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, … [Read More...]
When you are buying a home, you may run into a number of hurdles to complete the purchase. One of the items that you may be asked to purchase is called private mortgage insurance, often shortened to PMI. This is a unique insurance policy that your lender, such as the credit union or bank, may ask you to buy in order to protect themselves. In this insurance policy, the bank protects themselves against losing money if you end up defaulting on your loan. Unfortunately, if you are asked to purchase PMI, this will increase your monthly mortgage payment. Therefore, most people try to avoid it. … [Read More...]
Most homeowners are so enthusiastic about putting their home on the market and getting the price they're hoping for that the expenses involved in selling a home are forgotten. However, it's often said that one has to spend money to make money, and selling a home is no exception! If you're wondering what kinds of overlooked expenses will cut into your home sale, here are some costs to consider. Minor Renovations There are always a few things to fix-up when it comes time to sell your home, but by establishing what will best increase your home's value, you can make it a good investment. Instead … [Read More...]
Imagine having some extra cash on hand, enough to make a significant financial decision that could potentially shape your future. You've worked hard to build equity in your home, and now you find yourself at a crossroads. Should you invest in a vacation home or use the money to pay off your first mortgage? Vacation Home-Pros A Place to Escape: Owning a vacation home provides you with a tranquil getaway, a place to unwind and recharge. It offers the potential for making lasting memories with family and friends. Rental Income: If you decide not to use the vacation home year-round, you can rent … [Read More...]
Imagine having some extra cash on hand, enough to make a significant financial decision that could potentially shape your future. You've worked hard to build equity in your home, and now you find yourself at a crossroads. Should you invest in a vacation home or use the money to pay off your first mortgage? Vacation Home-Pros A Place to Escape: Owning a vacation home provides you with a tranquil getaway, a place to unwind and recharge. It offers the potential for making lasting memories with family and friends. Rental Income: If you decide not to use the vacation home year-round, you can rent … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
