Login  |  Create Account
Apr 04

Fed Minutes Causes Mortgage Rates To Rise Suddenly

The Federal Reserve has released the minutes from its last FOMC meeting, a 1-day affair held March 13, 2012. Mortgage rates in District of Columbia are rising on the news. For the un-indoctrinated, 3 weeks after it meets, the Federal Open Market Committee, the sub-group within the Federal Reserve that votes on U.S. monetary policy, publishes its meeting minutes. Similar to the minutes from a corporate event, or condominium association meeting, the Fed Minutes recounts the conversations … [Read more...]

Jan 04

Housing And Mortgage : The Experts Make Their 2012 Predictions

As the new year begins, there are no shortage of stories telling us what to expect in 2012. Housing finished 2011 with momentum and mortgage rates closed at the lowest rates of all time. Some expect those trends to continue through the first quarter and beyond. Others expect a rapid reversal. Who's right and who's wrong? A quick look through the newspapers, websites and business television programs reveals "experts" with opposing, well-delivered arguments views. It's tough to know who to … [Read more...]

Nov 10

Banks Resume Tightening Mortgage Guidelines

strictbanks

As part of its quarterly survey to member banks nationwide, the Federal Reserve asked senior loan officers whether last quarter's "prime" residential mortgage guidelines have tightened, loosened, or remained as-is. A "prime" borrower is defined as one with a well-documented, high-performance credit history; with low debt-to-income ratios; and who chooses to finance a home via a traditional fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgage product. After a 2-year easing cycle, the nation's biggest … [Read more...]

Sep 30

Despite Low Rates, Pending Home Sales Slip In August

pendinghome

Despite the lowest mortgage rates of all-time, home buyers are slowing the pace at which they're buying homes. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, on a seasonally-adjusted basis, the Pending Home Sales Index fell 1 percent in August. The Pending Home Sales Index measures homes under contract, but not yet sold, nationwide. In this respect, the Pending Home Sales Index is a forward-looking housing market indicator; a predictor of future home sales. It's one of the few … [Read more...]

Sep 01

With The Jobs Report Looming, Mortgage Rates May Rise

employmentrecord

If you're shopping for a mortgage rate, today may be a good day to lock one down. That's because Friday morning, the Bureau of Labor Statistics will release its Non-Farm Payrolls report for August 2011. The "jobs report" tends to have a big influence on mortgage bonds and mortgage rates in District of Columbia. The jobs report is a monthly issuance, providing sector-by-sector analysis of the U.S. workforce. It also report the national Unemployment Rate. Wall Street expects the August … [Read more...]