Is a real estate bubble to blame for sudden drops in the stock market? Does stock market volatility indicate that a housing crash and recession are imminent? Probably not. Although there are some correlations between stock market activity and the health of the housing market, there isn’t a direct, consistent cause and effect relationship between the two. There are always other factors at work that help to complete the big picture. Here’s some insight into how rates, the housing market and the stock market are intertwined, but still need to be considered separately. Read More “What Does Stock Market Volatility Mean for the Housing Market?” →

There is no escaping it; debates, primaries and non-stop political rhetoric across all media channels. It’s 2016 and it’s an election year. And if you’re considering buying a home sometime in the next year, you may be curious about historical interest rate trends during the months before and after we’ve elected a new president.

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The Fed’s December announcement of a rate increase of 25 basis points (.25%) was highly anticipated, mostly because the last increase happened a decade ago. The threat of an increase has been looming and now that it has happened, what does the increase really mean to consumers? There’s no reason to panic. Here’s why:

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Written by Dick Lepre

Financial decisions can be daunting, especially when planning for a large purchase or investment where interest rates influence the cost of borrowing money. While there is no crystal ball to provide completely accurate predictions about rates, understanding the basics of economic news can help facilitate more informed decisions. Is it the right time to invest in a new home or refinance an existing one? Is a fixed rate mortgage the way to go or is there a chance rates might go lower? The U.S. Federal Reserve monitors various indicators to help guide economic policy. The media follows closely, reporting on inflation, the job market, foreign affairs, and more. So, what does it all really mean to the average consumer preparing for a big financial decision?

Read More “Understanding Economic News – Tips for Non-Experts” →