What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – September 11, 2023

Last week’s scheduled economic reporting was limited due to the U.S. Labor Day holiday on Monday. The Federal Reserve released its Beige Book report and weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also published. Federal Reserve Releases Beige Book Report The Beige Book report is a summary of information supplied to Federal Reserve policymakers by their business and professional contacts. Highlights of September’s Beige Book report included: Accelerated leisure spending by consumers boosted economic growth during July and August. Non-essential retail sales slowed, but the economy was boosted by a final stage of post-COVID-19 pent-up demand. Prices for…
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Does Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy Cover Storm Damage?

If you own a home, you must make sure it is properly protected. Hazards can change throughout the year, and one of the biggest threats during the spring is the arrival of frequent thunderstorms. If your home is damaged by a severe storm, it might be covered by your homeowner's insurance policy. You need to take a closer look at your policy to see if you have the right coverage. An Overview Of Home Insurance An insurance policy is supposed to protect you against potentially severe financial consequences. For example, if your home is damaged, the repair bills could be…
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Ways That You Can Go Greener On Your Home Improvement

Making your home improvement projects more environmentally friendly is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and help protect the planet. Here are some ways you can go greener on your home improvement projects: Use eco-friendly materials: Consider using materials that are made from sustainable and renewable resources such as bamboo, cork, or recycled materials. These materials not only have a lower impact on the environment but can also add a unique touch to your home. Choose energy-efficient appliances and fixtures: When choosing appliances and fixtures for your home improvement project, look for those that are Energy Star rated.…
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – September 5, 2023

Last week’s economic reporting included readings on inflation, consumer sentiment, and weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims.    Inflation Rates Are Similar in August Month-to-month, the inflation rate holds relatively steady at 3.18 percent. This is slightly up when compared to 2.97 percent last month; however, it is significantly lower than the rate of 8.52 percent last year. When compared to the long-term average, inflation is trending in the right direction, as the long-term average is 3.2 percent. Inflation rose at a pace of 0.20 percent in July and met analysts’ expectations. There was no change in the…
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Understanding the Mechanics of a HELOC Loan

For many homeowners, a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) can be an attractive financial tool, offering a flexible way to access funds while leveraging their property's equity. A HELOC works differently from a traditional home loan or mortgage, providing borrowers with a revolving credit line that they can draw from as needed. What is a HELOC? A Home Equity Line of Credit is a type of loan that allows homeowners to borrow against the equity they have built in their property. Equity is the difference between the home's current market value and the outstanding mortgage balance. HELOCs are typically…
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Buying Vs. Building a House

Deciding whether to buy or build a house can be a complex decision that depends on several factors. Here are some pros and cons to consider: Pros of Buying a House: Convenience: Buying a house is generally quicker and more convenient than building one. You can move in as soon as you close the deal, without having to wait for construction to be completed. Location: When you buy a house, you have the opportunity to choose a home in an established neighborhood with existing amenities such as schools, parks, shopping centers, and other essential services. You can choose a location…
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