Blog — Page 670 of 889 — First Rate Financial Group

02

Jan

Mortgage Rates

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 2, 2017

Last week’s economic reports were in short supply due to the Christmas holiday. Events reported included Case-Shiller home price indices, pending home sales and weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims. Consumer confidence was also released.

Case–Shiller Readings Indicate No Slowdown in Home Price Gains

Case-Shiller’s October readings for its home price indices showed continued growth in home prices. In spite of rising home prices and mortgage rates, high demand for homes and slim supplies of homes for sale continued to fuel higher home prices.

According to Case-Shiller’s national home price index for October, home prices rose 5.60 percent on an annual basis as compared to September’s reading of 5.40 percent. The 20-city home price index rose to 5.10 percent from September’s reading of 5.00 percent. Case-Shiller’s 10-city index also gained 0.10 percent in October with a reading of 4.30 percent year-over-year.

Seattle, Washington, Portland, Oregon and Denver, Colorado had the highest year-over-year home price gains in October with readings of 10.70, 10.30 and 8.30 percent respectively. David M. Blitzer, Managing Director and Chairman of the S&P Indices Committee, said that “Home prices and the economy are both enjoying robust numbers,” but he also cautioned that rising mortgage rates and home prices growing faster than wages continue to pose obstacles for some home buyers. The Federal Reserve is expected to raise its federal funds rate in 2017, which is expected to prompt rising mortgage rates.

Mortgage Rates Mixed, Pending Home Sales Fall

Pending home sales fell 2.50 percent in November. Analysts said that post-election reaction helped to drive mortgage rates higher, which made homes less affordable for first-time and moderate-income buyers; Sellers and buyers may have postponed decisions to sell or buy as they waited for volatile post-election responses to ease.

According to the National Association of Realtors®, pending home sales fell to their lowest level in almost a year with an index reading of 107.30 in November. September’s reading was 110.00. The holiday season and rising mortgage rates were seen as contributing to fewer pending home sales.

Freddie Mac reported the ninth consecutive week that fixed rate mortgages rose. In the final mortgage rates survey for 2016, the average rate for a 30-year mortgage rose two basis points to 4.32 percent; the average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage was three basis points higher at 3.55 percent. 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage rates averaged 3.30 percent, which was two basis points lower than the prior week. Discount points averaged 0.50 percent for all three mortgage types.

New jobless claims were lower last week with a reading of 265,000 new claims filed. Analysts had expected 270,000 new claims filed based on the prior week’s reading of 275,000 new claims filed.

In spite of rising home prices and mortgage rates, consumer sentiment was higher than expected in December with a reading of 113.70 as compared to expectations of 110.00 and November’s reading of 109.40.

What‘s Ahead

Next week’s scheduled economic reports include Labor Department releases on Non-Farm Payrolls, and the national unemployment rate. ADP payrolls and weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims will also be released. Financial markets will be closed on Monday in observance of New Year’s Day.

30

Dec

By support

Home Seller Tips

Selling Social: How to Leverage Your Social Network to Sell Your Home Faster

Selling Social: How to Leverage Your Social Network to Sell Your Home Faster There were days when the marketing of a home involved plunking a sign into the front yard, but with the power of the Internet, there are many mediums through which home sellers can find potential buyers. If you’re currently looking at ways to use the power of social media in order to get your ideal purchase price, here are some things you can do to best harness its capabilities.

Make A Facebook Page

According to the social market service provider, Postling, approximately 80% of real estate agents are now using Facebook in order to market and sell their properties. This means that Facebook is not only a great tool for agents, it can be an ideal means of marketing for you. By creating a Facebook page for your home that is professional looking and informative, you may be able to tap into a unique base of people without having to do a lot of legwork.

A Picture Says A Thousand Words

Open Houses can have a huge impact on finding the right buyer for your home, but a good picture can also be a great way of drawing in interested parties. Instead of creating a video or a website, you may want to try making a Pinterest account that highlights the rooms of your house and any special details that may work to entice homebuyers. It’s just important to make sure your pictures show your house in its best light so you can get people through the door.

Create A Twitter Account

It may seem a bit strange to create a Twitter account for your home, but it can actually be a fun and simple way to attract a broad mix of people and show what your home has to offer. Because a Tweet must engage people in 140 characters or less, it can be a great opportunity to articulate the benefits of your home in a concise, clear way. In addition, it’s an easy and affordable means of getting your home out there without having to invest money or time into marketing materials and a website.

From marketing material to a savvy real estate agent, there are a variety of ways to sell a home. However, with the power of social media, many home sellers have the opportunity to do the legwork without putting in a great deal of effort.

29

Dec

By support

Home Mortgage Tips

Did You Know? A Mortgage Professional Can Save You a Lot of Money. Here’s How

Did You Know? A Mortgage Professional Can Save You a Lot of Money. Here's How Many people forego a mortgage broker and decide to go through the application process on their own, but a mortgage professional can actually work to save you money when it comes to your biggest investment. Whether you’re new to the market and are looking for tips or are just a prospective buyer in need of advice, here are a few reasons you may want to consult a broker to make for an improved real estate investment.

Liaising With The Lender

If you go it alone without a lender, you may be able to find a good loan opportunity, but because a mortgage broker knows the ins and outs of the market, they may be able to assist you in acquiring a better deal. Since brokers have a business relationship and a history with many lenders, they will be able to get you in the door and perhaps broker a deal you would not have been able to find without them.

It’s A Free Service

Many people think that a broker adds even more expenditure to an already expensive investment, but mortgage brokers can you save you time and money in the long run. While this can be a financial boon on its own since you can tap into their knowledge and experience for free, it’s also worth realizing that the lender pays a broker and has a responsibility to them as well as you. It may be free, but it’s worth doing a little digging to find the professional that can best meet your needs.

Navigating The Application Process

For those who are new to the market, the paperwork and discussion around getting a mortgage can be a significant deterrent in putting money down. Since a mortgage broker is familiar with the process, they can help you compile the correct documentation and you can trust their knowledge of the process. While it’s important to do some of your own research about mortgage rates and lenders, a broker can help you save time and seal the deal.

Many people are hesitant to consult with a mortgage broker when it comes to their home purchase, but as a free service that can make the process a little clearer, it can be well worth the consultation. If you’re currently in the market for a home and are confused with all of the associated details, contact one of our mortgage professionals for more information.