Mortgage News

Bernanke & Co. cut the Fed funds rate target one-half percent, citing “considerable stress” in financial markets

Original post by Anthony

Stocks moved higher Wednesday after Bernanke & Co. cut the Fed funds rate target one-half percent, citing “considerable stress” in financial markets

Original post by Anthony

Futures signaled a lower open Wednesday ahead of the FOMC decision on interest rates. Investors weighed a report showing weaker than expected Q4 GDP

Original post by Anthony

Mortgage interest rates for the week ended January 24
continued to fall and long term rates hit their lowest levels since the
spring of 2004 according to the results of Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage
Market Survey for the week ended January 24, 2008.

Mortgage application volume increased 7.5 percent on a seasonally
adjusted basis from a week earlier and 10.5 percent on an unadjusted
basis. The volume was…

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Original post by Darin

The Federal Reserve cuts its key interest rate for the second time in eight days, reducing the federal funds rate by one-half percentage point

Original post by Anthony

With house prices on both sides of the Atlantic falling, those wishing to sell their house are placed in a more difficult situation. Although, it is currently a buyers market there are some tactics that can be used to maximise your selling price.

Choose Right Valuation.

Just because house prices are falling, don’t despair and set a price that is undervalued. At the same time, avoid being greedy and setting a price that is too high. Take several valuations and choose one in the middle. You need to choose a fair price which will encourage others to come and view. If you get enough people viewing the competition may push up the prices.

Compare with Similar Properties.

The housing Market can be a highly localised affair. Sometimes, even though national house prices may be falling, certain areas can hold their value. Even, within one large city, house price valuations may be moving in different directions. Therefore, it is important to get an idea of the local market. To get a real feel for the local property market, take time visiting estate agents and even visit other houses on sale. Look at the valuation placed on other houses and judge a competitive price for your own. Looking at other properties will also give you a good idea about what works well for selling houses and what puts a prospective buyer off.

Increase Value of Your Own House as Much As Possible.

There are several things we can do to increase the selling value of the house. Many of these are common sense, but it can be surprising how many homeowners don’t take advantage of them. (more…)

Original post by Tejvan R Pettinger

The rogue trader tells prosecutors about his motivations, modus operandi, and Societe Generale’s security shortcomings

Original post by Anthony

I have written a guide to the UK Housing Market here

It includes an explanation of terms from affordability to the sub prime crisis and the wealth effect.

If you would like to ask a question about any other aspect of the housing market or Economics, feel free to leave a comment or contact me here.

On my Economics Blog, I looked at the latest prospects for interest rates 

It is interesting to hear Prof. Blanchflower argue that worrying about inflation is like playing the fiddle as Rome burns. - Expect the next move in rates to be down, but, how much is uncertain.

Original post by Tejvan R Pettinger

Mortgage and remortgage rates may vary from one loan program to another. But is the lowest rates actually the best criterion when shopping for a mortgage?

Shop around first to find the mortgage …

Original post by default@goarticles.com (LizaMathers)

Angst. Confusion. Frustration. Elation. Maybe the best place to ride out the market is the analyst’s couch

Original post by Anthony