The direct issues created by wild fires like the destruction of property and dislocation of residents in the region are obvious. There are several other problems that can arise. A few of these other issues can make closing a real estate transaction, or refinance of a property a ... » Learn More about Wild Fires and State of Emergency Can Make Funding a Mortgage a Challenge
Mortgage Rates
Fed Funds Rate Increased As Expected, Future Rate Forecast
The Federal Reserve increased their target rate for the Fed Funds another .25% today (Sept 26, 2018) to 2.0-2.25%. The gradual increase is expected to continue in the future. Another .25% as soon as this December. The Fed has direct control of the short term rates. This increase will directly ... » Learn More about Fed Funds Rate Increased As Expected, Future Rate Forecast
Fed Rate Increase of Another 1/4% and Federal Reserve Actions Moving Forward
As expected the Federal Reserve increased their Fed Funds Rate another 1/4% at today's FOMC meeting to 2.0%. Here are some take aways from the Fed Chairman Jerome Powell's news conference, and the markets reaction. Basically no change in Fed policy. Steady rate increases. Slow liquidation of the ... » Learn More about Fed Rate Increase of Another 1/4% and Federal Reserve Actions Moving Forward
Mortgage Rates are Up, Hopefully Stabilize for a Little While
As expected the mortgage interest rates have been going up for several months. As they say, don't fight the Fed. In reality, the Federal Reserve has been hitting the interest rates on two levels. Moving the Fed Funds Rate a 1/4% every few months, increasing the short term rates... and slowly ... » Learn More about Mortgage Rates are Up, Hopefully Stabilize for a Little While
2018 Conforming Loan Amounts Increase for Second Time Since the Housing Crisis
The Federal Housing Finance Agency increased the maximum conforming loan limits for mortgages to be acquired by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for the second time since the housing crisis. The FHFA announced that it is increasing the conforming loan limits from $424,100 to $453,100 for 2018. Fannie ... » Learn More about 2018 Conforming Loan Amounts Increase for Second Time Since the Housing Crisis