Learning about real estate investing can be a complicated process. However, a simple overview of the basics is the best way to get started. You’ll have a useful framework if you begin by understanding: The value of leverage Tax Benefits Depreciation We’re going to cover each of these in this blog post, beginning with the […]
If you purchased a home with less than a 20% down payment, or you’re about to, you’re familiar with Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). PMI is an ‘evil villain’ in the eyes of family and friends who’ll likely tell you to “avoid it at all costs.” But in reality, PMI is a good thing. It’s a […]
The Federal Reserve raised the Fed Fund overnight rate by one-quarter percent yesterday, as predicted. Commentary by Fed President Powell also indicted another increase will come at their December meeting. The markets expected this rate increase so minimal movement in the markets as a result. Further based on the commentary released from the Fed meeting […]
Everyone in the market for a mortgage loan thinks comparing the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) from competing mortgage companies is the way to choose the best loan. And it’s all wrong. At best, trying to understand what APR means and using it to find the best loan adds unnecessary confusion to the process of finding […]
Mortgage rates have increased for the last three weeks, and there’s a strong likelihood that they will continue on that path for the foreseeable future, and definitely for the next week. Earlier in the week, there was a sell-off in the market which was justifiable – so no correction is expected. The Fannie Mae 4% […]
Only time will tell if the summers’ slowing sales in California are a momentary pause or a sign of a permanent change in the market. According to the latest data provided by CoreLogic, home sales barely increased for July 2018 above July 2017, following two months of lower home sales. The slowing volume of sales […]
The last three weeks delivered increasing mortgage rates and the coming week is shaping up to be a repeat. What’s behind this negative break from the summer doldrums rates have languished in is a steady sign that inflation is substantially above the Feds target of 2%. The latest CPI 4-week average came in barely below […]
Are rising mortgage rates and housing prices bringing back the Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) loan? Well, they never completely went away, but they’re making a comeback. Sort of. Before the mortgage melt-down, at the peak of the market in June 2005, ARM loans accounted for 77% of all loans made in the US according to […]
Are California homebuyers getting squeezed out of the state? In early August, the California Association of Realtors (CAR) released its’ housing affordability index for the second quarter of 2018. The major takeaway offered by CAR in the report is that the combination of increasing housing prices and rising mortgage rates have reduced the home buying […]
The Federal Reserve uses PCE Index, Personal Consumption Expenditures, as their preferred measure of inflation, and it’s now hit a 6-year high at 2.3%. The impact of an uber strong GDP (4.2%), combined with the 2.3% PCE Index, should be causing a sell-off in Mortgage Backed Securities (MBS) – but that’s not happening right now. […]
