With the New Year, the final week only featured the normal reports of Jobless Claims, S&P Shiller Home Price Index (YoY), and the Chicago Business Barometer. All of them will have limited impact compared to the GDP and the Inflation data reports that have already been released. S&P Shiller Home Price Index (YoY)For the ninth consecutive month, home prices in prominent U.S. metropolitan regions have surged, reaching an all-time high. This increase is attributed to an ongoing shortage of available homes for sale. In October, the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller 20-city house-price index, after seasonal adjustments, showed a 0.6% rise compared to the preceding month. Chicago Business … [Continue Reading...]
Rate locks play a crucial role in the mortgage application process, helping borrowers secure a favorable interest rate for their home loan. Here's an explanation of the importance of rate locks and when and how to secure the best rate: Interest Rate Protection: Mortgage rates are subject to market fluctuations and can change daily or even multiple times a day. Rate locks protect borrowers from potential rate increases during the loan processing period. Budgeting and Planning: Knowing the exact interest rate allows borrowers to budget more effectively and plan their finances with certainty. It prevents unexpected increases in monthly payments, helping borrowers manage their expenses. Peace of … [Continue Reading...]
Using online mortgage lenders can offer several advantages and disadvantages compared to traditional brick-and-mortar lenders. It's important to weigh these factors based on your individual preferences, needs, and financial situation. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons: Advantages of Online Mortgage Lenders: Convenience: Pros: Online lenders offer the convenience of applying for a mortgage from the comfort of your home at any time. The entire process, from approval application, can be done online, reducing the need for in-person visits. Faster Approval Process: Pros: Online lenders often have streamlined processes, leveraging technology to speed up the approval process. This can result … [Continue Reading...]
Owning a home is a significant milestone that comes with a multitude of financial considerations. Beyond the pride of homeownership, there are substantial tax benefits and deductions available to those who embark on this journey. We will explore key facts about mortgages and taxes, focusing on the deductions, credits, and benefits that can make homeownership a financially savvy decision. Mortgage Interest Deduction: A Prime Advantage for Homeowners One of the most notable tax benefits for homeowners is the mortgage interest deduction. This deduction allows homeowners to deduct the interest paid on their mortgage from their taxable income. The rationale behind this is to encourage … [Continue Reading...]
The final release of the GDP figures are the last large releases of the year before moving into Q1 of 2024, with the GDP report showing the economy had shown growth — particularly in Q3 with it tapering off by the end of the year. While the growth had been strong, it still was less than expected by analysts, however the final numbers do indicate we are on a track for a soft-landing and with the potential to all-together avoid a potential recession. The only other reports of note were the Personal Spending and PCE Index Prices.
GDP 2023 (Final)The U.S. economy expanded at a revised 4.9% annual pace in the third quarter, a surprising burst of growth that appears to have tapered off at … [Continue Reading...]
Embarking on a home construction project is an exciting journey that can lead to your dream home becoming a reality. However, the financial aspects of building a home can be challenging to navigate. This is where construction-to-permanent loans come into play. These unique financing options offer a range of benefits that can make the construction process more manageable and affordable. We will discuss the advantages of construction-to-permanent loans and how they can benefit homeowners. What Is A Construction-to-Permanent Loan? Construction-to-permanent loans, also known as CTP loans, are a type of financing that combines two separate loans into one convenient package. The first part of the … [Continue Reading...]
