -- a persistent downturn in the housing market that persuaded the FOMC to ease policy aggressively in order to reduce the risk of a sharp economic downturn. We believe that this story has further … (2 comments)
|
economy: Today's Market Commentary - 01/02/08 11:16 AM
Today's Market CommentaryAs stock prices fell, bond prices rose on Friday to close the year on a strong note. It was the third straight day of gains. The only economic news, existing home sales, unexpectedly rising and demonstrating stability with sales being virtually unchanged for the past three months even as … (0 comments)
|
economy: Market Update - Marysville 20007 Snapshot - 01/01/08 10:25 AM
Let's close 2007 with a quick snapshot of what is going on in our market place today. The supply and demand in real estate is best gauged by looking at the number of pending sales. Here is a snapshot of what our market looks like today in Marysville for residential homes.What … (2 comments)
|
economy: Market Update - Camano Island 2007 Snapshot - 12/31/07 03:57 PM
Let's close 2007 with a quick snapshot of what is going on in our market place today. The supply and demand in real estate is best gauged by looking at the number of pending sales. Here is a snapshot of what our market looks like today on Camano Island for residential … (0 comments)
|
economy: Market Update - Stanwood 2007 Snapshot - 12/31/07 03:51 PM
Let's close 2007 with a quick snapshot of what is going on in our market place today. The supply and demand in real estate is best gauged by looking at the number of pending sales. Here is a snapshot of what our market looks like today in Stanwood for residential homes.What … (8 comments)
|
economy: Market Update - Arlington 2007 Snapshot - 12/31/07 03:46 PM
Let's close 2007 with a quick snapshot of what is going on in our market place today. The supply and demand in real estate is best gauged by looking at the number of pending sales. Here is a snapshot of what our market looks like today in Arlington for residential homes.What … (0 comments)
|
economy: Market and economic predictions for the new year - 12/31/07 11:23 AM
Since the fad this time of year in the blogging world seems to be making predictions of what will happen in the next year, I think I'll make some of my own. Given that one of my primary interests is markets and economics I'll make my predictions mainly surrounding those topics. … (35 comments)
|
economy: Bring Back the Non Qualifying Assumable Loan! - 12/31/07 09:09 AM
I am one of those people that was around during the recession of the 1980's. My husband and I bought our first home during that time. The ONLY reason we were able to buy it was due to the Non Qualifying Assumable Loan. It wasnt that we had bad credit. We … (5 comments)
|
economy: Humble Dwellings, Negative Equity and Walk-Aways in an Ownership Society - 12/31/07 12:55 AM
Humble Dwellings
As we watch the real estate market pull back slightly in the United States it appears that the equity level averages are at an all time low. Where as we are coming off an all time high of home ownership the contrast is a little troubling. Home ownership is good … (0 comments)
|
economy: What is on tap for the Economy in 2008. - 12/30/07 08:50 PM
As the real estate market moves past 2007, those of the professionals who are still in it, who weren't in it for a quick buck, will likely see the beginning of a turnaround. This isn't just good willed thinking, and I will give you the reasons for the provided optimism.The first … (1 comments)
|
economy: NPR article: Subprime Bailout: Good Idea or 'Moral Hazard'? - 12/30/07 08:39 PM
I found this interesting article on the NPR website. Should we as taxpayers be bailing out a homeowner that got in too far and borrowed more than they could afford? Is it their fault that the housing market collapsed just as they were starting to invest in real estate? Or should … (7 comments)
|
economy: NAR Forecast: This Slowdown We Can Handle - 12/29/07 01:40 PM
The economy is slowing. In the fourth quarter, GDP growth will have shrunk for the first time since the 2001 recession. The projected decline is only 0.4 percent, but it is nonetheless a decline. No worries though. This NAR article discusses why, projecting forecasts for 2008 and discussing what the different segments … (1 comments)
|
economy: Treasuries Gain After New Home Sales Decline to a 12-Year Low - 12/28/07 11:36 PM
Treasuries rose the most in more than two weeks and headed for the best annual returns since 2002 after a government report showed sales of new homes in the U.S. declined to a 12-year low last month. Ten-year note yields fell to the lowest level in a week after the Commerce … (5 comments)
|
economy: Treasuries Gain After New Home Sales Fall to a 12-Year Low - 12/28/07 10:02 AM
Treasuries rose the most in more than two weeks and headed for the best year since 2002 after a government report showed sales of new homes in the U.S. declined to a 12-year low last month.
Ten-year note yields fell to the lowest level in a week as the housing … (1 comments)
|
economy: Foreclosures. It goes back to supply & demand (Part 1) - 12/27/07 05:29 PM
Think about it this way. Real Estate is all about supply and demand. In my area, almost all short sales and foreclosures are listed through our multiple listing service. These homes are available on the market, just like all the other homes in the area. Good investors do not like to … (2 comments)
|
economy: Mortgage Forgiveness Act offers more relief for some families - 12/27/07 10:08 AM
December 21, 2007 Last month, I wrote a post, called “Maybe the IRS isn’t so bad after all? Oh wait, never mind” about the IRS rules on taxation of cancelled debt as income. Basically, the rules say that with a few exceptions, if a homeowner’s lender agrees to a short … (0 comments)
|
economy: Mortgage Rates Head Back Up As lending Standards Tighten - 12/26/07 03:05 PM
Hello and Happy Holidays to all of my friends in Real Estate
One week ago I wrote to alert you to a rally in the mortgage backed bond market that had mortgage rates headed down once again. This market is extremely volatile and very complicated. In the week since my last post, mortgage bonds … (1 comments)
|
economy: Weekend Surge Fails to Salvage U.S. Holiday Sales - 12/26/07 10:25 AM
Last-minute purchases over the pre- Christmas weekend failed to salvage what may be the slowest- growing holiday spending season in five years.
Sales at stores open more than 12 months rose 2.8 percent last week...Retailers began cutting prices today to clear out merchandise left over from the weekend spending surge
Macy's … (0 comments)
|
economy: What if the Real Estate Prices Always Went Up? - 12/26/07 02:44 AM
We have all heard the saying what goes up must come down. We hear stock brokers tell us to buy low and sell high, then when it goes down again, repeat that process. We know from physics class that "for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction" and it … (2 comments)
|
economy: Treasuries Fall as Rising U.S. Stocks Reduce Appeal of Debt - 12/24/07 09:57 AM
Treasury notes fell as U.S. stock indexes gained, reducing investor interest in the safety of government debt.
Equities rose as Merrill Lynch & Co. sold most of its commercial finance business to General Electric Co. Treasuries are poised for their best year since 2002 on expectations the Federal Reserve will keep … (0 comments)
|
economy: Automated Parking Garages and Commerical Real Estate Discussed - 12/22/07 01:26 AM
In the future automated parking garages will certainly be everywhere, as robotic cars approach they will automatically sync with the automatic parking garages and be guided in like the Shuttle Craft of the Star Ship Enterprise. Sounds too way out for you? Well it shouldn't as we already have several automatic … (1 comments)
|
economy: Why the dip in housing starts and permits is actually a good thing - 12/22/07 01:26 AM
December 19, 2007 When I heard on the news yesterday that housing construction starts had fallen in November – down 3.7% across the U.S. from October and off 24% from November of last year – I was happy. That’s right. The dip in housing construction starts and permits is actually … (3 comments)
|
economy: Bush's Resignation Speech - 12/21/07 01:37 PM
Subject: BUSH'S RESIGNATION SPEECH If Bush resigned today, this is what his speech would be..... Normally, I start these things out by saying 'My Fellow Americans.' Not doing it this time. If the polls are any indication, I don't know who more than half of you are anymore. I do … (0 comments)
|
economy: Short Sale Tax Foregiveness Bill signed - 12/21/07 12:38 PM
President Bush signed into law today a new measure giving tax breaks to homeowners who have mortgage debt forgiven. Under preexisting law, the debt forgiven by a lender, such as for short sales and refinances, was generally taxable to the borrower as debt discharge income. With the passage of the Mortgage … (5 comments)
|
economy: What do the economic tea leaves predict now???? - 12/21/07 12:14 PM
So the market is up 170 points today. The Fed has promised to do what ever it takes to keep credit markets in play....see report , and consumer spending is through the roof....see report . Hasn't anyone heard that we're in the worst real estate market in over 16 years and … (3 comments)
|
economy: FICO Score Changes - 12/20/07 09:02 PM
Fair Isaac Corporation is becoming more fair with the release of FICO 08. This new system will better reflect a potential borrowers ability to repay pay taking simple steps in correcting some of the issues raised by consumer groups. When you think about it, a FICO score can be the most … (5 comments)
|
economy: Paul Krugman's Google Interview about the economy - 12/20/07 03:39 PM
Paul Krugman is one of our leading economists. In addition to his twice-weekly column at the New York Times he is a professor of economics and international affairs at Princeton University. He's a keen observer of politics, the economy, and the markets and his just released a new book on economic … (0 comments)
|
economy: U.S. Treasuries Gain on Concern Subprime Writedowns to Increase - 12/20/07 12:25 PM
U.S. Treasuries rose on speculation financial institutions will post more writedowns related to subprime mortgages, boosting demand for the safety of government debt.
One-month bill yields fell to the lowest since August after Bear Stearns Cos., the second-biggest underwriter of U.S. mortgage bonds, reported a loss and said it would take … (1 comments)
|
economy: Don't be fooled... - 12/20/07 03:43 AM
Wow, it's been over two weeks since I've posted a blog. Well, I apologize to all three of you that subscribe to my blog. Seriously, I only have three subscribers. Can't say that I blame you. I'm not too consistent at posting my stats. Fortunately, it's because I've been extremely busy! So, I'm not … (0 comments)
|
economy: Subprime rate freeze: who will it help? - 12/20/07 01:04 AM
December 14, 2007 Last week, the Bush Administration, mortgage lenders, and investors together agreed on a plan to freeze certain subprime rates for 5 years. The negotiations, between Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, and mortgage industry executives, came in the face of 2 million looming mortgage adjustments. The plan, proponents say, … (0 comments)
|
economy: Fed endorses rules to curb shady lending - 12/19/07 01:14 PM
The Fed, which has regulatory powers over the nation's banking system, is proposing:Restricting lenders from penalizing certain subprime borrowers - those with tarnished credit or low incomes - who pay off their loans early. The restriction would apply to loans that meet certain conditions, including that the penalty expire at least … (0 comments)
|
economy: Arlington, WA - December 2007 Snapshot - 12/19/07 12:05 PM
The supply and demand in real estate is best gauged by looking at the number of pending sales. Here is a snapshot of what our market looks like today in Arlington for residential homes.What does this data mean? Based on the number of total homes for sale, buyers have a lot … (0 comments)
|
economy: Treasuries Rise on Concern Financial Market Turmoil to Persist - 12/19/07 08:49 AM
U.S. 10-year Treasuries gained a third day on speculation central banks will fail to restore confidence to financial markets and keep economic growth from slowing.
Government debt also rose as Morgan Stanley, the second- biggest U.S. securities firm, reported a fourth-quarter loss after a $9.4 billion writedown on mortgage-related investments. The … (0 comments)
|
economy: INTEREST RATE ALERT! RATES HEADED DOWN AS BONDS RALLY! - 12/19/07 08:17 AM
Hi, again
Well...here we may be going again! We are in the middle of a three day Mortgage Bond rally with interest rates starting to head down. On Wall Street, the futures look negative with Morgan Stanley reporting their first quarterly loss ever in their 84 year history. Once again, elements of … (0 comments)
|
economy: Stanwood, WA - December 2007 Snapshot - 12/18/07 07:14 PM
The supply and demand in real estate is best gauged by looking at the number of pending sales. Here is a snapshot of what our market looks like today in Stanwood for residential homes.What does this data mean? Based on the number of total homes for sale, buyers have a lot … (0 comments)
|
economy: Camano Island, WA - December 2007 Snapshot - 12/18/07 07:07 PM
The supply and demand in real estate is best gauged by looking at the number of pending sales. Here is a snapshot of what our market looks like today on Camano Island for residential homes.What does this data mean? Based on the number of total homes for sale, buyers have a … (0 comments)
|
economy: Glendale Arizona Hails Super Bowl XLII - 12/18/07 02:26 PM
Wow! Wow! and wow! What a great place to live! It's a first for Glendale Residents, it's time to reveal our, "New, State-of-the-Art, Climate Controlled, with Retractable Roof, Movable Wall, and Roll Out Field...TO THE WORLD!!! First the 2007 American Idol winner and now a Super Bowl in our home town. Yes, we're loving every minute … (1 comments)
|
economy: Home Building at 16 year low and going down - 12/18/07 11:49 AM
Construction of new homes have officially fallen to the lowest level in 16 years. While this may help existing spec home sales, the drop will continue to erode the economy.
Single-family home starts were reduced to an annual rate of less then 830,000 units per year, at one point this number was nearing the … (0 comments)
|
economy: How to Tell Where Your Market is Headed - 12/17/07 10:35 PM
by M. Anthony Carr I've had several friends come up to me in the last few weeks and ask: "Is this a good time to sell my house?" or "Is this a good time to buy a house?" Let me preface my 700-word answer with this: If nobody panics, we'll all … (4 comments)
|
economy: There is no secret plan. - 12/17/07 04:52 PM
There are more and more companies than ever before that will show you the "secret to success in real estate." Add to that the issue that so much information is available online, everyone has become an "expert" in real estate and you have quite a mess on your hands. Today, not … (13 comments)
|
economy: Boom & Bust Cycles - A Real Estate Primer - 12/17/07 12:40 PM
If you read my rant at the media in this column a couple months back, you remember one of the things I told you was how the media tends to generalize. If you believe what you read and see in the mainstream media, network TV, syndicated columns, etc., you're laboring under … (0 comments)
|
economy: Alliance Title Closes Operations in California - Due To Slow Housing Market - 12/17/07 03:08 AM
The slow down in the real estate industry is evident with title companies consolidating offices and now Alliance Title Company in California has shut down operations. The Elk Grove building that one of my office is in had an Alliance Title Company's office, but it closed down a couple of months ago. … (8 comments)
|
economy: What Does Green Really Mean? - 12/16/07 10:16 AM
I've been thinking about this for a while. There is a lot of hoopla regarding green building and green lifestyle these days. There are certainly many levels of greenness and I applaud you for whatever level you have reached. Unfortunately, being truly green is a lot more complex than it might … (6 comments)
|
economy: Let the Fingerpointing Begin - Real Estate Fraud - 12/15/07 02:34 PM
When the market heads south, as it has done spectacularly in the recent past, people are always looking for whom to blame. As long as the fingers are pointed comfortably in other directions, they are justified in assigning guilt to most any party who has been involved in even the most … (6 comments)
|
economy: 2008 will be remembered for economic resilience... - 12/15/07 12:21 PM
There once was a day, not long ago, when it seemed as though lenders would simply check to feel if a borrower had a pulse before they would print loan docs for a $600,000 home purchase. Mortgage Company owners in 2003 - 2005 attempted to entice some of us mortgage originators to join their companies from the cockpit of their new Ferrari or with partnerships … (0 comments)
|
economy: Citing slowing economic growth, the Fed cuts rates again - 12/14/07 01:11 AM
December 12, 2007
Yesterday the Federal Reserve decided again to lower the federal funds target rate by another 0.25% -- to 4.25%. From the Fed’s press release:
“Incoming information suggests that economic growth is slowing, reflecting the intensification of the housing correction and some softening in business and consumer spending. … (1 comments)
|
economy: Observations on the Housing 'Crisis'. - 12/13/07 07:05 PM
In the past month or so, I've talked with economists from the California and National Association of Realtors, Dr. John Husing, the CEO's of Coldwell Banker, Prudential and Re/Max as well as a Deputy Director of the FED. They are all in agreement on the housing situation - they don't know … (30 comments)
|
economy: "One-Stop-Website" for Costa Rica Real Estate & Information - 12/13/07 11:01 AM
When I first decided to create a website for my business, I did it because of the frustrations I had experienced when looking at other websites trying to find information on Costa Rica real estate and other related issues.
My frustration wasn't that there weren't websites out there with information on Costa … (2 comments)
|
economy: Today's Market News...really ain't that all new - 12/13/07 09:43 AM
Today's Market CommentaryThe past 48 hours have been among the most confusing in years as the Fed, by delaying its announcement of its liquidity facility for 18 hours after the FOMC meeting, created wild market swings and added to concerns that they are behind the curve. Bond prices plunged on Wednesday, … (1 comments)
|
economy: What's caused the rebound in our mortgage markets today? - 12/12/07 02:01 PM
Stock markets were disappointed in the Fed's Tuesday policy decision, mainly that the Discount rate (the rate the Fed lends to banks) wasn't trimmed by 0.5 percentage point. The takeaway was that the cut was insufficient given the worry over further damage to the financial sector. The gains in bonds were … (0 comments)
|
economy: Why the Feds Needs To Stop Cutting the Interest Rate! - 12/11/07 05:08 PM
I know some of you are going to disagree and probably argue about this but we really need to stop lowering the federal funds rate, and here's why.First we need to consider all the aspects of what is going on right now in the economy. Overall the economy is still doing … (2 comments)
|
economy: Treasuries Rise Most in Three Years as Fed Rate Cuts Disappoint - 12/11/07 03:36 PM
Treasuries rose the most in more than three years on concern that the Federal Reserve's quarter- point reductions in borrowing costs won't be enough to avoid the risk of recession. The rally pushed yields on two-year notes, more sensitive to expectations of further rate cuts than longer-maturity debt, back below 3 … (2 comments)
|
economy: Real Estate 101 - 12/11/07 03:13 PM
I was recently reading an article by Denise Lones, MIRM, CSP with The Lones Group in Bellingham, WA and boy did she hit the nail on the head!
Real Estate follows the rules of basic economics - supply and demand. The supply and demand in real estate is the same as the … (11 comments)
|
economy: Fed cuts again, .25% rate cut Dec 11th - 12/11/07 01:40 PM
Well, as I've been saying, they have cut once again this month, only cutting the discount and fed funds rate .25%, there was some speculation of a .50% cut, but that didn't happen. Now what does this mean? Well, Home Equity lines of credit will improve, credit cards, car loans, etc, … (8 comments)
|
economy: Fed Makes it's Move....Merry Christmas - 12/11/07 01:26 PM
Borrowers Get Year-End Gift from Fed The Federal Reserve lowered interest rates today for the third straight meeting of the FOMC. What does this mean? Well, if you're looking to capture the best home loan rates, you need to act now. For those with an application already in process, you should … (0 comments)
|
economy: Why Credit Card Holders May Benefit from The Fed's Actions Today - 12/11/07 12:28 PM
The Federal Open Market Committee meets today and will release a public statement at 2:15 P.M. ET.
It is widely expected that the FOMC will lower the Fed Funds Rate by at least 0.250%.
When the FOMC lowers the Fed Funds Rate, it is trying to "loosen" credit for … (2 comments)
|
economy: Today's Market prior to the Fed Move - 12/11/07 09:25 AM
Today's Market CommentaryYields rose again on Monday, bringing the rise over the past week (since Monday, December 3) to 30bp across the curve. Stocks were fairly strong and financial stocks enjoyed a continued recovery, partially in response to news of significant cash infusions, despite continued losses. MBIA announced that they will … (0 comments)
|
economy: "The Sky is Falling" - 12/10/07 04:16 PM
Is it true? For months how the media has been talking about how bad the economy is, and now I heard on the radio this morning it is gonna get worse! Yes, "Oh the economy was good, yesterday, but it looks like it's going to be so bad tomorrow.
First of all, … (5 comments)
|
economy: Cause and Effect! - 12/10/07 02:47 PM
Real estate is experiencing an unusual adjustment these days. Unusual, because in the past, sales declined due to either high interest rates or economic slowdowns. Neither of those factors exist right now, so where does the blame lie?
Quite frankly, one of the biggest reasons that home prices rose to such artificially … (0 comments)
|
economy: Arizona Housing Market Outlook... Not So Dour? - 12/10/07 01:31 PM
There is a silver lining to the "dour" Arizona housing market and economic outlook reported yesterday by the AZ Republic.
I have to put my two cents' worth into the discussion on the Housing Market after a misleading headline appeared on the front page of the AZ Republic 12/6/07.
The headline reads: "Housing market … (3 comments)
|
economy: NAR Raises Forecast for 08 - 12/10/07 12:43 PM
The revised monthly forecast from the National Association of Realtors, which followed nine straight months of downward revisions, calls for U.S. existing home sales to fall 12.5 percent this year to 5.67 million - the lowest level since 2002. Last month, the association predicted 5.66 million existing homes would be sold … (1 comments)
|
economy: Bonds Stabilize Ending Deterioration - 12/10/07 10:08 AM
Today's Market CommentaryMarket focus is now on the Fed with a 70% plus chance of a 25bp cut at this weeks FOMC meeting based on CBOT futures trading. If the decision is not for a 25bp cut, a greater probability is assigned to a 50bp cut than to no change. A … (0 comments)
|
economy: U.S. Notes Advance; Traders Forecast Fed to Cut Rates Tomorrow - 12/09/07 08:43 PM
U.S. Treasury 10-year notes rose, ending four days of losses, on expectations slowing economic growth will lead the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates tomorrow for a third time this year. Investors expect reduced access to credit to last beyond the first three months of 2008.Financial futures on the Chicago Board … (1 comments)
|
economy: Mortgages, Auto Loans, Personal Credit and the Economy. - 12/09/07 05:26 PM
Everyone knows that mortgage defaults are at an all time high. It is true here in Omaha as it is across the country. In case you have been living under a rock, here are just a few of the hundreds of articles that came up on a search for "mortgage default":
Existing … (2 comments)
|
economy: More Thoughts on the Bush Administration's Rate Freeze Plan - 12/08/07 10:02 PM
A few days ago, I made some comments about the new rate freeze plan based on the details that were out at the time. See Help on the Horizon for Sub-Prime Borrowers? Now that more details are known, I am a lot more skeptical about the positive effect that this plan … (6 comments)
|
economy: Today's Mortgage Market Deterioration - 12/07/07 12:30 PM
Yields rose rather sharply on Thursday for the third straight day, leaving the curve slightly higher than Friday's close. The Paulson plan to stave off some foreclosures found criticism from both sides, those saying it's not broad enough and those saying it goes too far (isn't that the definition of the … (0 comments)
|
economy: Treasury 10-Year Notes Fall as Job Growth Exceeds Forecast Again! - 12/07/07 09:14 AM
Treasury 10-year notes fell after a government report showed employers added more jobs in November than economists forecast, suggesting the economy is weathering the worst housing slump in 16 years. Yields on the benchmark securities were headed for their first weekly increase since October as traders reduced bets that the Federal … (0 comments)
|
economy: Experts at the Economic Forecast Luncheon Say: Cloud of Uncertainty Hangs Over the Economy - 12/07/07 01:28 AM
December 5, 2007 As part of my series of posts on the Phoenix housing market and the Arizona economy in general, today I’m writing from the 44th Annual Economic Forecast Luncheon. Experts at the 44th Annual Chase/W. P. Carey Economic Forecast Luncheon (including S&P’s Chief Economist, JP Morgan Chase’s Senior … (1 comments)
|
economy: Great Time to Shop for a home? Really? According to Mortgage News Daily it is.... - 12/06/07 11:18 PM
Depending on the data you are looking at, national average home prices are down significantly. On average, this trend will continue, but consider three things. First, the hardest-hit markets drag down the average depreciation. Second, mid to high priced homes were more inflated than entry level housing. When those homes depreciate, … (3 comments)
|
economy: Bush's Subprime Rescue Plan Coincides With Sobering Delinquency Report - 12/06/07 11:12 PM
As reported in the Mortgage Daily News, Several hours before President Bush announced the details of his administrations plans to assist homeowners who are facing foreclosure the Mortgage Bankers Association released its delinquency survey for the third quarter.
The survey showed that the number of loans in the foreclosure process and the … (0 comments)
|
economy: Loan Limits for High Cost States - 12/06/07 04:08 PM
California is the 3rd highest cost state in the nation. Survival depends greatly on raising the Conforming Loan Limits. The Federal Reserve should lower the Fed. Funds Rate, however, there is another part of the equation, that many people are not aware of outside of certain circles, Why are so many lenders … (1 comments)
|
economy: Treasuries Fall on Bets U.S. Subprime Plan to Support Economy - 12/06/07 09:18 AM
Treasuries fell on speculation a U.S. government plan to curb foreclosures on home loans will limit the risk of recession in the world's largest economy. All U.S. debt securities yield less than the Federal Reserve's target rate for overnight lending between banks!!There will certainly be a cut in borrowing costs on … (0 comments)
|
economy: Weathering the Storm of the Slipping Dollar - 12/06/07 05:07 AM
The greenback has been slipping against the euro, the Chinese Yuan, and the pound for the past nine months or so, reaching record lows amidst a global credit crunch and plummeting real estate prices. What does this mean for US growth? According to the Federal Reserve, projected economic growth will slow … (2 comments)
|
economy: Help on the Horizon for Sub-Prime Borrowers? - 12/06/07 01:13 AM
The problem with the housing market has certainly reached a crescendo in recent months and has gained the attention of the Bush administration recently. The current suggestion is to put a five-year rate freeze on sub-prime mortgages that are currently being paid on time at introductory rates, but are scheduled to … (29 comments)
|
economy: To Bailout or Not To Bailout - 12/04/07 07:02 PM
During lunch today we had a very interesting conversation about the housing market. Here are some key observations:1) In some areas on the country (Orange County, San Francisco, New York) the ability to purchase a home without some creative financing is next to impossible during this last run up in home … (3 comments)
|
