Jerome "Jay" Powell was sworn in as Chair of the Federal Reserve amidst wild fluctuations in U.S. stock markets. Analysts attributed sliding stock prices to fears over inflation. Mr. Powell, who follows former Fed Chair Janet Yellen, introduced himself via a video clip on the Fed's website. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released. New Fed Chair Promises "Transparency" in Video Introduction In a video introduction posted on the Fed's website, new Fed … [Read more...]
Worried About Future Mortgage Rate Increases? Here’s How to ‘Stress Test’ Your Finances
When it comes to real estate, there are always going to be upswings in the market that will have an impact on your mortgage payment and overall financial health. However, with a fluctuating market here to stay, you may be wondering how you can guard your biggest investment and your finances against rate increases. If you're concerned about rates on the rise, here are a few tips to test out you're fiscal well-being. Calculate Your Debt-To-Income Ratio It's beneficial to determine your DTI ratio … [Read more...]
The 2017 Mortgage Rate Outlook: Here’s What the Experts Are Saying
The post-election period is often one of uncertainty, and the time since the 2016 election has been no different with regards to market force and the financial world. With a new administration taking office, there are many questions regarding how Donald Trump's presidency will impact the market and your mortgage. If you're wondering what the predictions are for the coming year, here are a few things the experts are considering. An Increase In Rates Due to an expected hike in rates by the Federal … [Read more...]
The First-Time Home Buyer’s Guide to Getting the Best Possible Mortgage Rate
Whether they're found online or heard from family and friends, there are so many mortgage tips out there that it can be hard to know exactly how to proceed. But, if you're new to the market, there are a few surefire things you can do to get a mortgage rate you'll feel good about. For some of the best tips on getting a great loan, look no further than the following. Know Your Credit History It's a simple fact that one of the most important factors in your mortgage application is your credit … [Read more...]