Monthly Archives: November 2009

For the eighth straight consecutive month, national foreclosure activity in the U.S. was dominated by a small set of states. As reported by RealtyTrac.com, more than half of October’s foreclosure-related activity came from just 4 states: California Florida Illinois Michigan … Continue reading →

Despite the economy’s improvement and prodding from Congress, banks don’t seem ready to open their purse strings just yet. Nationally, mortgage approval standards are tightening. The data comes from a quarterly survey the Federal Reserve sends to its member banks. … Continue reading →

Consider this a last call for FHA Streamline Refinances. Starting next Tuesday, the popular rate-lowering program gets strict on borrowers. There’s 5 days left. Under the current streamline refi guidelines, FHA homeowners have minimal program eligibility requirements. FICO scores must … Continue reading →

Mortgage markets were extremely volatile last week, carving out a wide range between Monday and Friday. Thankfully for rate shoppers, the overall momentum was positive. Mortgage rates fell for the second time in as many weeks. Rates still sit higher … Continue reading →

Congress both extended and expanded the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit program Thursday. The White House says the President will sign it into law today. The up-to-$8000 tax credit’s expiration date has been pushed forward to spring, requiring homebuyers to … Continue reading →

The Federal Open Market Committee voted to leave the Fed Funds Rate within its target range of 0.000-0.250 percent. In its press release, the FOMC noted that the U.S. economy “has continued to pick up” since the September FOMC meeting … Continue reading →

The Federal Open Market Committee caps off a scheduled, 2-day meeting today in the nation’s capital, its 8th meeting of the year. The group adjourns at 2:15 PM ET and, as is customary, will issue a press release reviewing its … Continue reading →

The housing market continues to steam forward. As reported by the National Association of Realtors

Mortgage markets improved last week after a series of hugely volatile trading sessions. Rates carved out a wide range on the week, culminating in a late-Friday plunge that dropped rates by about 1/8 percent. It was the first time in … Continue reading →