06 Apr 2020
By Mortgage Blog Content

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 6th, 2020

Financial Reports
Last week’s economic reporting included readings on pending home sales, Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, and Bureau of Labor Statistics reports on national unemployment. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims were also released. Pending Home Sales Slow in February Before Coronavirus Took Hold The National Association of Realtors® reported fewer pending home sales in February as the coronavirus gained traction. Pending sales rose by 2.40 percent in February as compared to January’s growth rate of 5.30 percent. Before the outbreak, pending home sales gained momentum in all U.S. regions. Pending home sales are sales for which signed purchase contracts were signed, but sales were not completed. Nationally, year-over-year pending…
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03 Apr 2020
By Mortgage Blog Content

The Department Of Veterans Affairs Is Allowing Drive-by Appraisals Because Of COVID-19

Mortgage
The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic has impacted every industry across the country. Many people are being asked to shelter in place and everyone has been asked to practice social distancing to try to curtail the spread of this deadly virus. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has asked both Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae to make some changes in the manner they conduct property appraisals and employment verification. Shortly after the move by the FHFA, The Veteran's Administration (VA) and Federal Housing Administration (FHA) followed suit by relaxing property appraisal requirements. Due to the unusual circumstances that are facing the country right now, these changes are necessary to keep people safe while…
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02 Apr 2020
By Mortgage Blog Content

Case-Shiller: January Home Price Growth Strong; Pandemic Impact Unknown

Financial Crisis
United States home prices increased by 3.90 percent year-over-year in January as compared to December’s growth rate of 3.70 percent according to Case-Shiller’s National Home Price Index. Home prices also rose in Case-Shiller’s 20-City Home Price Index. 20-City Home Price Index: Phoenix Arizona Leads in Home Price Growth The Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index is followed closely by real estate pros and its trends are used to gauge home price growth within cities included in the index. Phoenix, Arizona led home price growth rates for the eighth consecutive month with a year-over-year growth rate of 6.90 percent. Seattle, Washington followed with year-over-year home price growth of 5.10 percent; Tampa, Florida also…
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01 Apr 2020
By Mortgage Blog Content

Building An Emergency Fund During An Emergency

Mortgage
By now, it should be apparent that this COVID-19 (Corona-virus) pandemic is going to be here for several months. It is already causing the market to plummet and is disrupting jobs all over the country. Many people who work as hourly employees (or are independent contractors) are starting to suffer. As people's budgets start to feel the squeeze, this is exactly the time that people should be relying on an emergency fund; however, for those who don't have one, it is time to start saving. How To Create An Emergency Fund Even though cash assistance from the government might be coming soon, this is not going to be enough to get…
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