Financial Reform Building Momentum

March 19, 2010 · Comment 

Senator Chris Dodd, chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, took a step forward when he unveiled his plan for financial reform legislation on Monday.  The legislation introduced is a package comprised of concessions from both sides of the aisle.  A number of representatives are not satisfied with the language in the bill. A key component [...]

Higher Mortgage Rates Possible

January 16, 2010 · Comment 

Economist believe mortgage rates will increase, predicting the average 30 year rate will move closer to 5.75% over the next six months.  Such forecasts force homeowners with adjustable rate mortgages to consider refinancing their loans to avoid an increase in their monthly payments.  An increase that few are prepared to handle when we consider the [...]

Fed Purchases Of Mortgage Backed Securities To End

December 31, 2009 · Comment 

The Federal Reserve Bank will discontinue buying mortgage backed securities in March 2010.  The Federal Reserve has been actively supporting the treasury and mortgage markets with purchases of treasuries and mortgage backed securities since fall 2008. This could have an impact on the mortgage climate for the foreseeable future.  A Morgan Stanley chief economist feels [...]

More Changes Ahead for Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae

September 5, 2009 · 1 Comment 

A proposal released Wednesday by the Mortgage Bankers Association is asking congress to split Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.  The proposal outlines a detailed plan for restructuring the U.S. mortgage market by establishing a “proposed framework for a refined government role in the secondary mortgage market designed to ensure liquidity for mortgages without presenting unnecessary [...]

Fed Says Growth Likely To Return

August 22, 2009 · Comment 

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke offered his most optimistic outlook on the economy since the financial crisis began last September. Bernanke, during his Jackson Hole Wyoming speech said, “After contracting sharply over the past year, economic activity appears to be leveling out, both in the United States and abroad, and the prospects for a return [...]

Mortgage Rates Rise as Foreclosures Increase

August 15, 2009 · Comment 

The Federal Reserve announced that the average rate of a 30 year fixed rate mortgage rose to 5.38%, up from 5.17% the week before.  The average rate for a 15 year fixed rate mortgage is now at 4.71%, up from 4.6%. Real estate research firm Zillow reported on Tuesday that, while home values continue to fall, [...]

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