17
Dec
By First Rate Financial Group
Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 17th, 2018

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 17th, 2018Last week’s economic reports included readings on inflation and retail sales. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released.

Retail Sales Grow, Inflation Unchanged in November

November retail sales grew by 0.20 percent in November as compared to expectations of 0.10 percent and October’s reading of 1.10 percent growth. Core retail sales, which exclude automotive sales, grew by 0.20 percent and met expectations. Analysts said online stores pushed retail sales growth in November.

Inflation held steady in November as expected. Inflation grew by 0.30 percent in October. Core inflation, which excludes volatile fuel and food sectors, rose by 0.20 percent, which matched October’s reading. Lower fuel prices contributed to the higher Core Price Index reading.

Mortgage Rates, New Jobless Claims

Freddie Mac reported lower mortgage rates last week, which caused an uptick in demand for homes. Rates for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage dropped by 12 basis points and averaged 4.63 percent. Mortgage rates for 15-year fixed rate mortgages dropped 14 basis points and averaged 4.07 percent.

Rates s for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages averaged 4.06 percent and were three basis points lower than the prior week. Discount points averaged 0.50 percent for fixed rate mortgages and 0.30 percent for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages.

Last week’s average mortgage rates were the lowest in three months and prompted would-be be home buyers to enter the market.

First-time Jobless claims fell to 206,000 new claims filed as compared to the prior week’s reading of 233,000 new jobless claims filed. Analysts expected 226,000 new claims to be filed. The surge in unemployment claims during the prior week was connected to an early Thanksgiving holiday.

What‘s Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic reports include the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index, Commerce Department reports on housing starts and building permits issued. Sales of previously owned homes will be reported.

The Fed’s Federal Open Market Committee will issue its post-meeting statement along with economic projections for 2019. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims will be released along with a monthly report on consumer sentiment.

14
Dec
By First Rate Financial Group
Real Estate

How The Title Search Works

How The Title Search WorksA title search is an early warning system for buyers and lenders. It reveals flaws the owner must resolve prior to a closing or refinance request. This allows the owner to clear any clouds on the title so that the process can move forward. Also, it protects the buyer or lender from assuming an obligation they aren’t responsible for. 

Title Search

A chain of title exists in the public records. It shows the history of property title transfer from each previous owner to the next. Unfortunately, these searches are labor intensive and require a specialist called a title examiner.

The search may take the title examiner back to a time when property laws were much different. Technically, only 40-60 years are required, but this could leave a cloud of title on older properties. So, title examiners typically go back to the original owner.

Tax Search

The second step involves a search of tax records to ensure there are no unpaid taxes that could result in a tax lien on the property. The local municipality could hold buyers responsible if the taxes aren’t paid prior to the closing.

Inspection

If the title insurance is for a refinance loan, the lender often orders an inspection. The inspector examines the property to investigate whether there are any encroachments or other defects that affect the title. They also verify the lot size, note unrecorded easements and the mark location of improvements.

Judgments

Judgment decrees, liens and unpaid federal taxes entail a claim on the property that supersedes a lender’s or buyer’s rights. Therefore, If discovered judgments create a cloud on the title, the current owner must resolve them before the transfer of title to the buyer.

Closing

The lender or buyer and seller can proceed with the closing after all defects have been cleared. However, the title company won’t issue a commitment to insure the property if clouds remain on the title. 

Understanding how the title process works can make the closing process easier and might make buyers a little more patient while waiting for the title commitment to arrive. 

Your trusted mortgage professional will be there to guide you through the process and help you communicate effectively with your lender. This partnership can be a key element to a successful transaction.

13
Dec
By First Rate Financial Group
Real Estate

5 Home Design Trends To Watch Out In 2019

5 Home Design Trends To Watch Out In 2019Home design trends continue to change at supersonic speeds. With New Year right around the corner, the home design world is focusing on trends that will probably reign big in 2019. 

So, as you make your annual resolutions or consider revamping your home, it’s worth knowing them. After all, we all adore coming back to a place that makes us happy and helps us disconnect from tough days at work. 

It’s wise to be aware of temporary fads in design, but don’t be shy to try some new home designs and decor in 2019. In this post, we explore five trends to watch out for in 2019. 

Nature Luxury 

Blending outdoors with indoors continues to trend and is not stopping soon. Today, the idea enjoys a boost from state-of-the-art accessories made from natural elements to complete the appearance. Natural fibers, wood and rattan are getting indoors, helping to blur the lines. 

Classic Terrazzo Comeback 

Terrazzo, a hard stone with chips of granite, glass, marble and quartz reigns with its speckle signatures. Terrazzo was popular in the 80s but making a comeback in 2019. Because of its versatility, terrazzo is preferably used on countertops and not floors. This comeback will likely take away from marble’s more recent popularity. 

Colored Kitchens 

Though white remains a classic color for most kitchen designs, homeowners are injecting vibrant colors and shying away from bland hues. Rich colors, including wood tones and neutrals like mahogany, blues and grays are making their way into kitchens giving them a fresh, warm and unique feel. 

Social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest play key roles exposing homeowners to the endless possibilities and fun of rich colors, encouraging them to be risk takers when it comes to color. 

Blue Hues 

Blues are gaining popularity in interior dress ups. Most paint companies prefer shades of blue as their top choice in 2019. Blueprint is often seen as warmer than denim and softer than navy. Blue is perfect for reflecting the pool. The coloration is also popping up in home accessories like artwork, pillows and throws. 

Florals 

Though tropical palm prints remained popular this year, people aren’t tired of the look quite yet. In fact, eye-catching, oversized florals will probably dominate throughout 2019, with more complex interpretations expected. 

If you are in the market for a new home or interested in refinancing your current property, be sure to contact your trusted mortgage professional to discuss financing options.