Gustan Cho
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What would I need to qualify for FHA loan during bankruptcy (over 12 on time payments), no late payments on credit, etc
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Comprehensive Overview of Daily National Mortgage, Real Estate, and Business News including mortgage rates, housing starts, unemployment, and interest rate forecast for Thursday January 8th 2025. As of Thursday, January 9, 2025, we will provide an overview of what has happened in the U.S. mortgage market or the real estate and business sectors. We will also share any updates concerning mortgage rates, housing starts, unemployment rates, and interest rate projections.
Mortgage Rates:
Current Trends:
- The average yield on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages has spiked to 6.93 percent, marking the fourth consecutive week of increase and hitting its highest since early July.
- This rise is closely associated with the climbing yields on 10-year Treasury bonds in the U.S., which were at 3.62% mid-September but reached a peak at 4.66% currently.
- Heightened mortgage rates and soaring home prices are increasing housing affordability pressures on potential buyers.
Housing Market
Housing Starts:
- The housing market saw a significant slowdown, as December recorded the most substantial season deceleration in almost two years.
- It took an average of 70 days for homes to sell in December, marking the slowest December period in five years.
- This trend can be mostly attributed to higher mortgage rates that discourage potential buyers from buying a home or selling their current ones.
- Also, housing inventory decreased by 8.6% in November, representing the biggest monthly decline since January 2023.
Homebuilder Sentiment:
- U.S. homebuilders’ shares have fallen due to concerns about protracted high interest rates and prospective policy changes under Trump’s administration, such as increased tariffs and mass deportations that could raise construction costs.
- Since November, the S&P500 Homebuilding Index declined by 17.3%, reaching its lowest level since July.
Employment Data
Unemployment Claims:
- The labor market has remained robust, with new jobless benefit applications falling to eight-month lows.
- Initial claims fell by 9,000 to a seasonally adjusted 211,000 for the week ending December 28.
- This indicates that layoffs are decreasing and that labor market strength is being maintained.
Interest Rate Forecast
Federal Reserve Policy:
- Financial markets are becoming more skeptical of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts in 2025.
- High inflation rates above the Fed’s 2% target and better-than-anticipated economic performance could mean the tight monetary policy can continue.
- Market sentiment shows a 15% probability of no change in rates this year, up from last month’s figure of 4%.
Economic Outlook
Growth Projections:
- The U.S. economy has shown resilience, with growth rates pegged at 2-3%.
- However, there is speculation over a possible slowdown as high interest rates affect sectors such as construction and mortgage applications.
- Yet, despite these concerns, consumer spending and investment have been largely stable.
Implications for Stakeholders
Homebuyers and Sellers:
- Elevated mortgage rates and home prices continue to challenge affordability, potentially deterring prospective buyers or influencing sellers’ decisions.
- Homeowners are advised to delay refinancing until the rates reduce, while others should focus on making home improvements that increase equity.
Investors and Businesses:
- The current economic landscape is characterized by high interest rates coupled with policy uncertainties that may impact investments, especially in the housing and construction sectors.
- Stakeholders must closely monitor policy developments and market trends to inform strategic planning.
The U.S. real estate and mortgage markets face complex terrain characterized by rising mortgage rates, cooling housing markets, robust employment figures, and an uncertain interest rate outlook. Under these constantly changing conditions, stakeholders are advised to be informed and cautious while making decisions.
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Daily National U.S. Headline News including California Palisades Wildfires, Politics, Economy, for Thursday January 9th 2025. Thursday, January 9, 2025, U.S. national news headlines provided by an overview and summary of the daily. The bullet points include updates on the California Palisades wildfires, political developments, and economic news.
California Procrastinations Wildfires
- The wildfires in California’s Palisades are still burning, and little or no containment effort is being made.
- Firefighters have grappled with tough conditions, including strong winds and dry weather.
Evacuations:
- Flames are threatening thousands of homes and infrastructure, leading to the evacuation of inhabitants.
- Emergency shelters for displaced people have been established.
State Response:
- Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency to fight these fires, ensuring more support.
- However, questions persist concerning the state’s readiness and response to the wildfire crisis.
Political Development
Congressional Actions:
- Congress is getting ready to discuss budget allocations for disaster relief, including funding for wildfire recovery efforts in California.
- Lawmakers are being pushed to hasten aid delivery.
2024 Presidential Campaign:
- Candidates are already preparing for upcoming primaries, making politics hotly contested.
- The two most important issues revolve around climate change, disaster preparedness, and increasingly extreme weather patterns, which candidates greatly consider in their strategies.
Economic News
Market Performance:
- The stock market showed ups and downs due to mixed economic data as investors reacted.
- Inflation and interest rate concerns continue to influence the sentiment of the market.
Consumer Confidence:
- Recent reports have attributed a slight fall in consumer confidence to the high cost of living and economic uncertainty.
- Analysts are watching to see if such a trend will affect consumer spending over the next few months.
Federal Reserve Outlook:
- The Federal Reserve’s latest statements reveal that inflation is still a concern and could lead to changes in monetary policy.
- Economic indicators will determine whether or not interest rates will change.
By January 9, 2025, California Palisades wildfires remain a major national issue, prompting state and federal responses for relief efforts and recovery plans. As political discussions surrounding disaster funding and the imminent presidential campaign intensify, economic indicators indicate consumers’ moods are cautious towards their wallets. At the same time, the markets seem wary with regard to the implications of these issues. The interplay between these problems continues to pose dilemmas throughout America’s journey from crises recently experienced to future uncertainties ahead.
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Daily Mortgage and Real Estate News for Wednesday, January 8th 2025:
By January 8, 2025, there are outstanding changes in the United States mortgage, real estate, and business sectors:
Updating about Mortgage Rates:
Current Rates:
- The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage is approximately 6.91%, marking the highest rate since July 2024.
Projections:
- Fixed mortgage rates will not fall until next year, as forecasted by analysts, averaging around 6.4% for 2025.
- This is slightly lower than the annual average of 6.7% last year but still above that historic average between this year and the past six years (2013-2019), which was less than or equal to 4 percent.
Housing Market Trends:
Home Prices:
- Nationally, home prices are projected to rise 3.7% in 2025, followed by 4% in 2024 and 1.1% in 2023.
- This trend will continue due to limited housing inventory and sustained demand.
Sales Activity:
- Existing home sales are expected to increase by about a half percentage point, or nearly one hundred thousand homes, to as many as four million units.
- This is far below the historical annual mean level within our analysis period – eight years (this decade).
- Besides, the housing supply may improve compared with last year’s data, including more new house constructions anticipated to total over a million units.”
Regional Insights:
Hudson Valley, New York:
- A luxurious manor in Hyde Park, initially valued at $45 million in 2021, has been resubmitted for sale at $11.25 million after three years of futile attempts to sell it.
- The considerable price reduction highlights the difficulty encountered in the upper-end real estate industry.
Banking and Financial Services:
TSB Bank Initiative:
- TSB has launched a new 5&5 mortgage scheme that gives tenants a 5% reduction on their first home, provided they put down a minimum 5% deposit.
- This initiative is intended to help renters buy the homes they are already living in, remove any complexities landlords could encounter while selling them off, and offer affordable housing alternatives as property prices rise.
Economic Indicators:
Stock Market Movements:
- On January 8, 2025, the U.S. stock futures are moving downward following a tech sell-off, with NASDAQ, S&P 500, and Dow Jones trending slightly lower.
- Hence, markets and federal agencies will be closed tomorrow for the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter.
- Moderna stock is climbing on expectations of a bird-flu vaccine after the first U.S. death from the disease was reported.
- Bitcoin and crypto stocks are falling as a strong labor report diminishes hopes of Federal Reserve rate cuts.
- Palantir Technologies’ shares continue to decrease because analysts are worried about its high valuation despite its good performance in 2024.
Challenges in Homeownership:
Affordability Issues:
- A twenty-six-year-old Perth resident earning $80,000 per annum experienced difficulty making his loan repayments when he initially could afford them easily.
- When his fixed-rate time lapsed, he had to tune into repayment that became highly increased—having to sell personal things to ensure payment was made regularly.
- This shows how many property owners feel financial pressures due to rising costs plus interest rates.
Market Outlook:
The mortgage and real estate market is characterized by higher mortgage rates, increasing home prices, and a greater focus on affordability and economic indicators. Prospective buyers and sellers should follow these trends to make wise decisions.
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Summary of National Headline News Updated of January 3rd, January 4th, January 5th, and January 6th 2025, including Weekend News Update of January 4th and 5th 2025:
January 3, 2025
On January 3, the 119th U.S. Congress sat in session for the first time. Vice President Kamala Harris swore in the senators, and Mike Johnson was re-elected as Speaker of the House.
Janet Yellen To Be Nominated as U.S. Treasury Secretary:
- Joe Biden’s administration is set to nominate Janet Yellen as Treasury Secretary.
- Joe Biden blocks Nippon Steel’s $7 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel over national security concerns.
- According to Fox News on Saturday, a newly released report shows that the president has ordered the government to buy less from China and other foreign sources over concerns about supply chain vulnerability.
Surgeon General Calls For Cancer Warnings On Alcohol Bottles:
- Surgeon General Vivek Murthy suggests that alcohol bottles be marked with cancer warnings.
- This is because there is a clear link between alcohol consumption and cancer risk.
SpaceX launches United Arab Emirates Communication Satellite Thuraya 4-NGS:
According to ABC News, SpaceX launched its communications satellite Thuraya 4-NGS for the United Arab Emirates on Friday via a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
January 4, 2025
Terrorism in New Orleans? So far, fourteen people have died after a terrorist attack took place on New Year’s Day. Homemade bombs filled with special explosives were used by the attacker, indicating the involvement of high-level terrorist training and possible connections with international terrorist organizations.
Winter Storm Blair Disrupts Central U.S.: According to NBC News, Winter Storm Blair caused major disruption across central the USA last Tuesday, resulting in four deaths.
Kansas City, Missouri, and Louisville, Kentucky, were particularly affected by heavy snowfall, with the latter receiving its heaviest snowfall in a quarter of a century. For instance, around 1,900 flights were canceled, and more than 254,000 utility customers lost power.
January 5th, 2025
Congestion Pricing New York City:
New York City was the first city in the United States to introduce congestion pricing for vehicles below 60th Street into Lower Manhattan and Midtown. This initiative aims to reduce traffic jams and generate revenue for public transportation improvements.
U.S. Provides Arms to Israel: The U.S. State Department informed Congress about an intended $8 billion weapons deal with Israel that includes air-to-air missiles, Hellfire missiles, artillery shells, and other ammunition, thereby enhancing their strategic alliance between the two nations.
January 6th, 2025
Election Results Certified By Congress: On January 6, amidst heightened security measures and a January 6 m, Congress met to confirm Donald Trump’s presidential victory earlier this year. Vice President Kamala Harris presided over the session, announcing election results formally without any altercation like last year’s event on January 6.
Shore Drilling:
In one of his final acts as President, Joe Biden banned new oil and natural gas drilling across most of America’s coastline to accomplish environmental objectives and mitigate climate change effects.
These events underscored important political shifts alongside environmental conservation and safety challenges experienced within the U.S. during the first week of January 2025.
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Are there corrupt cops? How could that be when the recruitment and hiring process of police officers include a thorough assessment of the police applicant’s background. Background investigation includes interviews of former and current employers, co-workers, supervisors, neighbors, classmates, and teachers. Background investigators of police officer recruits will check the candidates credit and employment backgrounds, criminal arrests and convictions, public records, and medical and psychological history records. Many law enforcement agencies will conduct written psychological examinations as well as an oral interview with a board certified psychologist. Other police agencies will have polygraph examinations as part of the background investigation process. Like many other professions, there are bad apples in law enforcement. Here are some videos of corrupt police officers caught on tape.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/8rZBrhjnZ3sU7GQR/?mibextid=D5vuiz
facebook.com
When Evil Cops Got Caught Red Handed | Mr. Nightmare #cops #police #thinblueline #lawenforcement #policeofficer #UK #usa
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What is homeowners insurance? What does homeowners insurance cover? I heard Brent Norkus of Goosehead Insurance is GCA Mortgage Group’s preferred homeowners referred insurance agent. Can Brent Norkus answer the general concept of homeowners insurance to first-time homebuyers?
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Comprehensive Daily Headline News for Tuesday, January 7th, 2025, which includes the economy, inflation, unemployment, bankruptcy, foreclosure, politics, stocks and bonds, corruption, and factors affecting Americans.
The United States is experiencing significant developments across various sectors as of January 7, 2025.
Economy and Inflation
Economic Growth:
- Projections are that the US economy will grow by about 2.2%- 2.5% in 2025 due to full employment and price stability.
Inflation:
- Personal consumption expenditures (PCE) rose by 6.4% in 2023, with Florida leading at a growth rate of up to 8.1% and Iowa at a low pace of only 4.7%.
Bureau of Economic Analysis
Unemployment and Job Market:
Job Openings:
- In November 2024, there were 8.1 million job openings, up from the forecasted 7.7 million.
Services Sector:
- The ISM’s non-manufacturing index for December rose higher than predicted, indicating strong service sector activity.
Stock Market and Bonds
Treasury Yields:
- With strong economic data, US Treasury yields have hit an eight-month high, with the government bond yield on a ten-year note reaching around 4.7%.
Stock Market:
- Positive economic data pushed the S&P 500 and NASDAQ downwards on concerns that the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policies could be affected.
Politics
Presidential Election:
- On January 6, 2025, Congress confirmed Donald Trump’s re-election as President during the recent presidential contest held in 2019, marking his return to the White House.
Debt Ceiling Concerns:
- According to Fitch Ratings, the debate on the US debt ceiling is not likely to be resolved promptly, even though Republicans control the government due to fights over spending within the party.
Corruption and Legal Matters
Trump’s Legal Challenges:
- Jack Smith, a special counsel, reports on his criminal cases against Donald Trump to Merrick Garland, an attorney general.
- Trump’s legal team wants this report kept confidential and has called it an “unlawful political stunt.”
Factors Affecting Americans
Climate Risk Considerations:
- Home buyers increasingly turn to climate risk assessments in evaluating properties, such as platforms like Zillow, that offer climate risk scores indicating potential damage from flooding, fires, and winds for the next 30 years.
In conclusion, the US negotiates a tricky terrain with strong economic indicators, political turnovers, and emerging issues in climatic risks of fiscal policies.
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Happy New year Everybody, I wanted to share my professional goals and what i hope to achieve. I hope to make most money Ive ever made this year & to become more knowledgable in my career.
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Comprehensive Daily and Weekend Mortgage and Real Estate News Updated from January 3rd through Monday, January 6th, 2025:
January 6, 2025, saw certain patterns and predictions in the mortgage and real estate markets, as stated below:
January 3, 2025
Mortgage Rates Trend:
Mortgage rates slightly increased, with the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage increasing to 6.75%. According to analysts, this is because of stronger-than-expected job growth.
Housing Market Update:
Despite higher interest rates, the National Association of Realtors reported a modest increase in home sales in December, suggesting resilience in the housing market.
January 4, 2025
Fed Meeting Insights:
Following the latest Federal Reserve meeting, officials indicated they may consider pausing further interest rate hikes. Consequently, mortgage rates stabilized for some time after this announcement.
Following the latest Federal Reserve meeting, officials indicated they may consider pausing further interest rate hikes. As a result, mortgage rates stabilized for a period after this announcement.
Reports indicate that institutional investors are increasingly targeting single-family rental properties due to a lack of affordable homes for potential buyers.
January 5th 2025
Real Estate Investment Trends:
Reports show that institutional investors are increasingly targeting single-family rental properties as there is a lack of affordable homes for potential buyers.
Homebuilder Confidence:
The Home Builders Association reported a slight increase in builder confidence, with new construction expected to begin soon due to a backlog of permits.
Foreclosure Rates
Data revealed that foreclosure rates have declined compared to the previous year, suggesting that homeowners are managing their mortgages better despite economic pressures.
January 6, 2025
Mortgage rates have slightly increased, with the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rising to 6.75%. Analysts attribute this rise to stronger-than-expected job growth.
Despite the higher interest rates, the National Association of Realtors reported a modest increase in home sales for December, suggesting resilience in the housing market.
**Weekend Market Insights:**
Analysts noted that attendance at open houses was robust over the weekend, compared to previous weekends, indicating that home buyers are adapting to existing mortgage rates.
**Regulatory Changes:**
New rules proposed for a more transparent mortgage lending process could significantly impact both lenders and borrowers.
Summary
Although interest rates are rising, the mortgage and real estate markets are showing resilience. Various indicators suggest steady activity and interest from both home buyers and investors. Key trends include slowly increasing mortgage rates, a slight uptick in home sales, and stable new construction anticipated for this year. Additionally, upcoming regulatory changes may reshape the landscape in the months ahead.
For current updates, it is recommended to consult reliable financial news sources and regular real estate market reports.025
Weekend Market Insights
Analysts noted that open house attendance was robust during the weekend compared to previous weekends, meaning home buyers were adjusting themselves to the existing mortgage rates.
Regulatory Changes
New rules proposed for a more transparent mortgage lending process would greatly impact lenders and borrowers.
Summary
Even though interest rates were rising in the economy, Mortgage and Real estate markets showed some resilience, with different indicators pointing to steady activities and interests from both home buyers and investors. Main trends include slowly increasing mortgage rates, house sales picking up slightly, and new construction expected to remain stable this year. Additionally, regulatory changes could shape the landscape in the coming months.
For current updates, reliable financial news sources and regular real estate market reports are recommended.
- This discussion was modified 1 week, 4 days ago by Gustan Cho.
- This discussion was modified 1 week, 4 days ago by Gustan Cho.
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Comprehensive Mortgage and Real Estate News Update Summary for Thursday, January 2nd, 2025.
The real estate and mortgage industry has changed since Thursday, January 2, 2025.
Mortgage Rates
Current Rates:
The average 30-year mortgage rate is 6.91%, up from 6.85% last week. This information has been sourced from AP News.
Market Impact:
Reuters reported that increased bond yields and inflationary fear due to expected economic policies have resulted in high rates. These elevated rates might make it hard for people to sell their homes, lowering the housing inventory or making it unaffordable.
Housing Market Activity
Seasonal Slowdown:
- According to the New York Post, December 2024 marked a decline in the housing sector, with homes now selling for 70 days, a five-year record high.
- Moreover, the median listing price dropped from the previous year’s $15,000 to $402,502.
Inventory Levels
The number of available second-hand homes has declined by up to 15% year on year, forcing the average property price in Ireland during the last quarter of 2024 to 332,109 euros, which is 9% more than last year. As of December 1, 2024, fewer than 10,500 second-hand homes were available.
International Developments
- European countries, including Spain, Portugal, and Greece, are discontinuing their golden visa schemes due to housing cost issues.
- Non-lucrative and digital nomad visas are good substitutes for foreign clients seeking residency options.
California Estate
- This transaction sets a new record as the highest residential sale in Cambria’s history.
- What was once $17.22 million is now the new selling price of a 78.5-acre estate just a few steps from California’s Pacific Coast Highway.
- After being on the market for over 15 years, this transaction was sold for quite the price.
Predicted Transactions for 2025
- Economists have set a threshold of roughly a 6.3% rise in mortgage rates through 2025.
- There might be room for further dipping if conditions heat up more.
For the remainder of the calendar year 2025, home supply is set to improve and rise by 11.7%, allowing selling points to move up by a rough percentage of 3.7%.
The mortgage and real estate regions show steady rising market rates alongside seasonal drop in activity levels. However, the landscape is set to reset itself in 2025 to find room for stabilization.
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The City of Chicago has a major budget deficit. Chicago is outspending Los Angeles, New York, and other major big cities
What Chicago needs is an office of government efficiency. Get rid of Incompetent Mayor Brandon Johnson and other leaders without a clue
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What can you do if my one-year-old German Shepherd dog has floppy ears? Is there surgery, drugs, tape, to make the ears stand up?
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Headline News For Monday December 30th 2024
On December 30, of the year 2024, a variety of noteworthy changes have taken place within the spheres of business and politics:
Business
Wall Street Performance:
- The stock markets of the United States fell on December 30, with all three benchmarks completing lower in value than the previous day.
- The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped by 418.48 points. The S&P 500 was down 63.90.
- The Nasdaq Composite was down 235.25 points.
- The decline is concerning.
- However, when viewed annually, the performance remains respectable, with the Nasdaq around 30%, the S&P 500 over 24%, and the Dow rising slightly over 13%.
Rising Treasury Yields
Yields on the Treasury have become a problem in this longer-term bull market. According to recent reports, the current 10-year treasury yield has been at its highest for the past seven months. There are concerns about how that might impact the equity markets. A hint that yield than usual may drive the stocks ward over time.
Trump Administration’s Impact on Wall Street
To no one’s surprise, the trump presidency is changing the policies meant to govern Wall Street and is bound to have a larger impact. Joe Biden’s administration is hoping to achieve a plethora of changes. The anticipated changes would make it easier for banks to abide by capital requirements, enable mergers and acquisitions, and support the cryptocurrency and fintech sectors. The policy shift will likely be business-oriented, and regulators will be less ruled out.
Politics
US Avails from Government Shutdown:
- The likelihood of a government shutdown was narrowly prevented when Congress approved an extension of current expenditure.
- This bipartisan approach extends the resolution of continuing to March 14, 2025.
- It has also provided for disaster management and extensions of other programs.
- Several conservative groups opposed the proposal, but it was eventually approved, averting a shutdown.
International Trade Worries
Donald Trump’s proposals regarding tariffs and taxes on imports from Mexico, Canada, China, et al. are generating fears of potentially adverse effects on the economy worldwide during the decade. In this way, the further increase of prices combined with trade restrictions and other economic factors could hamper stability in the international economy.
Economic activities of China
In December, the Chinese economy was expected to grow slower but more stable, as the manufacturing industry anticipates modest growth for the third month. However, a set of US tariffs could disturb this momentum.
Notable Passings
Commemoration of United States President Jimmy Carter:
The 100-year-old Jimmy Carter, president between 1977 and 1981, was also active in humanitarian services after his presidency through involvement in Habitat for Humanity construction and solving international conflict, earning him a Nobel Peace Prize.
Sports
Jayden Daniels Receives Great Training From Commanders Coaches:
- Interestingly, This story starts with Jayden Daniels, the Commander’s first drafted player.
- However, this decision still left me curious.
- Daniels made a remarkable contribution to the team’s performance, helping them secure a record of 11 wins and five losses. This was achieved through a team effort.
- Furthermore, under the right guidance from the Kansas State Line Coach (Daniel’s “country boy attitude” was so amusing.
- Imagine a dash of Denver and Daniels in cowboy boots). He took the field and delivered the right punches.
Oh, the beauty of digital convergence. At the end of the year, these events perfectly illustrate the fluidity of the modern business and political environment.
- This discussion was modified 2 weeks, 3 days ago by Gustan Cho.
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If you know about tax evasion, you can turn that information into cash by becoming a whistleblower for the IRS. They reward informants with 15% to 30% of the money recovered from enforcement actions, which can add up to thousands or even millions. While you might face risks like job loss or social backlash, protections exist under the Whistleblower Protection Act. Just remember, your information needs to be credible. By stepping forward, you not only stand to gain financially but also help uphold ethical standards in our financial system. There’s much more to consider on this path.
Key Takeaways
- Confidential informants can receive financial rewards from the IRS for reporting tax evasion, ranging from 15% to 30% of collected proceeds.
- The IRS reviews submitted information for credibility, which can lead to significant payouts based on the size of the case.
- Whistleblowers may face risks such as retaliation or emotional distress, despite legal protections like the Whistleblower Protection Act.
- Ethical considerations are important; motivations for reporting should be transparent to ensure integrity in the whistleblowing process.
- Successful whistleblowing can inspire organizational change, enhancing accountability and compliance within the IRS and related entities.
Understanding Whistleblowing Dynamics
Whistleblowing plays a crucial role in holding organizations accountable for unethical practices. When you decide to speak up, you’re often risking your job, relationships, and sometimes even your safety. Understanding the dynamics of whistleblowing helps you navigate this complex landscape.
You’ll recognize that whistleblowing isn’t just about reporting wrongdoing; it’s also about understanding the environment in which you’re operating. You need to consider the culture of the organization. If it encourages transparency and integrity, your decision to blow the whistle might be supported. However, in a toxic environment, the repercussions could be severe.
You should also be aware of the legal protections available to you. Laws like the Whistleblower Protection Act can shield you from retaliation, but they don’t always guarantee safety.
Additionally, think about the impact your actions could have. By exposing unethical practices, you mightn’t only protect others but also inspire change within the organization.
Ultimately, whistleblowing is a courageous act that requires careful consideration, a solid understanding of your rights, and a commitment to ethical standards. Your choice could make a significant difference, both for yourself and for the larger community.
Financial Rewards for Informants
When considering the implications of reporting unethical behavior, it’s important to recognize that financial incentives can play a significant role for informants. The IRS offers substantial monetary rewards for those who provide valuable information about tax evasion or fraud.
If you’ve got inside knowledge on someone dodging taxes, your tip could lead to a substantial payout. Under the IRS Whistleblower Program, you might receive between 15% to 30% of the collected proceeds from an enforcement action. That could translate to thousands, or even millions, depending on the case’s size.
This financial incentive can motivate individuals to step forward, as the potential reward often outweighs the risks. You might wonder how this process works. After you submit your information, the IRS reviews it and determines whether it’s credible and actionable.
If they successfully collect penalties or taxes based on your tip, you’ll receive your reward. However, it’s crucial to understand that the process can be lengthy and may require patience. Still, the prospect of earning money while doing the right thing can be a compelling reason for many to become informants.
Ethical Considerations in Reporting
Many individuals face complex ethical dilemmas when considering whether to report misconduct. You might find yourself weighing the potential benefits against the moral implications of your actions. On one hand, reporting could lead to significant financial rewards and help maintain integrity within the system. On the other hand, you may worry about the consequences for those involved, including the impact on their lives and careers.
Motivations for reporting to uphold justice, or are you primarily motivated by the financial incentive? Transparency in your intentions can help clarify the ethical landscape.
Additionally, think about the accuracy of the information you possess. False or exaggerated claims can have severe repercussions for everyone involved, including yourself.
Moreover, consider the potential fallout from your actions. Whistleblowers often face retaliation, social ostracism, and emotional distress. Weighing these risks against the potential benefits is vital.
Ultimately, you need to navigate these ethical waters carefully, ensuring that your decision aligns with your values and the greater good. Reporting misconduct can be righteous, but it’s essential to approach it thoughtfully and ethically.
Conclusion
In the world of whistleblowing, you’ve got the chance to make a difference while potentially earning a financial reward. By stepping forward as a confidential informant, you not only help the IRS tackle tax evasion but also secure your own financial future. However, weighing the ethical implications of your actions and Ultimately you can choose to be a force for good, balancing the pursuit of justice with the pursuit of profit.
When we speak to taxpayers who have unfortunately fallen into the IRS Collection Division and believe their hardship can be settled with a hardship letter and the IRS just goes away unfortunately that’s not how it works. These individuals are confronted with the prospect of dealing with federal tax issues imposed by the (IRS) and not having a clear understanding of what the rules are and what’s available to the taxpayer.
If you find yourself dealing with any tax-related issues in Orlando, Florida or anywhere in the Central Florida or for that matter anywhere in the USA we are a phone call away 407-531-8705
https://calendly.com/taxdebtreliefgroup/tax-debt-consultation
If you or someone you know has IRS or State Tax issues, Business or Personal or has not filed a tax return for years down load my free book this is some info that can help.
Peter Kici EA
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I just have a question ,I was wondering if my husband was able to qualify for a fha mortgage in the future. He makes 26-27 yearly and has bad credit we been working on his credit. his credit right now is experi FICO 628 ,679 equifax ,675 trans. We haven’t miss any payment in the past 2 years and 3 months but he does have 2 charge offs that are 2 years old and 2 medical collections
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Many business analysts and experts are forecasting mortgage rates will drop under 4% in 2024.This forecast is extremely aggressive and a lot of these economists are putting their names behind their mortgage rates forecast. Here is an article about a mortgage and housing economist aggressive statement on the conviction he has on his under 3% mortgage rate forecast for 2024.
businessinsider.com
"We think we're going to end up with a relatively soggy 2024 when we look back at the end of next year."
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Most people who were renters and are becoming first time homebuyers dream of buying their very first dog. One of the questions most homebuyers have is what is the smartest dog breed. What is the smartest dog breed and dog breed that are easiest to train for first-time homebuyers.
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Here is a link about an economist aggressively forecasting mortgage rates will drop under 4% in 2024. Could 2024 be a bull market for loan officers? Out of 150,000 loan officers, close to 100,000 either left the mortgage industry completely, retired early, or let their NMLS licenses expire and are in a different industry or thinking about going into a different industry. Hundreds if not thousands of mortgage companies, whether they are mortgage bankers, correspondent lenders, or mortgage brokers went out of business in 2023
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Mortgage Rates forecasted to plummet under 3% according to Business Insider Economis
businessinsider.com
"We think we're going to end up with a relatively soggy 2024 when we look back at the end of next year."
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The mortgage and real estate markets have fluctuated due to inflation, job statistics, foreclosure, and home prices, all notable developments considering the rising mortgage rates. Here’s the recent trend. The article will also provide information on the ever-changing but somehow related business economics.
Mortgage Rates
30-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgages:
- According to the most current statistics.
- The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage increased to 6.85%, which has been the highest recorded since mid-July.
- The percentage was 6.72% last week, compared to 6.61% recorded a year ago.
- This is a clear sign of raised bond yields banks use to sell home loans.
15-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgages:
- Closed at 6%, up from 5.92% recorded the previous week.
Employment and Job Losses
In considering the labor force, indicators highlight its potential decay due to students’ inability to find summer jobs, resulting in aggravated unemployment reaching 6.4%.
Inflation
The growing economic debate on whether federal banks should pay particular regard to inflation is apparent, especially considering the recent US statistics indicating inflation is growing to 3.2% annually.
It is projected to keep increasing, impacting mortgage rates and the overall economic spectrum.
Foreclosure Rates
There are no seasonal statistics or trends regarding foreclosures at present. However, the growing interest and inflationary rates can complementarily lead to further foreclosure activity, as people who need to deal with further economic stresses alongside rising home loan interest rates may find themselves unable to cope and eventually file for bankruptcy.
Home Prices
Despite the hike in mortgage rates, home prices remained steady. Due to high demand and low housing inventory, the price of homes in the United States is predicted to increase by 5% this year, higher than the previous prediction of 1.9%.
In the UK, it is estimated that house prices will increase by 1.9%, bringing the average value of a house to £267,500. The increase in market activity is expected to impact the housing market positively.
Factors Influencing the Market
Bond Yields Increased bond yields are the reason mortgage rates are increasing. This affects the low number of homebuyers.
Federal Reserve Policies Other policies cut rates to improve affordability, but in contrast, the rate cuts resulted in increased mortgage rates. This is because the 10-year Treasury bonds have increased yields, which wreaked havoc on mortgage rates.
Housing Inventory
Even with the increased mortgage rates, there is a limited number of houses, which keeps the prices of the homes steady. Owners with low mortgage rates are reluctant to sell their houses, contributing to the low supply.
Implications for Homebuyers and Homeowners
Affordability Challenges Due to the increased price of homes and mortgage rates, the supply of houses has greatly diminished, which has resulted in many unfavorable implications, such as a decrease in mortgage applications.
Increased Costs
The property tax rate has historically been low, around 32% in recent years. Still, as of 2014, mortgage rates and insurance expenses have virtually skyrocketed.
The increased mortgage rates, inflation, and economic instability make it almost impossible for potential buyers and homeowners to afford their properties. With the market as fuzzy as it is, it’s worth getting advice from an expert and staying updated with the latest economic information.
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A vivid overview of the country, its businesses, and its economy, as a whole, over the period from December 23 to 28 has been presented below:
American News
Government Shutdown Avert:
- The risk of the US government shutting down was averted on the 21st day of the 12th month of the year 2024.
- This was possible because the representatives had signed a spending amendment bill that Biden later enacted.
- As I have stated above, the US was on the brink of a government shutdown as there was a lot of discord over the signing of the bipartisan bill and the subsequent amendments.
- The bill was not signed, while the spending amendment was enacted to prevent the US from shutting down.
Biden’s Death Sentence Commutes
On December 23, 2024, President Joe Biden commuted the death sentences of 37 federal inmates. The main goal behind this act was to reflect the current president’s stance on capital punishment in the US and widen the scope of justice in the legal system.
American Airlines Flight Delays
On September 24, 2024, Amer American faced a technical issue that delayed over 900 flights. The issues were resolved later that day, but the travel season was massively disrupted due to the holiday season, as flights were grounded nationwide.
Business News
Retail Store Closures:
- 2024 proved to be the year when America officially disintegrated into a retail apocalypse, as it saw the closure of hundreds, if not thousands, of retail stores and chains.
- Estimates suggest that in November, about 7,100 stores in the US closed, a considerable 69% jump from the previous year.
- Some notable closed stores included Family Dollar, CVS Health, Big Lots, and Walgreens, which closed 677, 586, 580, and 259 stores, respectively.
- Big Lots closed all 963 remaining stores because the deal between them and Nexus Capital Management LP did not go through.
- Furthermore, CVS and Walgreens have also shut down multiple stores and are planning to expand the closures.
- The stock market’s performance was unsatisfactory for the S&P 500, which lost 1.1% on Friday, resulting in a loss of yet another 1% for the month.
- The index rose 25% throughout the year, with a 5.7% increase in November.
- The tech sector performed extremely well, especially the Magnificent Seven, which includes Apple, Tesla, Alphabet, Amazon, and Nvidia.
- Apple’s valuation reached close to $4 trillion.
- Strong software and AI performers, including Palantir Technologies and AppLovin, brought growth stocks to the forefront of 2024.
- Sezzle topped the performer’s list after its stocks rose beyond 1000% because of its rising revenue.
Broader stock market leadership, compared to 2023, was observed, with several industry groups performing well.
Economic News
Consumer Confidence Data:
- Compared to November, the American consumer confidence level has decreased with a ratio of 81.1, where 80 would be recession indicative.
- This depicts a recessionary trend due to the steep decline in short-term expectations of over a dozen points in income, business, and the upcoming job market.
- The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index dropped to 104.7 from 112.8 beating analysts expectations for 113.8.
- However, despite consumer confidence declining over the three months, retail store sales increased by 0.7%, indicating that consumers could still be positive for the economy.
US Productivity Improvement
The United States seemsseemsis following on the edge of potential productivity improvement, similar to the internet boom in the mid-1990s. Worker productivity lately has started showing positive growth trends and has recorded over 2% growth. Further, investments in labor-saving technologies and post-COVID better job-role matches also contribute to the growth. Economists have predicted further advances in these developments, especially in AI, improving productivity growth in the 1990s era from 2.5% to 3%. This increase in productivity is essential for the country in managing its debt and economic well-being.
US Economic Policy Forecast
If the US Republican party wins the 2024 elections, as they appear to do, the economic outlook will change noticeably.
Donald Trump, the president-elect, has plans to grow the American economy through policies such as lowering taxes, tightening immigration laws, raising tariffs, and loosening regulations. Thanks to the Republican majority in Congress and in the Senate, there will be very few problems implementing these policies. It is a crucial juncture to predict since the facets of the policies after the election can vary. However, the economy will be impacted greatly by the elections.
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Below is a concise overview of the mortgage, real estate, and business updates for the week of December 23 to December 28, 2024:
Mortgage Rates and Housing Market Trends
Mortgage Rates Continue to Rise:
- For the second time in a row, mortgage rates have surged since July and now stand at 6.85 percent.
- This is an increase from 6.72 percent, which stood last week.
- The rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage has also hiked again, breaking 6.61 percent this time last year.
- This also means it will keep increasing, as we saw it hit 6.89 percent in mid-July.
- In addition, 15-year fixed mortgages surged, with rates reported at a whopping 5.92 percent compared to 5.84 percent.
- As we enter the new year, the economy is expected to boost purchase rates to assist with the surging problem of undersupplied homes in the market.
Homeowners Costs Are Increasing
A rising trend indicates that homeowners are now spending more on property taxes and home insurance than they are reportedly spending on mortgages. The average single-family mortgage is set at 32 percent for property taxes and insurance, which breaks records as it’s the highest rate since 2014. The driving factor for this trend is the natural disasters that caused home values to skyrocket.
The Pirates of the Caribbean
Or, as I like to call them, the New York upstate, Omaha, New Orleans, and Miami Pirates that own homes. They are the worst, and so are mortgage holders because they pay more than half of their monthly payments on taxes and insurance. The average rate of this has grown to 7 percent, making owning a single-family single-family home a life of misery. And speaking of home buying in general, mortgage payments are high, no thanks to the recent rate cuts. In both 2014 and now, buying a home is a huge hassle for the rich and the poor, and I can assure you that this is only the start of our problems.
Advancements in the Real Every Field
Let’s start with Rocket Homes
- The CFPB also sued Rocket Homes for its alleged actions, in which the brokers were asked to purchase mortgage holder services from their company.
- The back-and-forth in this lawsuit goes deep, but to keep it short, the JMG Holding firm’s Jason Mitchell also comes into play within these allegations.
- Rocket Homes argues against the CFPB’s stance, enabling them to go at ease again.
Sadly, the CU building has also come under heat to be able sexual misconduct scandals with the inclusion of Master Batters: the brokers, Tal and Oren, go on to expose how eXp is real.
The recent allegations raised questions of integrity within a predominantly female industry sorely constructed by male figures. Detractors note the industry’s rampant culture, where safety precautions and a proper supervision hierarchy that controls malfeasance are non-existent. Pioneers such as the National Association of Realtors have tried devising policies that will help foster a balanced, safe, and upbuilding environment.
The sale of loans in multifamily commercial real estate by HomeStreet Bank
In a transaction that involved Bank of America, HomeStreet Bank went on to sell $990 million in unpaid principal balance of loans for almost $906 million. This translates to a 92% value of the loans. The only reason why this discount was given was due to the current interest rate environment and the lower yield of the loans. The deal is projected to aid HomeStreet in recovering from the multiyear loss and assuage investors worried about the previous halted merger with First Sun Capital Bancorp. Funds raised from the transaction will primarily be focused on addressing debt and looking for cheaper capital. The final date for the completion of the transaction is December 31. On the other hand, Home Street is expected to continue servicing the loans.
Forecast of Commercial Real Estate
The commercial real estate sector has been conditioned by various challenges, including the constant rise in interest rates, constantly decreasing supply, and high production expenses.
The hybrid and remote work trend has severely affected the office space market. And even now, despite a rather remarkable cutback from the Federal Reserve, long-term rates are elevated, making sales and refinancing more complicated than necessary. A massive 570 billion dollars worth of commercial real estate loans are due by 2025. These loans will most likely experience a cash flow deficit, while some may even face massive refinancing difficulties. The assumed Trump administration portrays promising tax structures and lower regulations as policies that further bolster the population’s confidence. The online shopping boom brought a sharp increase in demand for industrial supply. However, this has recently stagnated and is anticipated to bounce back when the newly available supply is subdued and demand rises. The growth of e-commerce stimulates future demand for industrial space. 2025 will likely be the year when this wheel starts rolling again. But we still have to navigate slow economic growth and tough refinancing circumstances.
Expected Housing Market Scenario
Expected changes in the 2025 housing market:
Towards 2025, hope is presented to future real estate hopefuls who have navigated on that tough terrain the last couple of years, as most are expected to find the housing market easier to deal with. There are predictions that mortgage rates will increase slightly over the 6% threshold, which will cause more listings to become available and slow the increase in the value of these listings. As the rate of interest declines, it is expected that more US citizens will be willing to relocate, aiding the housing inventory.
The current housing supply is likely to witness an uptrend growth of about 11.7%, which would dampen the competition with a more controlled price increase. However, they expect a remarkable rate decrease since they are most likely to follow the return on the 10-year treasuries, which may stay high if inflation continues. Overall, during 2025, there are high chances of the rates being more favorable for the buyers due to a high supply, alongside the mortgage rates being slightly lower than they used to be.
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I must have called over two dozen state mortgage licensing agencies in the past week and I am getting nothing but the runaround. I also called Mortgage Educators and other NMLS mortgage licensing schools and still cannot get the answer I am looking for. The mortgage industry and regulators are making a huge deal about not being able to get an NMLS mortgage loan originator license if you have bad credit. They are saying if you are late on your payments or have derogatory information on your personal credit profile you are classified as being financially irresponsible and not fit to become a mortgage loan originator. People can go through bad times, divorce, medical, or times of unemployment where you can have bad credit without being financially irresponsible. Now my question is can you get a mortgage loan orignator license with bad credit, collections, and late payments? Thank you in advance.
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These are the most recent developments in national politics as of Friday, December 27, 2024.
The Number of Store Closures in the Retail Sector Peaks in 2024
The United States suffered a major blow, which shifted the focus to closing retail stores throughout the year. This is because of the weakest recession in history, as many eye chains announced the closure of many retail locations.
- Family Dollar leads the way with 677 store closures.
- Followed by CVS Health with 586.
- Big Lots with 580.
- Walgreens with 259.
Big Lots intends to close 963 stores after Nexus Capital Management LP ended the deal. Building upon its strategy of shutting down 900 stores by the end of 2024, CVS is left unfazed. Building on its strategic focus on closing locations, Walgreens intends to close around 1200 stores by 2027. Buy Baby is no longer in business because it has decided to adopt a digital-first approach along with the plethora of store closures. Family Dollar has also made a statement indicating considerable financial difficulties after its acquisition by Dollar Tree in 2015.
Stock Market Update
The U.S. stock future is heading downward, as the Dow, Nasdaq, and S&P 500 are down by 0.3% each. Things don’t look great for Apple either, as its stocks are stable on the threshold of reaching 4 trillion. The losses are expected to surge, as Wedbush analysts set the target at 325, expecting the decrease in value to fall right on that number. Apple’s share price, meanwhile, edged up.
Record Christmas viewership numbers came in for Netflix as their NFL games peaked with 27 million plus viewers on Christmas day. Shares of KULR Technology Group amassed an increase exceeding 12% alongside its announcement of the investment in Bitcoin for around 21 million U.S. dollars.
Financial institutions worldwide are closely following the multi-billion dollar merger of Amedisys Incorporated and UnitedHealth Group Incorporated as there is a green light from the regulatory authorities to proceed with the merger. It is expected that bitcoin will, ‘if not break this year’s all-time high of $96,600, at least get very close to it,’ while oil and gold futures have experienced a slight bump. Michael L. Smith of the UnitedHealth Group was wary after the deal’s announcement as it could very well trigger Israeli-Palestinian tensions.
Richard Parsons, chairman of Citigroup from 2009 to 2012, held several noteworthy titles, including being the first black person to serve at Parsons Corporation and the senior vice president at Time Warner. Parsons married Gina Sussman in 1982 and had three children with her. He died in 2022 and was an outspoken advocate for diversity at Goldman. During his career, Parsons served numerous boardroom positions, including AOL-connected Americans.
Chris Moore, a former Arizona Cardinals mindset specialist, recently signed a contract with the Washington Commanders, with it being his practice squad in August. He was well known among football coaches for his extraordinary performance, having played 17 games for the Tennessee Titans in 2023, catching 22 passes and covering 424 yards with a touchdown and at least two rushing touchdowns in the game. The move came after releasing Greg Joseph to create space for Moore, as the team was already experiencing injuries on several key players, including Andrew Wylie and Dyami Brown,
The football player Jonathan Allen is all set to face off against the Falcons.
Microsoft
An Investigation Based on Antitrust. The investigation of Microsoft was evidence that Microsoft is not misusing its considerable power obtained in the market to enforce a bundle of its services in an unfair manner, which type of competition is considered anti-competitive. This has already happened—this is an investigation of antitrust against Microsoft.
U.S. Government Shutdown Shocka Averted
On December 21, 2024, the U.S. was threatened by a government shutdown if Congress did not approve a spending bill. A shutdown was narrowly avoided when President Biden signed a spending extension bill approved by Congress.
The New Mexico Civil Nuclear Weapons Race
Nuclear-weapons-involving activities in New Mexico are rising, particularly in the Los Alamos National Laboratory and its extended facilities. Such activities affect local communities, local economies, and even the environment.
The New Role of Influencers in the Political Space
Political discussions in 2024 are partly driven by the active engagement of influencers, thus effectively extending the scope of punditry and journalism. Turning to the creator economy has seen politicians engage more influencers.
Conclusion of the Presidential Election Results
The 2024 election cycle ended with Donald Trump winning and becoming president again. Great efforts were put into the campaigns, and a huge turnout of voters was reported during the election.
Celebrity Social Media Announcers for the 2024 Baby Reveals
In 2024, several celebrities announced their pregnancies and told the public about it.
Celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence, Cooke Maroney, Ashanti, Nelly, and Patrick Mahomes are adamant about expanding their family shortly.
These news articles give a good summary of the facts. These are the most significant events in the country as of December 27, 2024.
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California, the largest state in the Nation have many new laws for 2025. Don’t red states have enough laws? California has a history of enacting laws that are not only many but also span several themes. The state’s laws appear to have been passed to support its heavily liberal political climate.
This section will provide a brief look into the interplay between California’s new laws and that of the red state political environment:
Laws Passed By California For 2025
Amendments to Environmental Policies:
California is one of the states leading in new environmental protection laws, such as stricter emission limits and policies meant to promote solar and wind energy usage.
Healthcare Initiatives:
Laws in these states may focus on increasing access to free and cheap healthcare, increasing mental health assistance, or addressing public health disasters.
Social Justice Movements:
These laws usually seek to address the factors that make houses expensive, such as racial discrimination and worker rights.
Technology and Privacy:
California pioneered the development of privacy laws and was the first state to develop consumer protection laws that addressed data protection.
Red States Different Laws
Focus on Different Issues:
The governance style of red states differs from that of Democratic states as they focus on tax cuts, gun rights, and limited government.
Simplicity in Regulation:
Most red states maintain their business-friendly nature by decentralizing government control, including fewer regulations and laws.
Cultural and Social Policies:
Usually, red states are more focused on advocating social conservatives, which leads to legislation concerning education, health care, and family policies being implemented.
Legislative Dynamics
Diversity of Approach:
The varying legislation’s participation is due to a state’s political, cultural, and economic context. For example, California laws tend to be liberal, whereas laws from Red states tend to be conservative.
Public Demand:
The state laws reflect citizens’ needs and wants, thus varying focus and values.
On one side, you have California, which constantly implements new laws about all social, economic, and environmental issues; on the other, you have Red states, which prefer a more stringent legal framework focused on easing regulations. Although there may be extreme variations in the laws across the US, the laws of each state can be justified and are suited to its needs.
https://youtu.be/oQL5k49UA80?si=C2ysmI0HMPolpO1B
- This discussion was modified 3 weeks, 4 days ago by Gustan Cho.
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These are the breaking stories from across the country on December 26, 2024:
Scandal at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport
Yuletide roaster dropped at the Jew, who was over kerfuffle and going down on Christmas Eve.
There were three shootings and one stabbing. The primary persons involved were the suspect, an adult male, and a girl aged 0-16. They were assisted by the parties that sat at the third-level restaurant in Terminal 4. Weapons were recovered on-site, along with some. Activities at the airport were temporarily suspended, but ordering assistance has resumed.
Updates on the Stock Market
It was noted that US stock indicators have decreased compared to After Christmas Eve’s tech stock rally. The Nasdaq, S and P 500, and Dow Jones futures dropped approximately 0.3%. Oil prices saw a slight increase, whilst Bitcoin fell by three. Besides, TW regulators disqualified Uber’s attempt to purchase Food Panda for nearly $950 million due to the competition it could generate.
What to Expect in 2025
In 2025, powerful technological changes are anticipated to alter people’s lives. Working alongside other Artificial Intelligence (AI) advancements, a category of autonomous “agents” will meld in, performing actions like ordering food or booking travel tickets. New devices, like a smart home display that Apple is set to release alongside Meta’s smart glasses, will also be available.
Moreover, improvements in climate prediction through AI solutions such as the Google Gen Cast program are also expected to be achieved.
Development in Perceptions of Gun Violence
Throughout the year 2024, the incidence of gun violence in the United States has remained on a downward slope. The numbers for murder have also undergone a significant decline, especially in several cities that have noted a decrease of more than 10 percent to the overall murder counts as compared to the years overlapped with the pandemic, which was 2020 to 2022, which amasses a staggering 5000 murder victims’ difference to locating the cause behind the violence. This positive outcome is largely based on the return to normalcy after a pandemic coupled with targeted violence reduction measures that got support from federal finances.
Pregnancy Announcements from Celebrities
Starting at the beginning of t024, some celebrities have begun to go public with the news of their pregnancy. Horse owners immediately think of Jennifer Lawrence and Cooke Maroney, Ashanti and the rapper Nelly, and Patrick Mahomes and Brittany Mahomes. Fans of these stars have been delighted over this announcement, especially with the anticipation of the stars welcoming a new member to their families.
NFL Christmas Games on Netflix
Despite some uneven contests, midweek Christmas NFL games that streamed online provided the best viewing experience. A superb high production level and special kinds of presenting drove these broadcasts to the top levels. Among other events of the NFL, Jaden Daniels took the 10th Recruit of the Week title, which made a record, and consecutively placed Kansas City Chief at the top in the AFC, rejoining the engaging contests.
1 seed after beating the Steelers as well.
Avoiding Government Shutdown
The danger of the US government closing was posed if Congress disagreed with a spending bill on or before December 21, 2024. There was a considerable chance that that would happen until Congress voted optimistically on the spending extension, which President Biden signed. This removed the threat of a government shutdown, at least for the near future.
Changes in the Presidential Transfer Process
The soon-to-be President, Donald Trump, is currently working on assembling a cabinet and an administration for the new term he is stepping into. Kelly Loeffler will be his small business administrator. At the same time, Scott Turner was appointed Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. These picks highlight the trend seen by Trump: outsourcing such jobs to business people with previous government experience.
Cyber Security Events of Recent Times
The year 2024 had several notable cybersecurity events. Ukrainian armed forces collaborating with cyber spies had access to US telecommunication networks deployed as a drone base, and cyber terrorists using ransomware were able to make healthcare systems out of reach for millions. These incidents of international diplomacy reaffirm the increasing and turbulent aspects of cyber security of the time and the inability of organizations to protect themselves effectively.
Christmas Day Retail Bans
Several retail outlets, including Kroger and Walmart, have shut their doors to enable their colleagues to spend the festive day with their loved ones. Shoppers were encouraged to stock up beforehand, pointing out that stores would open again on December 26 and their hours would be normal.
However, these news headlines are important to understand the state of national journalism as it stood on December 26, 2024.
The developments that affect official reports, as well as the development of procedural oral hearings, parties’ presentations, and the subsequent making of judgments, aid the tribunal in reconstructing events relevant to the case. The statement negotiations allow the participants to be recollected with considerable forensic precision. The scientific approach allows for defining elevator and escalator services as objects of scientific and operational studies. Elevator and escalator services and engineering objects installed in buildings have specific settlements bound to them. Friedrich Gilmer centered a research program investigating the interconnectedness between escalators/elevators and the entire building’s structures. During the ceremonial day of the building, more words are being wasted than otherwise.
- This discussion was modified 3 weeks, 1 day ago by Gustan Cho.
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In the mortgage circuit, there have been drastic changes along with fluctuations in the real estate market, all affected by the economic policies that have increased bond yields. As for the current state of the economy, it can be summarized as follows:
Rates on Mortgages
30-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgages:
- Average rates have soared to 6.85%.
- This is the highest increase since July, when they climbed from 6.72% to 6.85%, compared to last week’s and the six-point sixty-one percent a year ago.
15-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgages:
- Instead of 5.92% in the previous week, the rates have spiked to 6.00%.
Housing Market Information
House Prices:
- High price rates combined with even higher mortgage rates have made it nearly impossible for almost all potential buyers to stimulate any chances of homeownership, further supporting the continuing downturn of the housing market.
Inventory Trials:
- Taking November into account, the last reported figure regarding the total number of houses available for sale was 1.37 million, showing a 19.1% increase year after year.
The Following influences the Rate Increase On Mortgages
- Generally speaking, mortgage rates and bond yields display a very tight relationship.
- An increase in bond yields leads to many factors, including an increase in mortgage rates.
Expectations Regarding Inflation
As we all know, inflation is bad news for every industry. It pushes investors to seek larger returns on long-term investments, which increases bond rates.
Policies By The Federal Reserve Bank
Although the Reserve recently cut some rates to facilitate purchasing, mortgage rates have paradoxically skyrocketed instead.
These factors account for the divergence we have seen, and it seems justified in view of rising yields on 10-year Treasury Bonds, which are considered a significant determinant of mortgage rates.
Government Debt Levels
Increasing fiscal deficits enhance the volume of government bonds, causing yields to increase to attract buyers.
Economic Policies
Policy shifts, such as instituting tariffs and tax reductions, could increase economic activity, raise inflation, add to government borrowing, and consequently raise mortgage rates.
Aspects That Influence Homebuyers and the Real Estate Economic Activity & Development:
Challenges on Affordability: Rising mortgage rates and current home prices have generally limited the number of prospective buyers, and mortgage applications have been sluggish.
Market Activity:
- Interest rates have suppressed buyer interest. A slight reduction in interest rates is likely to stimulate some business growth.
- Still, the business environment will remain restrained due to the relatively high prices and low volume of housing available.
The movement in 10-year Treasury yields and mortgage bonds highlights the intricate web of factors that characterize the current economy. These indicators and trends are critical for home buyers or borrowers intending to refinance their homes. Therefore, such transactions should be undertaken only after due consultation with advisers.
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Mortgage and Real Estate Update for Wednesday, December 25th, 2024Mortgage Rates Remain Constant As The Holidays Are Upon Us.
30-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage:
- Average fixed mortgage rate continues to remain at 6.75 %.
- Analysts don’t anticipate any compelling changes this week.
15-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage:
- The average rate on the 15-year is 6.15, which is also a good option for homeowners willing to refinance.
ARM:
- Similar to the 5/1 ARM, rates have remained stable at 6.50 percent while buyers consider the risk of a rate change.
Analysis:
- Towards the end of the year, we usually see a drop in the amount of mortgage applications as people are less likely to look to buy a new home.
- However lenders do suspect that they may see a increase in the early months of 2025 as rates begin to normalise.
Housing Still In Demand During The Winter Season
Lack of Supply:
- The active listing has dropped by 18% year on year which further lowers the options for the buyers in many locations.
Prices:
- Price of homes rose by 4.1% in November 2024 when compared with the last year during the same period.
- This is indicitive of demand in high growth areas.
Top Buy Markets:
- Austin and Orlando are hot places to buy homes while less accessibly prices areas such as Wisconsin and Pittsburgh are more stable.
Trends in the Rental Market
Rents Rates Slowing Down:
- The rental rates for 2024 have seen a rise by 2.3 percent lower than the 5.7 percent rent witnessed in the year 2023.
- This stagnation is due to an increased availability of multi-family houses.
Continued Movement to Suburbs:
- Renters are shifting from apartments to suburban areas due to affordability issues, especially in areas just outside big cities such as Phoenix and Denver.
Increased Costs Affect Builder Confidence
Commencement of New Homes:
- In comparison to last year there has been an increase of 9 percent during November of single family house starts while multi-family starts have remained constant.
Excess Inventory in Some Parts:
- In Texas and Florida, builders are recording high inventories of unsold homes, especially in the luxury sector.
2025 Predictions:
- The builders are not very optimistic but cautious, which is why they want to build affordable housing for most people so that eager entry-level home buyers will choose it.
An Increase in The Rate Of Foreclosure and Bankruptcy
Foreclosure:
- An Increasing economic stress and inflation is leading to a growth in US foreclosure filing and as a result between Q3 to Q4 of two thousand twenty-three there was a 13 percent increase.
Bankruptcies:
- There has been a year over year increase of 18 percent in the filing of personal bankruptcies showing the financial stress faced by the middle-class households.
Areas With the Highest Growth:
States like New Jersey, Illinois, and Nevada need the most scrutiny as they had the highest amount of foreclosure activity.
Broader Trends in Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Looking at the Bigger Picture
Retail Decline:
- The e commerce business has taken over which is why the rates have increased to 12 .8 percent which is causing the brick-and-mortar business to struggle.
Shifting the Office Network:
- Suburbs are seeing an increase in preferences for office spaces.
- Whereas cities are facing higher offices than ever before.
- SFF and NYC are quoted to have a very high vacancy rate cross country comparison shows a significant increase in demand.
E-commerce digitalization effect:
- The E-commerce and improvements in supply chain are the two most key drivers for a growth in demand for logistics and warehouse spaces.
Changes In Policy Affecting Housing
Inspection Report for FHA Loan Limits 2025:
- Prevalent headlines include the federal housing administration loan limits amendment.
- This will see the loan limits in high-cost regions increased to 1.2 million dollars.
- This development allows more buyers to take up markets with expensive places, including New York and California.
Tax Incentives for Affordable Housing:
- Integracare in Hexcel has prepared to lobby Congress and vote to extend the tax incentives for builders seeking to construct affordable housing projects, which is liable to solve the looming shortage of inventory.
Climate Change Effects on Real Estate
Flood Zones:
- The New FEMA flood maps, which will be published in early 2025, will likely categorise additional regions as high-risk, which will lead to an enhancement in the price of flood insurance for homeowners.
Wildfire Areas:
- Wildfires are a reality whose aftermath California, Colorado and other states are adjusting to.
- Wildfires have alternative real estate impacts, such as A
- advancing premiums of insurance and reducing property expenses of affected regions.
Real Estate Investment Trends
- Over time, the popularity of real estate properties designed for short-term rentals has not seemed to drop.
- However, in the bigger cities such as Miami and Los Angeles, some measures are being put in place that control who can purchase these properties.
As for communities made specifically for renters, investors are gradually moving in that direction as there is plenty of demand for such buildings since many people can’t afford to own a house.
Tech in Real Estate
There is a rise in people utilizing remote services to buy houses. People can now talk over platforms and do virtual tours, which reduces the waiting time and makes it more efficient.
When lending, companies have been leaning towards utilizing AI as part of the approving process. It speeds up the process significantly and lowers the amount of time spent on underwriting.
International Buyers Return
Luxury Properties across the United States have been catching the eye of international investors, especially those in New York, Miami & Los Angeles, Canada, Europe & China overseas investors seem to be returning in large numbers.
Make sure to keep an eye open for further updates as there is plenty more room to monitor these trends going into the new year.
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