Real estate blog entries tagged with inflation

Blog entries tagged with "inflation":

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inflation: FOMC Minutes: What do they mean to the borrower & rates? - 05/21/08 12:36 PM

FOMC Minutes Each bar = $160,000

The Federal Open Market Committee consists of the seven Governors of the Federal Reserve Board and five Federal Reserve Bank presidents. The FOMC meets eight times a year in order to determine the near-term direction of monetary policy. Changes in monetary policy are … (0 comments)

inflation: How Will The US Economy Recover? - 05/19/08 01:02 AM

You would probably have to have been living on a remote desert island for the better part of two years to not see any signs of the slowdown in the economy of the United States. Since August of 2007, the real estate market has been reeling from plummeting house prices, due … (3 comments)

inflation: Media coverage of Chattanooga real estate market - 05/17/08 07:51 PM

Recently the Chattanooga Association of REALTORS released its 1Q 2008 report, which showed what I thought were very encouraging numbers. And I posted that opinion in a previous blog.
The headline in the Chattanooga Times Free Press gave a different interpretation. The headline in Wednesday's Business Briefs was Local housing sales … (0 comments)

inflation: The History of Postage Rates - 05/12/08 04:42 PM

With the unexciting increase in the cost of a stamp from 41c to 42c I wondered how rates have increased over time. I found a few sites that had some interesting information on what it cost to mail a 1 Ounce letter over the years.
1885 - 2c *** 1985 - 22c … (1 comments)

inflation: Victory Garden And Postage Stamps - 05/11/08 12:04 PM

In our last episode we recommended that you start a Victory Garden. Subsequentlly food prices in general have begun to skyrocket with some food staples unavailable at any price...On February 5, 2008 the us intelligence advised the senate that the US was a failed state...Importantly they spoke in a deniable manner, … (1 comments)

inflation: How The 84,000 Parts Of Inflation Impact Mortgage Rates - 05/09/08 11:27 AM

When the everyday "Cost of Living" increases, our dollars don't go as far as they used to. Economists call this inflation.
One popular method of measuring inflation is to track prices for 84,000 individual items and lump them together into a "basket". If the overall price is higher, then the economy … (0 comments)

inflation: In God We Trust - All Debts Forgiven - 05/07/08 09:40 PM

If we don't learn from history it will repeat itself. I don't know who said that, but look around.
Speaking of history, have you ever read Genisis and Exodus in the Holy Bible? Remember in Exodus the part about the forgiveness of debt after 7 years? Every 7 years anyone who owed you … (6 comments)

inflation: Inflation and Reverse Mortgages - Shoud You Be Concerned? - 05/06/08 11:51 AM

From the Reverse Mortgage City Media Center. Written by Rogan McGillis
Every time you open a newspaper or turn on the t.v. you are being bombarded with the talk of rising food prices, gas prices, and higher inflation. The last year has seen the Fed slashing interest rates trying to get lenders … (1 comments)

inflation: Commodities Stoke Inflation Fears - 05/02/08 04:07 AM

On April 30th, the Federal Reserve announced a cut in their main interest rate by 25 basis points, to 2% from 2.25%. This is the seventh such cut by the US central bank since the beginning of the credit crunch some eight months ago, totaling 3.25% in cuts to the key … (1 comments)

inflation: Making English Out Of Fed-Speak (April 2008 Edition) - 05/01/08 09:05 AM

The Fed lowered the Fed Funds Rate by a quarter-percent to 2.000% yesterday afternoon.
Because it is tied to the Fed Funds Rate, Prime Rate also fell by a quarter-percent. Prime Rate is now 5.000%.
Holders of home equity lines of credit and credit card debt benefited from the change and will see lower interest … (1 comments)

inflation: Stock Markets slip could mean good news to mortgage rates - 04/30/08 05:59 PM

The Fed once again made the call to drop the interest rate, but also left trailings that the cuts will be coming to an end. This ripple caused the stock market to slip and lose traction. Although a negative in most aspects, it could indicate some rate improvements on the way.
Benchmark … (0 comments)

inflation: FED DROPS RATE 1/2%|MORTGAGE RATE DROP TO FOLLOW? - 04/30/08 05:20 PM

Mortgage rates have not moved much over the last few months as the Fed has droped the discount rate. In fact, the latest movement has been to the upside. Inflation, or the fear of inflation is what drives the fixed rate loans and the Fed still fears signs of inflation and … (0 comments)

inflation: April Consumer Confidence Falls - No Duh! - 04/29/08 11:12 AM

April Consumer Confidence Falls is todays's headlines. Are you surprised? I'm not! The price of a gallon of gas is about $2 a gallon more than I would like to pay for it. Every time I go to a restaurant I cannot help but notice that the prices have gone up. The … (17 comments)

inflation: Fed Rate Cut Likely As Inflation Rears It's Ugly Head - 04/28/08 04:08 PM

Fed rate cut is possible on Wedsnday, which will lower the rates on your credit cards, home equity lines of credit, and automobile loans to 5%. Most are anticipating a small interest rate cut of one quarter percentage point, since inflation is looming around with higher energy costs, and food prices … (0 comments)

inflation: Looking Back And Looking Ahead : April 28, 2008 - 04/28/08 01:44 PM

Mortgage markets lost ground last week on inflation concerns and a general feeling that "the worst may be over" on Wall Street.
As investors moved money into the stock market, mortgage rates ticked higher for the second straight week.
The biggest story from last week was the rising cost of gasoline.
Rising energy costs … (1 comments)

inflation: Market Schizophrenia - rates relatively stable - 04/24/08 11:24 AM

I'm back after a brief hiatus, took some time to chill out a bit...
Investors are having a hard time digesting and responding to the barrage of news pointing in two directions at once - inflation and recession. So which is it? Depends on the day you look. So neither stocks nor … (0 comments)

inflation: Starbucks blames the mortgage industry for losses -Has the code been broken? - 04/23/08 07:19 PM

Can you believe it. Understanding that the mortgage industry impacts many different markets, effects housing, trickles into spending..ect. But who would have thought that the industry would be to blame for coffee sold at grande prices. Remember that SB was reformatting their business model prior to the mortgage crunch.
Maybe that's where … (0 comments)

inflation: Rising Gas Prices! How are You Compensating? - 04/21/08 11:07 PM

First of all gasoline has now hit a pain threshold. I'm yelling uncle at over $3.50 a gallon of regular gas in Atlanta. Atlanta first of all is a driving town. We have mass transit, but it really is a novelty as opposed to a full functioning system. It is very … (109 comments)

inflation: Equity, Real Estate to Beat Inflation! - 04/21/08 08:40 PM

The term inflation refers to a rise in the general price levels. Inflation is measured by an index which is calculated by taking into consideration a set of goods and services, and then the prices of the items in that set are compared to prices one year ago. In India, inflation … (1 comments)

inflation: The joys of communism - 04/19/08 10:51 AM

While we worry here about inflation that some predict will reach 6 or maybe even 8% by the end of the year, spare a thought for the people of Zimbabwe.
Having been under a communist dictator for years, inflation has now reached an unbelievable 165,000%! And the bank note pictured here will bearly … (23 comments)

inflation: Poverty is on the rise - 04/18/08 01:41 AM

I know some will disagree, but the old saying "The rich get richer and the poor get poorer" is becoming more real everyday. We have executives cashing in millions while their company files for bankruptcy, and their stockholders loosing their investment. Retirement pensions and IRA's loosing value and dwindling down to a worthless piece of … (6 comments)

inflation: Rates, Rates, Rates...Where Art Thou Going??? - 04/15/08 03:09 PM

My hope is to shed a little light on why mortgage rates go up/down and to better equip you to see through all of the smoke and form your own opinion as to "how mortgage rates are doing."
Inflation (rising prices) is ARCH-ENEMY #1 to mortgage rates:
Inflation UP = Mortgage Rates UP
Inflation DOWN = Mortgage … (3 comments)

inflation: In 2008, Home Loans Are One Day Cheap And The Next Day Expensive - 04/15/08 02:09 PM

When mortgage rates change rapidly, it's a fiscal challenge to shop for a home and/or home loan.
Lately, mortgage rates have been especially volatile, mirroring the wild moves of the stock market.
Here's how up-and-down stock markets have been in 2008: Through last week, the S&P 500 Index changed more than 1 percent … (1 comments)

inflation: Looking Back and Looking Ahead - 04/15/08 01:48 PM

Through 5 days of see-saw trading, mortgage rates ended last week relatively flat; the downward tick into Friday's close was a boon for home buyers this past weekend.
It may be short-lived, however.
Oil continues to sit near all-time highs and a slew of inflation-related data is crossing the wires this week.
When inflation pressures … (0 comments)

inflation: Infaltion and Earnings - 04/15/08 10:01 AM

With good earnings news and a higher inflation report means stocks start the day on the upside and bonds get pushed lower this morning. Obviously, if you know anything about the relationship between rates and bonds you know we are going to have some worse pricing coming out here soon.
Oil has … (2 comments)

inflation: I Come In Peace On A Mission Of Goodwill - 04/02/08 08:49 PM

There are calls that through the concerted efforts of world central banks the global meltdown has been averted. This is simply not the case...Energy cannot be created or destroyed, but only changed from one form into another. Energy in the form of heat is almost always one of the products of … (1 comments)

inflation: Looking Back And Looking Ahead : March 31, 2008 - 03/31/08 08:34 AM

Mortgage rates were up last week on weak housing data and a growing nervousness about mortgage bond quality.
Rates would have been up more if not for a tame inflation reading Friday.
The Personal Consumption Expenditures report fell Friday to 2.0% year-over-year, putting it back within the Federal Reserve's comfort zone … (0 comments)

inflation: Playing on Your Emotions - 03/28/08 01:53 PM

I hate how so much of the real estate industry likes to play on your emotions as an investor. They create a sense of urgency when the market is going up and out of control to ensure you don't "miss out". All the while, "urgency" is inflating values. That sucks.
But, … (6 comments)

inflation: Great News on inflation today - 03/28/08 10:23 AM

The PCE reading, which stands for Personal Consumption Expenditure is a report released every month by the feds, the looks back and it measures inflation. (How much buying power the dollar lost if any)
As I wrote before, inflation is the worst enemy for long term bond or mortgage rates. With a great reading … (9 comments)

inflation: Mortgage rates/ market volatility continues - 03/18/08 03:25 PM

As we've seen on other cut days, it didnt take long after the Fed rate cut this afternoon for the bond market to kick in and see a pricing adjustment for the worse. All of 9 minutes after word of the 3/4% cut was posted on CNN.com my inbox started receiving pricing … (1 comments)

inflation: Did you Buy a House or are you just Renting from a Bank? - 03/17/08 03:58 PM

I'd like to see lenders work their way through these foreclosures and get healthier so that home prices can stabilize and resume appreciation.
In these inflationary times with April Gold futures at $1,000 and oil hovering around $110/barrel, by all accounts people need an inflation hedge, the most accessible one to the … (1 comments)

inflation: Another Example of Why Real Estate is LOCAL! - 03/16/08 05:20 PM

**Click Here To See the Original Post on WealthWithMortgage.com!**
Just as we don't get one national forecast for weather, we also shouldn't get a national forecast for real estate. Too often, Iowans get caught up in the national numbers and with the declines in property values on the coasts. If you take … (0 comments)

inflation: Recession??? - 03/14/08 10:08 AM

While in 2000 we by definition experienced a recession, not many people felt it. The housing boom was just beginning and many were moving up, or at least felt like it. It seemed everyone learned about it after it was long gone.
Now all the experts seem to be tiptoeing around the … (7 comments)

inflation: Boycotts What Ever Happened to America? Does Apathy Rule? - 03/10/08 06:49 PM

I sometimes wonder where the spirit of America has gone? Has accountability given way to apathy? Have Americans decided to go softly without a whimper? Have we lost the message of our patriotic past and heritage? It seems that way! Challenging the status quo, liberty, the ability to embrace change, and … (30 comments)

inflation: The Feds Two Headed Monster - 03/10/08 12:02 PM

February 21st I wrote on my personal blog the following: (modified a little) Inflation and a struggling economy is the world's two headed monster. Generally when the economy is sluggish the Fed can cut the rates as he has done and this will lead to cheaper money. Access to cheap money … (0 comments)

inflation: Looking Back And Looking Ahead : March 10, 2008 - 03/10/08 09:43 AM

Between Tuesday and Thursday, mortgage rates rose as much as during any three-day period in recent memory before settling back a bit on Friday's jobs data.
Fourteen speeches from members of the Federal Reserve were partly to blame for the mortgage rate chaos, but several other factors played a part, too.
One of … (0 comments)

inflation: Inflation... Is just an UGLY WORD!!!!! Read More!! - 03/08/08 07:12 AM

I don't think anybody has a good idea of what lies dead ahead of us when it comes to the economy. Not Ben Bernanke.... not anyone. Just when most realtors and mortgage professionals think interest rates should be moving down and helping out with the floundering real estate market.... They move up, and make things … (7 comments)

inflation: Is anyone watching oil prices? - 03/05/08 02:02 PM

Holy smokes. Oil prices were up $5 today!
I read an article the other day that it had just passed it's inflation adjusted high from 1980. It would seem gas prices will spike this summer at more than $4 per gallon. Ouch.
Yet another challenge to the pocket books of struggling realtors. That which doesn't kill … (3 comments)

inflation: What High Oil Prices Mean To Mortgage Rates - 03/05/08 08:31 AM

After briefly exceeding its all-time high, oil closed Monday at $102.45. Rising energy costs can lead to inflation because American Business eventually passes on its higher costs to American Consumers. When consumers have to spend more money for the same amount of product, it's called "inflation". Another way to look at … (0 comments)

inflation: Recession or Inflation? Even Fed Members Don't Know For Sure. - 03/05/08 07:47 AM

With Friday's jobs report looming, mortgage markets are especially skittish about whether the economy is in a recession, or facing inflation.
Four Fed speakers Tuesday did little to quell the debate:
9:00 A.M.: Fed Chairman Bernanke stayed on message that foreclosures and falling home values are dragging down the economy. 10:00 A.M.: Fed … (3 comments)

inflation: What High Oil Prices Mean To Mortgage Rates - 03/04/08 08:24 AM

After briefly exceeding its all-time high, oil closed Monday at $102.45.
Rising energy costs can lead to inflation because American Business eventually passes on its higher costs to American Consumers.
When consumers have to spend more money for the same amount of product, it's called "inflation".
Another way to look at inflation is … (2 comments)

inflation: Why are mortgage rates rising? - 03/03/08 09:24 AM

After several prime rate reductions mortgage rates are rising - again!
The federal funds & prime rate are not the benchmark for mortgage rates. 10 year treasury bonds are said best because mortgage loans are held for this period on average. Most mortgages are bundled & sold as mortgage bonds/securities on … (0 comments)

inflation: Will Fed rate cuts result in lower mortgage rates? - 03/02/08 01:30 PM

I get quite often calls from my clients and Realtor partners every time the fed cuts rates (more often than not these days) asking me Is it a good time to refinance now since rates should be lower due to the recent cuts?
The answer is it depends, how do you like … (6 comments)

inflation: Are The Fed's Able To Keep Mortgage Rates Down? - 03/01/08 03:01 PM

Rising Mortgage Rates
The Federal Reserve (Fed's) in trying to bail out the credit crisis have run into a problem: mortgage rates have gone up!
Since September, the Feds have reduced its target for short-term interest rates by 2.25 percentage points to 3%. But mortgage rates are actually rising. I realize that mortgage … (4 comments)

inflation: Are the Feds Fueling Inflation? - 02/27/08 11:05 PM

Fed's Expansionary Policy to Fight a Recession:Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke told Congress on February 27, 2008 that the Feds remain on the course for additional interest rate cuts, thus continuing their expansionary policy to combat recession. The Feds hope to combat recession because lower interest rates will stimulate economic activity by … (1 comments)

inflation: February 27 Fed Meeting On Economy - 02/27/08 09:21 AM

Looks like Ben Bernanke is going to be meeting with Congress today where he will give a good assessment of today's economy. Aside from the fact that we are getting crushed by the housing bust, credit crunch, and soaring energy prices, we are in good shape. Well, not really. It is … (0 comments)

inflation: Fed Cuts Rates, but Mortgage Rates Go Up? - 02/25/08 10:59 AM

CNN this morning reported on a new "conundrum" faced by the Federal Reserve. Industry veterans will recall 2-3 years ago when then Fed Chief Alan Greenspan noted the unfathomable disconnect between bond yields and Fed rate moves. Now Ben Bernanke is faced with the prospect of his moves having a similar, … (2 comments)

inflation: Mortgage Rates Take a 1/4 pt One Day Swing - 02/23/08 09:21 PM

Bond prices and home loan rates were all over the place this past week. Some of my lenders told me that there were 1/4 point swings in one day!
Why this flurry? The Fed has been dropping their rates! That's what my buyers think. I try and give them a minor tutorial that the mortgage … (0 comments)

inflation: Mortgage Rates, Inflation, Unemployment… Oh My. - 02/21/08 01:57 AM

… (2 comments)

inflation: 2-18-08 / FED Cuts "Lost in Translation" - 02/18/08 09:51 AM

As I describe the effects of the FED actions on mortgage rates to my clients, I watch as they go slightly cross-eyed. Moments later the snoring begins. Seems like I'm over-expaining...I mean, newspaper headlines that read "FED cuts rates again" means that rates are going down. Simple, right?
Not so simple, come … (4 comments)

inflation: Inflation, Inflation, Inflation - 02/17/08 01:15 PM

In today's blog, I thought I would focus some attention on something that affects us all: inflation.
Now let's say you go to the grocery store and purchase that 32 oz jar of Mayonaise for say $4.00 last month.
Now this month, the maynaise has the same look and feel, but … (2 comments)

inflation: Why do we work? - 02/15/08 04:23 PM

My lil' guy was certainly curious about this. Here he is sending out a mortgage update to a few of my clients.
So we got to talking and we came up with a few things:
First of all my lil' guy was curious as to what money really is and why … (3 comments)

inflation: Why do we work? - 02/15/08 04:15 PM

inflation: Don't Be Surprised That Rate Cuts = Higher Mortgage Rates - 02/10/08 11:48 PM

**Click Here to See the Original Post on WealthWithMortgage.com!**
With frequent talk of cutting the Fed Funds Rate (FFR) going forward, I figure it's a pretty good time to discuss the effects of a Fed Cut and the translation into mortgage rates. Often, this is a very misunderstood subject, and rightfully so. There just … (2 comments)

inflation: Another wild ride on Wall Street - Today's mortgage update - 02/07/08 07:12 PM

Today the Fannie Mae 5.50% bond gave up significant ground and as a result mortgage rates climbed dramatically with three re-prices during today's wild ride. I save 2 clients over $6,000 today in mortgage fees by locking ahead of these dramatic price movements.
Atlanta Fed Pres Dennis Lockhart today made an … (4 comments)

inflation: 4 Common Misconceptions about Mortgage & Equity - 02/06/08 05:22 PM

Duirng the normal course of my day, I routinely run across people who state these statements with absolute certainty . . . .
When The Fed cuts rates, mortgage rates dropHome equity is a good investment You should pay off your mortgage heading into retirement A 15 yr fixed & prepaying … (2 comments)

inflation: Bernanke Cuts 1.25% in 8 days with more to come. Now what? - 02/06/08 08:17 AM

Hello to all my valued colleagues
So much has happened in the last two weeks and yet in some ways not much has changed. Late on Monday evening two weeks ago, I sent this note to 400 Real Estate agents in my area.
"It looks like the perfect storm! Dow futures are down … (1 comments)

inflation: What Cycle Is Your Local Real Estate On the Kondratieff Wave? - 02/05/08 08:48 PM

Our popular press is consumed with Greenspan and Bernarke. But how about the economist Kondratieff, Professor Nikolai Kondratieff to be percise?Kondratieff is the founder of the economic long wave theory. Born in 1892 in Russia, Kondratieff rose to prominence through his analysis of historic prices and consumer behavior. He contributed to the Soviet … (24 comments)

inflation: Staging a home - 01/31/08 04:50 PM

An Accredited Staging® ProfessionalTM (ASPTM) is a dedicated professional who has studied and learned the proven and powerful techniques of Staging® homes.An Accredited Staging® ProfessionalTM (ASPTM) has successfully completed a detailed ASPTM course and passed arequired thorough examination on preparing homes for sale. Staged® Homes traditionally present themselves better than the … (0 comments)

inflation: If you thought last week was a roller coaster. . . - 01/28/08 09:48 AM

The week of January 21, 2008 was one of the more exciting weeks I have seen on the market in quite some time, and that comes with being just a 4 business day week. Of course, most of us around here worked Monday, also; I didn't. I'd planned vacation for the … (21 comments)

inflation: Conforming Loan Limits To Temporarly go to $625,000? The Feds get Aggressive! - 01/24/08 09:57 AM

Hi, Real Estate Partners
Well...the name of the game is volatility! Very early Tuesday morning (well before the Wall Street bell), I told you that unless Ben Bernanke and the Federal Reserve would cut the discount and federal funds rates BEFORE the opening bell, there would be a flight to safety as … (5 comments)

inflation: Difference between the Fed rate and the mortgage interest rate - 01/23/08 06:18 AM

So the Fed cut the rate. How does a ¾ of a percent drop in the Fed rate affect us? So many consumers think that the Fed Rate is the mortgage interest rate. It is not the same thing. The ¾ of a percent drop in the Fed rate may or … (11 comments)

inflation: The Good, The Bad and The Fed - 01/22/08 12:56 PM

The Fed has done it again. Known for over reacting to economic stimuli, the Fed announced today a surprise, 3/4% cut to the overnight rate as well as the discount rate. Cause for celebration, right? Maybe not. Here are three of the possible ways that this plays out:
The Good: people take advantage of … (0 comments)

inflation: What's wrong with the our Policy makers? - 01/18/08 01:10 PM

A State of Confusion. The Leadership of our Country is beyond confusion and comprehension.
What Fed. Chairmen Bernake said that the Country needs a stimulas to keep us out of recession, is true, However, the political leadership in office, and the wantabe'e are all opportunist without rationalizing the damage that they would … (1 comments)

inflation: Minnesota Association of Realtor's Market Report - 01/17/08 08:22 PM

The Minnesota Association of Realtors (MAR) completed a report for the 3rd Quarter of 2007. It is available online at their website. Its a VERY interesting report (and quite large - 16MB in size).
One section that I found interesting stated that:"Housing prices over the time period beginning in 1998 through the … (2 comments)

inflation: Having Trouble Understanding Our Economy - Not All Economic Text Books are Created Equally - 01/13/08 05:34 AM

Economics is a very serious issue and something that everyone in our society should understand, thus it is paramount for it to be taught in schools and colleges. One issue, which seems to be evident is that all too often our educational system is teaching a socialistic form of economics, which … (5 comments)

inflation: INFLATION - 01/11/08 03:27 PM

The news yesterday is that the FEDS are going to cut short term interest rates again at their next meeting. Gee, they are also flooding the market with newly printed DOLLARS causing the value of the dollar to fall. Oil and Gold are relatively the same price in comparison to … (0 comments)

inflation: Wait Until you See This! - 01/09/08 08:57 PM

So Goldman Sachs think their so smart. Pay attention to this because these guys have a pertty good track record for their accuracy. They are stating that unemployment will be at 6.5% by 2009 and that the Fed will lower their rates from the current 4.25% dowen to 2.5%.
When I first … (0 comments)

inflation: $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)

inflation: Shenandoah Iowa - 12/29/07 02:51 PM

The Real Estate Market in Shenandoah is very stable. If you bought a home in the 1980 a $40,000 in the 1980's and today that home will sell for $80,000. (However when you think of homes there you will find a range of home prices between $12900 to 349000. When you visualize a home … (0 comments)

inflation: Real Estate Update for the Paradise Home Buyer - 12/13/07 01:09 PM

I recently put up a post about whether it was better to rent or buy here in Paradise. The Freddie Mac site I had recommended targeted both personal and financial reasons to consider one option over the other. As a follow-up, I want to share a mortgage calculator that compares the … (0 comments)

inflation: Special Alert: - 12/12/07 02:33 PM

Special Alert: Fed Cuts Discount Rate by .25% The Federal Reserve lowered its benchmark interest rate by a quarter point to 4.25 percent, while signaling officials are open to further cuts if the housing slump and credit squeeze worsen.
While the rate cut was widely expected, it fell short of expectations … (1 comments)

inflation: 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)

inflation: Dollar Collapse - 11/30/07 12:03 PM

The value of the dollar has shrunk like a snowball in the tropics.
Imagine being sent forward in time from 1967 to 2007. Instead of gas costing 25 cents a gallon, it's $2.50. A decent home, intead of costing $15,000, costs $250,000 or more. Imagine your shock that the average American … (4 comments)

inflation: One More Fed Meeting in 2007 What's ahead for the 2008 Real Estate market? - 11/24/07 07:22 PM

Hello, Friends!
I hope all is well with you and your family and that this holiday season brings you health, happiness, and success.
The Feds made their move on October 31st by dropping the discount rate ¼ point. Watching the market since then, very interesting things have happened. On the day of the … (0 comments)

inflation: Mortgage Rates Leave Treasuries in the Dust - 11/23/07 02:36 PM

I get an email every morning from a wholesale lender I've never met or closed a loan with, telling me about his take on the market. Specifically, today's email stated that treasury notes had slipped on investors renewed interest in a potentially rising stock market.
That's all very well and good, but … (0 comments)

inflation: Mortgage Market Guide as of Wednesday, November 21, 2007 - 11/21/07 12:30 PM

THE ELASTIC WAISTLINE PANTS ARE READY FOR TOMORROW!!!
Volatility continues in the Bond Market. Currently, bonds are up a whopping +38 basis points so we're enjoying this news. As of today, we are offering 30-year fixed at 6.375% with NO points and we will advise to "float" your interest rate to see if … (0 comments)

inflation: Mortgage Market Update as of Thursday, November 15th - 11/15/07 01:17 PM

GOOD THURSDAY AFTERNOON!!!
ONE MORE WEEK TILL THANKSGIVING?!?!?!?!?? How this year is flying by!
I hope everyone is having a FANTASTIC day. Yesterday's temperature was a beautiful 55'ish...and today is a cold, rainy, snowy mix at 30 degrees. WELCOME TO MICHIGAN!
Mortgage Bonds are trading higher, currently at +19 basis points, after this morning's … (2 comments)

inflation: Has oil peaked and what does it mean for rates - 11/13/07 11:58 AM

In my previous article's I posted about rising oil prices and how speculation was one of the primary motivators for rising costs. Now their are articles coming out this morning that confirm this article. Oil Prices Drop
I'm sure it's more complicated then pure speculation, however the old supply and demand rules … (3 comments)

inflation: Financial Formula for Disaster! - 11/09/07 03:24 PM

Our FED Chairman Ben Bernake has proposed that Jumbo loans be guarenteed by the US government! You can read all about it HERE Financials are truly in trouble and the forecast is it will get much worse! At this point it seems the FED is being run by the stock markets … (0 comments)

inflation: TGIF! Mortage Market Update as of Friday, November 9th - 11/09/07 12:32 PM

TGIF!!!!
Surprise, surprise...more sub-prime mortgage related losses are hitting the financial sector this morning. Stocks are trading lower and Bonds are trading slightly higher after Wachovia Corp announced a loss of $1.1 Billion in the value of their Collateralized Debt Obligations (CDO's). CDO's are investments partly comprised of subprime mortgages, and as subprime … (1 comments)

inflation: Mortgage Market Update as of Friday, November 2nd - 11/02/07 09:28 AM

TGIF!!!!
Another crisp Fall day here in Michigan! I hope everyone had a fantastic Halloween and I hope everyone has scheduled an emergency dental appointment! :)
On the business front......
The best Jobs number in six months hit the wires this morning. Non-farm payrolls were reported at 166,000 for the month of October. This … (0 comments)

inflation: Associated General Contractors of America predicts inflation. - 10/22/07 07:21 AM

               THE ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS OF AMERICA
                                                           2300 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 400 · Arlington, VA 22201

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                               Monday, October 8, 2007

AGC ECONOMIST SUGGESTS MATERIALS COST CALM ENDING SOON

Washington, D.C.-The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) today released its fifth Construction Inflation Alert, warning owners, budget setters and contractors to expect larger … (0 comments)

inflation: Inflation watch: CPI figure higher than expected - 10/17/07 10:30 AM

A couple of weeks ago (October 1, 2007) I published a piece declaring inflation as a significant economic threat, just over the horizon.Today the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released its figure for the Consumer Price Index ("CPI".) The CPI is the US Government's official measurement of inflation. U.S. policymakers pay … (2 comments)

inflation: Reality is like a beignet without the powdered sugar - 10/16/07 01:22 PM

The current housing market is being described in extreme measures. The media seizes every word shared in a press conference and attempts to put the most dramatic spin on what was spoken. The lenders are scrambling to cover current losses and mitigate future losses. They advise us that the situation is … (10 comments)

inflation: Important Week for Economic Indicators - 10/15/07 09:16 PM

Received on 10/15/07:
Market CommentMortgage bond prices fell last week pushing rates higher. The Fed minutes from the last meeting showed concerns of downside economic risk coupled with continued housing market weakness. However, the Fed indicated the recent easing seemed unlikely to fan inflation, which generally bodes well for bonds. Weaker than … (0 comments)

inflation: Tell your clients: buy investment properties to protect against inflation - 10/01/07 04:23 PM

Today I'm publishing my first audioblog entry -- click here to hear about the risk that inflation represents to your family's economy, and how to protect yourself against that risk.
This is an audio file that your clients can download -- talks about the real risk that inflation poses today in our … (0 comments)

inflation: Canadian Dollar Now At Par With US Dollar - 09/21/07 07:04 AM

Sometimes it just doesn't pay to lower interest rates. Just when you think everything will improve with an interest rate cut the currency becomes devalued leading to higher prices on imports. So inflation now becomes an issue...and the Fed needs to raise interest rates to control inflation...and so on.
So...what is the … (7 comments)

inflation: Houstonians still riding the wave (for now) - 09/20/07 10:41 PM

An article was just released stating that the market in Houston is not like the national average. It tells homeowners in Houston not to worry about home prices in our neck of the woods. According to the website, we are one of the cities that did not "over inflate". Check out … (1 comments)

inflation: Fed Cut - Nice for Now, Dangerous for Long Term! - 09/19/07 05:34 AM

Enjoy the champaign while the bubbles still fizzle because once it goes flat the ride's going to get a bit more bumpy! The long awaited Fed decision arrived with a bang! Ben and company surprised many in the financial community - your's truly included - with a 50 bp cut to … (4 comments)

inflation: High Risk Credit and the Negative Impact on Americans - 09/14/07 09:21 AM

High Risk Credit
As markets went on a rollercoaster ride last week, our economy is coming close to a day of reckoning for loose credit policies being followed by the Federal Reserve Bank. Simply, foreign banks we have been relying on to buy our debt are waking up to the reality of … (3 comments)

inflation: remember when you assume you make an ass of u & me - 08/31/07 06:10 PM

Is assume still a dirty word? Anyone finding assumable mortgages? Owner financing is not so hard to find anymore. Why is Bush talking about bailing out people who are behind in their mortgage payments. How about those of us that work 80 hours a week to come up with the extra … (0 comments)

inflation: High Risk Credit and Inflation - 08/20/07 06:25 PM

High Risk Credit
August 20, 2007
As markets went on a rollercoaster ride last week, our economy is coming close to a day of reckoning for loose credit policies being followed by the Federal Reserve Bank. Simply, foreign banks we have been relying on to buy our debt are waking up to … (0 comments)

inflation: The Week In Review (August 20, 2007) : What To Watch For - 08/20/07 10:27 AM

Again last week, financiers failed to answer the major question dogging Wall Street: What is the "right" risk model to use for mortgage lending? The models of the past are being proven to have been wrong.
So, why do risk models matter?
Because the basic tenet of lending states that … (2 comments)

inflation: Fed Rate Cut : Reading Between the Lines - 08/17/07 11:16 AM

Here is an email from an ABN-AMRO AE that clarifies the cut today. Thought I would share as it is good info:"Today (08/17/2007), in an unprecedented move, the Federal Reserve made anemergency Discount Rate cut of .50% (1/2 percent) in order to attempt toavert further liquidity crisis (cash shortage) in the … (3 comments)

inflation: Is There a Single Person that Understands Money? - 08/16/07 06:35 PM

They say that we have a sub-prime meltdown in this country. What exactly does that mean? Well, apparently it means that if your credit score is too low you can forget about getting a home loan. Why? Is the money all gone?
Money is one of those things that is hard to … (13 comments)

inflation: 18.0% Price Increase in All Luxury Homes?... Even Declining Markets? - 08/14/07 07:44 PM

What would happen if luxury home prices increased 18.0% in less than 30 days? Sounds like 2005 all over again right? You're probably wondering if you can buy one as a pre-sale, right?
What would you say if I told you that, in a way, prices have already increased that much even in declining markets? … (3 comments)

inflation: 913 Tanglewood Circle, Weston Fl 33327 - 08/08/07 11:06 PM

… (0 comments)

inflation: 16 to 1 : What the Hell Does That Mean? - 07/28/07 02:57 PM

A little bit of history re-printed from an article posted on Vassar's website should shed some light on what is going on now in the U.S. It has always been a war between East and West. The "Big Bankers" in the East (read that New York City and Hartford, CT) want … (10 comments)

inflation: NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 07/28/07 11:57 AM

Now is the time to buy. (Last half of 2007)
Take some advice from all the real estate professionals. Forget about the media. They couldn't see the down market coming two years ago, how can they know what's ahead of us now.
You like what the stock market is doing? Well it's based on fundamentals.
So … (11 comments)

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