With the Federal Reserve being on the verge of raising Gulf Shores interest rates for the first time in several years, at least one economist says there is little to fear. Mortgage rates will stay low for a good while, says the Wall Street Journal’s chief economics correspondent, Jon Hilsenrath, even if the Fed does […]
Fed’s Impact on Gulf Shores Housing
Gulf Shores housing is obviously affected by interest rates, and recently, the much anticipated rate hike by the Federal Reserve was once again put on hold because Fed Chairwoman Janet Yellen said she thinks the housing market is still not where it needs to be. Jeff Taylor of Digital Risk appeared on Fox Business News […]
Federal Reserve Likely to Raise Interest Rates
In a recent speech given in Cleveland, OH Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen said she anticipates raising interest rates before the end of the year. She went on to say that the frequency of any increases would be gradual and would depend on the continued improvement of the U.S. economy. “… I want to emphasize […]
Gulf Shores Real Estate News – February 2013
In this Issue:* 2012 Home Sales – Best in 5 Years Locking In Interest Rates – Best Policies to Follow Keep Your House Free of the Flu Bug 2012 Home Sales – Best in 5 Years The National Association of Realtors reports that December sales of previously owned homes came in just slightly below […]
Why Now is a Great Time to Sell a House
Selling a house in this economy has its challenges. A seller must make a careful assessment of the pros and cons of their property before they put in on the market. One question that must be answered right from the start is establishing whether now is the best time of the year to sell. Generally, […]
Fed Move Won’t Change Things Much
The Federal Reserve’s latest effort to boost the economy by driving down long-term interest rates won’t have a big impact on home and car buyers, savers or credit card users. Any noticeable changes from the central bank shuffling $400 billion of its portfolio are likely to be mixed. Although borrowers may benefit from lower rates […]
More Homeowners Refinancing Into Shorter Loans
More homeowners prefer to pay off their mortgages sooner as interest rates have stayed near rock-bottom and weak labor conditions have caused them to reduce their debt loads. According to a recent survey, the current trend in refinancing into shorter-loan terms is a stark contrast to the one during the height of the housing boom, […]
Real Estate News – August 2011
In this Issue:* Home Loan Comparisons: The Basics Pending Home Sales Rise Unexpectedly 3 Ways to Get More From Your Plastic (Your comments are welcome at the bottom of our newsletter) Home Loan Comparisons: The Basics Some first time home buyers as well as experienced home buyers sometimes have a difficult time searching for and […]
Mortgages: Closing Costs Are Rising
Mortgage closing costs are on the rise across the nation and are up 8.8% over the last twelve months. Origination and title fees on a $200,000 home loan average $4,070 nationally according to Bankrate Inc.’s 2011 Closing Costs Survey. Banks are requiring extra employment verification and the like to keep loans in shape for Fannie […]
Locking In Interest Rates
Consider the following four things when deciding whether or not to lock in your mortgage interest rate: Lock in your rate as soon as you know you have a good deal in front of you, and you know roughly when you can close (30 to 60 days should be the longest lock period). . Lock […]