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Freddie Mac US Economic Outlook For 2012

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Mortgage and Lending with George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages NMLS #65149

 

Freddie Mac rolled out this week it’s outlook for the U.S. Economy for 2012.  Freddie Mac is predicting that our economy will grow by 2.5% during the upcoming year, and that the already record low Interest Rates will continue to stay at record low levels.

Freddie Mac is also predicting that the activity in Housing will increase, but it just at a modest rate.  According to Frank Nothaft , Chief Economist for Freddie Mac  While the headwinds remain strong going into 2012, there are indications the economy and the housing market are gaining ground, albeit slowly,”  

It looks like we are likely to close off 2011 with rates at about 4% with no points on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.  It would be unheard of, but is it possible for Interest Rates to drop below 4%?

Nothaft also feels that the recent changes to the Home Affordable Refinance Program will increase refinance by more than $100 billion in refinanced loans.  Here I am prone to disagree with Mr. Nothaft for the simple reason that many people do not have much equity in their homes, and in several cases homeowners are underwater when it comes to the present value of their homes.  We will have to wait and see if the Home Affordable Refinancing Program will have an impact, but even if it does $100 billion is a very optimistic figure. 

Last of all the Rental Market is predicted to continue to grow as Buyers continue to be very cautious, because of job security, and feeling that prices and Interest Rates will continue to go down.

Hopefully some of these predictions will come true, and 2012 starts to turn things around in the Real Estate Industry.


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Who To Call For Your Mortgage Needs In Connecticut:

George Souto NMLS# 65149 is a Loan Officer who can assist you with all your FHA, CHFA, and Conventional mortgage needs in Connecticut. George resides in Middlesex County which includes Middletown, Middlefield, Durham, Cromwell, Portland, Higganum, Haddam, East Haddam, Chester, Deep River, and Essex. George can be contacted at (860) 573-1308  gsouto@mccuemortgage.com, or visit my McCue Mortgage Homepage.

 

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George Souto
NMLS# 65149

C (860) 573-1308
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Fax (860) 760-6891

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About Me
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I am a Mortgage Loan Officer who can assist you with all your mortgage & refinancing needs in
CT, and RI

I can assist you with your Conventional,
FHA, CHFA, VA, USDA, & 203K loan programs.

I reside in Middlesex County which includes Middletown, Middlefield, Durham, Cromwell, Portland, Haddam. E. Haddam, Higganum, Chester, Essex, Deep River.

 

Comments(7)

Jennifer Fivelsdal
JFIVE Home Realty LLC | 845-758-6842|162 Deer Run Rd Red Hook NY 12571 - Rhinebeck, NY
Mid Hudson Valley real estate connection

Hi George the only part of the report I will comment on is the part pertaining to the rental market.  I do believe it will continue to grow.

Dec 15, 2011 02:40 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

George

Interesting news, and certainly time will tell. Several mortgage brokers I have talked with said the same things about rates.

I have seen some reports (Moody's for example) predicting a drop in prices of 5 - 7% in the 1st Q or so and then a rise in pricing. And I've seem some predictions of an overall increase in sales volume by end of 2012 over 2011. If the rates stay low this keeps the overall affordability at a level we have not seen in a very long time, and a good time for those who are qualifed to take advantage.

Who knows that all that is going on in Europe is going to mean, but it's likely to have some sort of impact.

Jeff

Dec 15, 2011 03:04 PM
Kerry Lucasse
eXp Realty - Urban Nest Real Estate Group - Atlanta, GA
Your Urban Nest Atlanta Real Estate Consultant
Interesting news! The new(ish) refi program is will help those who are underwater - even if they are upside down 50 percent most can refi at the current interest rate. Hopefully it will slow down the foreclosures.
Dec 15, 2011 03:08 PM
Ginny Gorman
RI Real Estate Services ~ 401-529-7849~ RI Waterfront Real Estate - North Kingstown, RI
Homes for Sale in Southern RI and beyond

George, i am hearing the same thing from economists i know...slow & steady but everything they say hinges on how the Euro Union handles their crisis..so it is wait & see...We all missed you at Dagny's last night!

Dec 16, 2011 12:50 AM
Joe Petrowsky
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

The neat part of all these comments for economists, they are all guessing. I'm probably speaking for you as well, you will continue to use your own intuition, which will continue to guide us going forward.

Dec 16, 2011 01:13 AM
Barbara Altieri
Better Homes and Gardens RE Shore and Country Properties - Shelton, CT
REALTOR-Fairfield County CT Homes/Condos For Sale

George -- Good guesses at best. The RE market will chug along for those who HAVE to sell or those who are in a position to take advantage of moving up. Beyond that, I am with Ginny.  How Europe shakes out is going to have a big effect on us....either way.

Dec 16, 2011 02:56 AM
Esko Kiuru
Bethesda, MD

George,

Many homeowners in the hard-hit states who really could use a refinance to a these super low rates can't do so because of the underwater status. Anyhow, Freddie's forecast gives us hope that things are moving slowly in the right direction. 

Dec 19, 2011 11:09 AM