Mortgage rates for 30-year fixed and 15-year fixed loans fell by one basis each today, while 5/1 ARMs held steady, according to a NerdWallet survey of daily mortgage rates published by national lenders Monday morning.

All seems calm at the moment for the mortgage market, which isn’t all that uncommon for the summer months. With the futures market predicting only a 50/50 chance the Fed will raise rates by December, it will be up to the economy and/or global events to rile the markets.

The impact of the latest U.S.-Russia diplomatic skirmish is still waiting to be felt, and the Federal Reserve still contemplating when to start lightening the load of mortgage and Treasury bonds on its balance sheet. As a result, the market is stuck in a holding pattern, and for now, that’s all good for the American mortgage borrower.

MORTGAGE RATES TODAY, Monday, JULY 31:

(Change from 7/28)
30-year fixed: 4.05% APR (-0.01)
15-year fixed: 3.45% APR (-0.01)
5/1 ARM: 3.88% APR (NC)

NerdWallet daily mortgage rates are an average of the published annual percentage rate with the lowest points for each loan term offered by a sampling of major national lenders. APR quotes reflect an interest rate plus points, fees and other expenses, providing the most accurate view of the costs a borrower might pay.

Emily Starbuck Crone is a staff writer at NerdWallet, a personal finance website. Email: [email protected] 

The article Mortgage Rates Monday, July 31: Little Change originally appeared on NerdWallet.

Realty Solutions Group was built around a simple but elusive concept: provide brokers and clients with the highest level of service in the industry through cutting-edge sales, marketing programs and a culture that values innovation, relationships and a strong local focus.

In less than 5 years, Realty Solutions Group is among the top independent brokerage firms in S/E Wisconsin.

As a locally-owned, independent company, Realty Solutions Group is deeply committed to supporting the communities and clients we serve. We are constantly evolving, but remain focused on that one simple idea behind our founding.

We are a full service brokerage with discounted commissions. We offer no long term listing contracts, a Performance Guarantee, Smart Seller Program and a Communication Guarantee. Contact us today and let us provide you with the very best real estate experience.

Powered by WPeMatico

Recently there has been a lot of talk about home prices accelerating too quickly. As we mentioned before, in some areas of the country, seller supply (homes for sale) cannot keep up with the number of buyers who are out looking for homes, causing premium pricing on properties.

The good news with rising prices is that ,according to CoreLogic’s Homeowner Equity Report, the average American household gained over $14,000 in equity over the course of the last year, largely due to home value increases.

The below map was created using the same report from CoreLogic and shows the average equity gain per mortgaged home during the 1^st quarter of 2017 (the latest data available).

For sellers who are worried of a repeat of 2006 all over again, it is important to remember that homeowners are investing their new-found equity in their homes and themselves, not in depreciating assets.

The added equity is helps families put their children through school, invest in starting small businesses, pay off their mortgages sooner and even move up to the home that will better suit their needs now.

Bottom Line

If you are a homeowner looking to take advantage of your home equity by moving up to your dream home, let’s get together to discuss your options!

Realty Solutions Group was built around a simple but elusive concept: provide brokers and clients with the highest level of service in the industry through cutting-edge sales, marketing programs and a culture that values innovation, relationships and a strong local focus.

In less than 5 years, Realty Solutions Group is among the top independent brokerage firms in S/E Wisconsin.

As a locally-owned, independent company, Realty Solutions Group is deeply committed to supporting the communities and clients we serve. We are constantly evolving, but remain focused on that one simple idea behind our founding.

We are a full service brokerage with discounted commissions. We offer no long term listing contracts, a Performance Guarantee, Smart Seller Program and a Communication Guarantee. Contact us today and let us provide you with the very best real estate experience.

Highlights:

• Existing real estate sales are now at an yearly pace of 5.52 million.
• Because of low Inventory of existing homes for sale, sales dropped to a 4.3-month supply, marking the 25^th month in a row of declines.
• The median price of homes sold in June was $263,800. This is the 64^th consecutive month of year-over-year price gains.

Realty Solutions Group was built around a simple but elusive concept: provide brokers and clients with the highest level of service in the industry through cutting-edge sales, marketing programs and a culture that values innovation, relationships and a strong local focus.

In less than 5 years, Realty Solutions Group is among the top independent brokerage firms in S/E Wisconsin.

As a locally-owned, independent company, Realty Solutions Group is deeply committed to supporting the communities and clients we serve. We are constantly evolving, but remain focused on that one simple idea behind our founding.

We are a full service brokerage with discounted commissions. We offer no long term listing contracts, a Performance Guarantee, Smart Seller Program and a Communication Guarantee. Contact us today and let us provide you with the very best real estate experience.

Bankrate’s latest Financial Security Index Poll reveals consumers having money to set aside for the next 10 years choose real estate to invest in rather than any other type of investment.

Bankrate asked Americans to answer the following question:

“What is the best way to invest money you wouldn’t need for 10 years or more?”

Real Estate came in at the number one choice with 28% of all respondents (3% higher than last year), while cash investments – such as savings accounts and CD’s – came in second with 23% (the same as last year). The full results are shown on the chart below:

This article talks about several reasons for these results:

“After bottoming out at the end of 2011 following the worst housing collapse in generations, home prices have gone gangbusters recently, climbing back above their record pre-crisis levels. Prices jumped 6.6 percent during the 12 months that ended in May, according to CoreLogic.

Toss in persistently low interest rates, tax goodies that come with owning a mortgage, and the psychological payoff from planting your roots, and maybe it’s no wonder real estate remains popular.”

The article also showed that:

“Bankrate’s Financial Security Index — based on survey questions about how people feel about their debt, savings, net worth, job security and overall financial situation — has hit its third-highest level since the poll’s inception in December 2010.”

Bottom Line

We have often written about the financial and non-financial reasons homeownership makes sense. It is nice to see that Americans still believe in homeownership as the best investment.

Realty Solutions Group was built around a simple but elusive concept: provide brokers and clients with the highest level of service in the industry through cutting-edge sales, marketing programs and a culture that values innovation, relationships and a strong local focus.

In less than 5 years, Realty Solutions Group is among the top independent brokerage firms in S/E Wisconsin.

As a locally-owned, independent company, Realty Solutions Group is deeply committed to supporting the communities and clients we serve. We are constantly evolving, but remain focused on that one simple idea behind our founding.

We are a full service brokerage with discounted commissions. We offer no long term listing contracts, a Performance Guarantee, Smart Seller Program and a Communication Guarantee. Contact us today and let us provide you with the very best real estate experience.

Mortgage rates for 30-year fixed loans fell a notch, while 15-year fixed and 5/1 ARMs held firm today, according to a NerdWallet survey of daily mortgage rates published by national lenders Friday morning.

The U.S. economy is still improving but not overachieving. Today’s government report on second-quarter gross domestic product — a measure of the goods produced and services sold — met economists’ expectations.

However, though the GDP growth rate was nearly twice that of the first quarter, National Association of Realtors chief economist Lawrence Yun characterized the expansion as “unimpressive.”

“The latest 2.6% expansion is still below the long-term historical average of 3.1% and what President Trump had campaigned on,” Yun said in a release. “The missing ingredient was a pullback in new home construction.”

“America faces a housing shortage and we need more construction,” Yun added. “If this can simply be done, the economy will move up to the fast track.”

The bond market appears similarly unimpressed, shrugging off the news with little reaction. For now, most lenders are content to keep mortgage rates essentially unchanged.

MORTGAGE RATES TODAY, FRIDAY, JULY 28:

(Change from 7/27)
30-year fixed: 4.06% APR (-0.01)
15-year fixed: 3.46% APR (NC)
5/1 ARM: 3.88% APR (NC)

NerdWallet daily mortgage rates are an average of the published annual percentage rate with the lowest points for each loan term offered by a sampling of major national lenders. APR quotes reflect an interest rate plus points, fees and other expenses, providing the most accurate view of the costs a borrower might pay.

Hal Bundrick is a staff writer at NerdWallet, a personal finance website. Email: [email protected] Twitter: @halmbundrick.

The article Mortgage Rates Friday, July 28: Mostly Steady originally appeared on NerdWallet.

Realty Solutions Group was built around a simple but elusive concept: provide brokers and clients with the highest level of service in the industry through cutting-edge sales, marketing programs and a culture that values innovation, relationships and a strong local focus.

In less than 5 years, Realty Solutions Group is among the top independent brokerage firms in S/E Wisconsin.

As a locally-owned, independent company, Realty Solutions Group is deeply committed to supporting the communities and clients we serve. We are constantly evolving, but remain focused on that one simple idea behind our founding.

We are a full service brokerage with discounted commissions. We offer no long term listing contracts, a Performance Guarantee, Smart Seller Program and a Communication Guarantee. Contact us today and let us provide you with the very best real estate experience.

Powered by WPeMatico

Mortgage rates for 30-year and 15-year fixed loans, as well as 5/1 ARMs, all slipped lower today, according to a NerdWallet survey of daily mortgage rates published by national lenders Thursday morning.

The Federal Reserve is in a “wait and see” mode for now — monitoring the economy and delaying interest rate hikes until later in the year, at the earliest.

The bond market seems to be on hold as well, with little direction. A big news event can change that. Meanwhile, stocks are reaching new highs, in a bull market now well into its ninth year.

This morning, mortgage rates took back most of yesterday’s gains. And that’s been the summer pattern. Since mid-May, fixed-rate mortgage loans have been simply wobbling, mostly within a one-eighth-point (0.125%) range. Lenders aren’t making any significant moves on pricing.

That’s good news for borrowers looking to be at a loan-closing table soon.

MORTGAGE RATES TODAY, THURSDAY, JULY 27:

(Change from 7/26)
30-year fixed: 4.07% APR (-0.04)
15-year fixed: 3.46% APR (-0.02)
5/1 ARM: 3.88% APR (-0.01)

NerdWallet daily mortgage rates are an average of the published annual percentage rate with the lowest points for each loan term offered by a sampling of major national lenders. APR quotes reflect an interest rate plus points, fees and other expenses, providing the most accurate view of the costs a borrower might pay.

Hal Bundrick is a staff writer at NerdWallet, a personal finance website. Email: [email protected] Twitter: @halmbundrick.

The article Mortgage Rates Thursday, July 27: Falling; Fed Stalling originally appeared on NerdWallet.

Realty Solutions Group was built around a simple but elusive concept: provide brokers and clients with the highest level of service in the industry through cutting-edge sales, marketing programs and a culture that values innovation, relationships and a strong local focus.

In less than 5 years, Realty Solutions Group is among the top independent brokerage firms in S/E Wisconsin.

As a locally-owned, independent company, Realty Solutions Group is deeply committed to supporting the communities and clients we serve. We are constantly evolving, but remain focused on that one simple idea behind our founding.

We are a full service brokerage with discounted commissions. We offer no long term listing contracts, a Performance Guarantee, Smart Seller Program and a Communication Guarantee. Contact us today and let us provide you with the very best real estate experience.

Powered by WPeMatico

Mortgage rates for 30-year and 15-year fixed loans, as well as 5/1 ARMs, all moved higher again today, according to a NerdWallet survey of daily mortgage rates published by national lenders Wednesday morning.

The Federal Reserve announces its decision on short-term interest rates today. Another rate hike is not expected, because inflation — often a byproduct of a growing economy — has been remarkably tame.

Mortgage rates have made a move higher, as bonds saw a brisk sell-off in the past 24 hours, while the stock market hit new highs.

Home loan applications rose slightly for the week ending July 21, as loan refinancing activity gained 3% from the week prior, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

“Purchase applications decreased for the week to their lowest level since May, amid further signs that tight housing inventory is constraining transaction volume,” Mike Fratantoni, MBA chief economist, said in a release. “Purchase application volume remains 8% higher than one year ago in units, 12% higher in terms of dollar volume, bolstered by a strong job market and rising home prices.”

MORTGAGE RATES TODAY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 26:

(Change from 7/25)
30-year fixed: 4.11% APR (+0.05)
15-year fixed: 3.48% APR (+0.02)
5/1 ARM: 3.89% APR (+0.01)

NerdWallet daily mortgage rates are an average of the published annual percentage rate with the lowest points for each loan term offered by a sampling of major national lenders. APR quotes reflect an interest rate plus points, fees and other expenses, providing the most accurate view of the costs a borrower might pay.

Hal Bundrick is a staff writer at NerdWallet, a personal finance website. Email: [email protected] Twitter: @halmbundrick.

The article Mortgage Rates Wednesday, July 26: Higher Prior to Fed News originally appeared on NerdWallet.

Realty Solutions Group was built around a simple but elusive concept: provide brokers and clients with the highest level of service in the industry through cutting-edge sales, marketing programs and a culture that values innovation, relationships and a strong local focus.

In less than 5 years, Realty Solutions Group is among the top independent brokerage firms in S/E Wisconsin.

As a locally-owned, independent company, Realty Solutions Group is deeply committed to supporting the communities and clients we serve. We are constantly evolving, but remain focused on that one simple idea behind our founding.

We are a full service brokerage with discounted commissions. We offer no long term listing contracts, a Performance Guarantee, Smart Seller Program and a Communication Guarantee. Contact us today and let us provide you with the very best real estate experience.

Powered by WPeMatico

Mortgage rates for 30-year and 15-year fixed loans, as well as 5/1 ARMs, all stepped higher today, according to a NerdWallet survey of daily mortgage rates published by national lenders Tuesday morning.

The economy seems to be coasting along more than accelerating ahead, so most analysts believe the Federal Reserve will leave short-term interest rates unchanged tomorrow.

In early trading today, the S&P 500 was setting record highs while Treasurys moved lower. As a result, government bond yields were higher — and mortgage rates were bouncing off of their lows for the month.

MORTGAGE RATES TODAY, TUESDAY, JULY 25:

(Change from 7/24)
30-year fixed: 4.06% APR (+0.01)
15-year fixed: 3.46% APR (+0.01)
5/1 ARM: 3.88% APR (+0.01)

NerdWallet daily mortgage rates are an average of the published annual percentage rate with the lowest points for each loan term offered by a sampling of major national lenders. APR quotes reflect an interest rate plus points, fees and other expenses, providing the most accurate view of the costs a borrower might pay.

Hal Bundrick is a staff writer at NerdWallet, a personal finance website. Email: [email protected] Twitter: @halmbundrick.

The article Mortgage Rates Tuesday, July 25: Stepping Up From July Lows originally appeared on NerdWallet.

Realty Solutions Group was built around a simple but elusive concept: provide brokers and clients with the highest level of service in the industry through cutting-edge sales, marketing programs and a culture that values innovation, relationships and a strong local focus.

In less than 5 years, Realty Solutions Group is among the top independent brokerage firms in S/E Wisconsin.

As a locally-owned, independent company, Realty Solutions Group is deeply committed to supporting the communities and clients we serve. We are constantly evolving, but remain focused on that one simple idea behind our founding.

We are a full service brokerage with discounted commissions. We offer no long term listing contracts, a Performance Guarantee, Smart Seller Program and a Communication Guarantee. Contact us today and let us provide you with the very best real estate experience.

Powered by WPeMatico

National Association of Realtors®’ 2017 National Housing Pulse Survey revealed that 84% of Americans now believe that buying a home is a good financial decision.  This percentage is the highest since 2007– before the housing crisis. The buyers surveyed pointed out five main reasons why they think buying a home is a good financial decision:

1. Homeownership means the money you spend on housing adds to the equity , rather than to a landlord
2. Homeownership creates the opportunity to pay off a mortgage and own your home by the time you retire
3. Homeownership is an investment opportunity that builds long-term wealth and increases net worth
4. Homeownership means a stable and predictable monthly mortgage payment
5. Homeownership allows for various deductions on federal, state, and local income taxes

The survey also showed that the majority of Americans strongly agree that buying a home helps create safe, secure, and stable environments.

Bottom Line

Homeownership has always been and still is a crucial part of the American Dream.

Realty Solutions Group was built around a simple but elusive concept: provide brokers and clients with the highest level of service in the industry through cutting-edge sales, marketing programs and a culture that values innovation, relationships and a strong local focus.

In less than 5 years, Realty Solutions Group is among the top independent brokerage firms in S/E Wisconsin.

As a locally-owned, independent company, Realty Solutions Group is deeply committed to supporting the communities and clients we serve. We are constantly evolving, but remain focused on that one simple idea behind our founding.

We are a full service brokerage with discounted commissions. We offer no long term listing contracts, a Performance Guarantee, Smart Seller Program and a Communication Guarantee. Contact us today and let us provide you with the very best real estate experience.

Some Highlights:

• Singles are buying their dream home now, why wait?  According to NAR’s Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers, the percentage of recent homebuyers who were single at the time of purchase held steady at 24% last year.
• The percentage of single female first-time home buyers rose to 17% (up from 16%), as the percentage of single men dropped from 11% to 8%.
• The primary reason being the desire to own a home of their own (38% for women and 37% for men).

Realty Solutions Group was built around a simple but elusive concept: provide brokers and clients with the highest level of service in the industry through cutting-edge sales, marketing programs and a culture that values innovation, relationships and a strong local focus.

In less than 5 years, Realty Solutions Group is among the top independent brokerage firms in S/E Wisconsin.

As a locally-owned, independent company, Realty Solutions Group is deeply committed to supporting the communities and clients we serve. We are constantly evolving, but remain focused on that one simple idea behind our founding.

We are a full service brokerage with discounted commissions. We offer no long term listing contracts, a Performance Guarantee, Smart Seller Program and a Communication Guarantee. Contact us today and let us provide you with the very best real estate experience.

Powered by WPeMatico