Home sales drop 7.2% According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), existing-home sales fell in January but are above year-ago levels.  Economists polled by Thomson Reuters had forecast that completed sales last month rose almost 1% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.5 million, up from 5.45 million in December. Existing-home sales – [...]

Remember all the writing I did in the past year about how the Federal Government has been artificially propping up the mortgage markets and keeping interest rates low? It is all coming to an end … in 37 days! *HINT* If you click the graph at left, it will open a new window so you [...]

Note the Red columns for 2009. In December 2009, a record low 23 thousand new homes were sold (NSA); this ties the previous record low set in December 1966.  Sales in December 2008 were at 26 thousand. Last Week; interest rates spiked on continued better economic data and an increase in the producer price index. [...]

Mortgage rates will rise in response to yesterday’s Fed action. If you’re in the process of shopping for a mortgage or buying a home, the longer you wait to commit, the higher your mortgage rate will likely be.  Call or // send me an email and I will send you a rate quote based on [...]

Housing Advocates Pan Anti-Foreclosure Program’s Results // By Mary Kane 12/10/09 1:54 PM Julio Angulo was evicted from his Virginia home last December. (American News Project) It was last December when Julio Angulo ignored the bitter cold and sat on a rusted patio chair in the front yard of his foreclosed home in suburban Manassas, [...]

Press Release for Portland, OR Farmers’ Market. Can’t wait for all that local, organically grown produce!!! Not to mention are the artisan stuff.  Summer is right around the corner! yeah! Portland Farmers Market Growing for 2010 Season Portland Farmers Market doubles footprint at Saturday PSU Market and opens two new farmers’ markets at Pioneer Courthouse [...]

Last Week:  interest rates on treasuries increased, the 10 yr note yield jumped 12 basis points,, mortgage rates however remained generally unchanged.  The week brought the Greece deficit into full focus early in the week generating a little safe haven buying in treasuries but it didn’t las long as markets quickly realized the European Union [...]

The chart above is a graphical representation of the foreclosures that have been filed in our state of Oregon by county.  At first it doesn’t appear all that bad, however this is for just the month of January. Take a look at the chart below and tell my what you see? From the chart above [...]

IT’S HUGE! It’s a good time to look at the 15-year fixed rate mortgages. As compared to 30-year fixed rates, the relative discount for “going 15″ is big. Interest rate spreads between the benchmark borrowing products haven’t been this high since 2004. But there’s more to it than just the rates.  The 15-year and 30-year [...]

Consumer Sentiment has been on the rise since last February and it’s something to which home buyers should pay attention. The affordability of your next home may hinge on consumer confidence.