This Week’s Market Commentary

April 23, 2012

Monday’s bond market has opened in positive territory due to a weak opening in stocks. The major stock indexes are reacting negatively to renewed concerns about the European economy and debt issues. This has the Dow down 131 points and the Nasdaq down 47 points. The bond market is currently up 13/32, which should improve [...]

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Bargain Prices and Low FHA Down Payments are Fueling Home Sales

April 18, 2012

Few ideas tug at the heart strings like the thought of having a home of your own. For many, the days of longing may be coming to a close. The goal is in sight. Not only is the home you want now within your price range, but it will take less cash than ever before. [...]

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This Week’s Market Commentary

April 16, 2012

This week brings us the release of five economic reports that are relevant to mortgage rates, the first being the most important one. It will be posted early tomorrow morning when the Commerce Department releases March’s Retail Sales data. This piece of data gives us a measurement of consumer spending levels, which is very important [...]

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Four Ways to Delay Paying Taxes

April 11, 2012

While the due date for taxes is April 17, if you are having trouble scraping up the money, there are ways to stall the taxman. According to a Yahoo article, you must file your tax return by the deadline in order to avoid penalties and interest. However, you can get an extension of up to [...]

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This Week’s Market Commentary

April 9, 2012

Monday’s bond market has opened in positive territory following early stock weakness. As expected, the stock markets are showing sizable losses as they react for the first time to Friday’s Employment numbers. The Dow is currently down 153 points while the Nasdaq has lost 40 points. The bond market is currently up 7/32, which with [...]

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Common Red Flags for Mortgage Loan Underwriters

April 5, 2012

Loan underwriters frequently see red flags that could prevent borrowers from getting a loan. John Ellis, our Senior Vice President, laid out some red flags he frequently sees: Borrowers buying properties separately when they are married Refinance where the appraised value is significantly higher than the recent acquisition cost Frequent employment changes / Recent increase [...]

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This Week’s Market Commentary

April 2, 2012

This week brings us the release of three monthly economic reports in addition to the minutes from the most recent FOMC meeting. While three reports is usually not much of a concern, two of the week’s three are considered to be highly important to the markets and mortgage rates. Thrown in the fact that this [...]

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Moving With Young Children

March 30, 2012

Moving is a highly stressful and chaotic period for any body. For children in their preschool-age years, however, moving can be quite confusing. There are steps you can take before, during, and after the move to help young kids make the transition. Before the move Parenting Magazine suggests in its July 2011 issue that chatting [...]

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How to Ready Your Walls for Paint or Paper

March 28, 2012

Brian Santos, The Wall Wizard, gives this advice: 1. Clean the surface. Buy a 90-percent pure solution of rubbing alcohol and a self-wringing sponge mop with a scrubbing strip. Put a half gallon into a bucket and scrub the walls with an up-and-down motion. Wring the mop into an empty bucket so the solution isn’t [...]

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This Week’s Market Commentary

March 26, 2012

Monday’s bond market has opened in negative territory following early stock strength. The major stock indexes are starting the week off with gains of 112 points in the Dow and 26 points in the Nasdaq. The bond market is currently down 6/32, but we may still see a slight improvement in this morning’s mortgage pricing [...]

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