RECENT BLOG POSTS
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The early release of the ISM Report caught traders by surprise. How problematic is that? First, the 44.6 reading was waaay below expectations, considering that Economists were expecting a 53.0. This data indicates that the service sector is shrinking for the first time in almost five years, imply...
02/05/2008
In slower markets, some loan officers may feel pressured to close deals that aren't in the homeowner's best interest. In order to avoid getting into difficult and financially compromised positions with their mortgages, borrowers are well advised to be acutely aware of the signs of a responsible ...
02/03/2008
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By now, we have all heard the good news of increased lending limits in high cost areas, and tax rebates to help stimulate the economy. On the surface, we all rejoice now that more loans and with less restriction will become available, right?This is what's happening: The US House of Representative...
01/31/2008
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One of my clients called me last week after reading my latest posting, on our conversation I was explaining to him that most homeowners look at mortgages from the homeownership perspective instead of the personal finance point of view costing themselves a lot of money in lost opportunities to inc...
01/29/2008
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The new home sales for December 2007 were reported below expectations. The supply of new unsold homes rose to 9.6 months from November's reading of 9.3 months. What 2008 will be like if you're looking for a real estate deal? Last year home prices dropped between 5 - 10%, but there was no "bubb...
01/28/2008
Dear reader,The Federal Reserve surprised the market this morning with a 75 basis points rate cut... What Does This Mean For YOU? In order to answer this question, it is helpful to understand the four major interest rates that are affected by the Fed:Discount Rate (currently 4%) - the interest r...
01/22/2008
Dear reader,Mortgage Bonds were in rally mode this morning after Retail Sales, showed its weakest growth in five years with an overall annual growth rate of 4.2%.The NY State Manufacturing Index , and the Producer Price Index(PPI) were reported lower than expectations. When excluding vo...
01/15/2008
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Do you know what's your credit score? If your answer is "no" this might be a perfect time to check it. The big majority of consumers are not concern with their credit worthiness until they have to fill out an application.The amendment to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act requires each of the ...
01/11/2008
The trade deficit widened to -$63.1 Billion, its highest level in 14 months. Economists were expecting a -$59.5 Billion deficit. According to CCNMoney, "The growth in exports has been a major factor cushioning the blow to the economy from the slump in housing and a severe credit crunch. However...
01/11/2008
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Today's Initial Jobless Claims were reported at 322,000, which was below expectations of 337,000 and the lowest weekly total since November 3. The four-week moving average for claims dropped to its lowest level in a month by falling 3,000 claims to 341,000. Expectations of weaker economic perfor...
01/10/2008