Comprehensive National Daily Headline News for Monday, January 13th 2025, with a special detailed update of California Pacific Palisades Fire, Unemployment, Economy, Bankruptcy, and Politics. Life is celebrated when folks get a fresh start. Starting January 13, 2025, you need to focus on national news, such as the Palisades Fire in California. You should also follow up on the status of the unemployed, the economy, bankruptcies, and cabinet confirmations in politics.

Several LA County Fire

Los Angeles Fire Department specialists have categorized The Palisades area fire as ‘incredibly life-threatening.’ This has shocked them in their long history of combating fires. Some believe it is the tip of the iceberg. It is still burning schools, hospitals, forests, and everything in its way.

Latest Updated Data of The Pacific Palisades Wildfire

Wherever we look, it is still on track to destroying something else. That being said:

• Burned Area: 23,713 acres
• Fatalities: A confirmed 24 lost their lives, 8 with positive evidence attributing to the Palisades Fire.
• Structures Affected: Combating this fire has led to 5,300 structures being destroyed and counting.

Evacuations

Over 150,000 have been evacuated, and no casualties have been reported during this palmer calamity.

Escalating Santa Ana winds have challenged containment strategies for the wildfire. It is reported that New Year’s Eve fireworks could have sparked it, which combined with existing high winds and was further exacerbated by drought conditions. Firefighting activities are being obstructed by the winds, and the cause is currently under investigation.

The damage estimates are unfathomable, and the economic impact is immense. Federal aid and international assistance are being organized, and multiple organizations and even celebrities have pledged their donations to the relief efforts.

Although there are notable concerning factors, the unemployment rate is observed at a low 4.2%. Further, it remains steady, showing growth in sectors such as technology and healthcare. This, combined with the GDP growth of a moderate 2.5% during the end of Q4 in 2024, signals growth for the American economy. With this being said, inflation is still a problem, as it has seen year-over-year growth of 3.8%, raising concerns over consumer purchasing power. As analysts have pointed out, while the economy is growing, labor shortages and disruptions in the supply chain create challenges.

Retail Sales

A reputable department store chain has declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to high demand and competition from online shops. Many companies are filing for bankruptcy due to the current economic conditions.

Energy

An average-sized oil and gas company went bankrupt due to persistently low oil prices and telescope-high debt levels.

Such events reflect ongoing struggles in the retail and energy industries to adopt more modern retailing forms and restructuring discussions.

Cabinet Confirmations

Trump’s cabinet selections have started their confirmations in the Senate:

• Secretary of State: There seems to be a broad consensus regarding Marco Rubio, which means he will be confirmed.
• Secretary of Defense: Unlike Marco, Hegseth’s nomination is challenging due to his sorely lacking defense experience and controversial beliefs.

Other Nominations

• Gabard and RFK Jr. nominees are also being considered.
• Hearings are scheduled for January 14th—16th.
• Senators of the Republican Party will control the majority.
• This will be important for those who have not been confirmed.
• Nominees will have strong opposition from within the party.

Politics

Latest political developments

Donald Trump’s court battle:

• As an update, former President Donald Trump is now “unconditionally discharged” in his fraud case, meaning he serves no prison time, fines, or community service.
• His sentencing ban includes any ownership of firearms.
• Furthermore, he is required to submit a DNA sample.
• His status as a convicted felon still stands.

Special Prosecutor Report:

• A federal court has approved the publication of the special prosecutor’s report about the subversion of the election and the riots of January 6.
• He has given Trump a 3-day window to contest this in the Supreme Court.

Public Perspective

Trump supporters and opposing citizens of Trump appeared to be very divided outside the courthouse.

These issues raise concerns about Trump’s sustained efforts to achieve his 2nd office term. Kindly note that the picture, particularly regarding the wildfires, is developing very fast. For specific information, always rely on reporters and official sources.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0x6x7OlR6Q

youtube.com

The Five 1/13/25 | Breaking Fox News Today January 13, 2025

The Five 1/13/25 | Breaking Fox News Today January 13, 2025

Mortgage Housing Real Estate and Consumer News for Monday January 13th 2025″

Comprehensive Overview of Mortgage, Housing, Real Estate, Interest Rates, Consumer, Business, Employment, Economic, Interest Rates, Bankruptcy, and Investment National Daily News for Monday, January 13th, 2025 Summary:

As of Monday, January 13, 2025, there is an in-depth analysis of the major sectors affecting the national economy:

Mortgage and Housing Market

Mortgage Rates:

• The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate remains elevated.
• Mortgage rates are expected to remain above 6 percent.
• This means that the projection for 2025 is hovering around 6.8 percent.

Housing Market Trends

Home Prices:

• Home values are estimated to grow around 3 percent in 2025, while the markets in the Northeast and Midwest regions, including Buffalo, NY, will spearhead the development.

Inventory Levels:

• Supply is constrained as inventory remains tight due to low mortgage rates.
• This is hindering homeowners’ urge to sell.

Interest Rates and Economic Indicators

Federal Reserve Policy:

• The Federal Reserve decided to cut rates.
• But long-term Treasury yields have risen.
• This indicates more market worries concerning inflation and overall economic and fiscal policy.
• The 10-year yield is at 4.8 percent.

Employment Data:

• With robust labor market indicators, strong job growth witnessed during December is good for the economy.
• It reduces the chance of the Federal Reserve making immediate rate cuts.

Consumer Spending:

• The luxury goods segment is experiencing a slowdown, with majors’ change in expense preference.”
• The forecast, however, suggests that the sector will reach stability by the end of 2025, along with the economic uncertainty.

Business Bankruptcies:

• In 2024, 694 corporate bankruptcy filings were made, one of the highest rates following the economic recession of 2009.
• Sectors such as healthcare, automobiles, casual chains, and retail have experienced challenges as a colossal interest rate, inflation, and consumer behavior have shifted.

Investment and Market Movements

Stock Market Performance:

• The US stock market has been turbulent.
• After the election, the S&P 500 lost all of its gains.
• This was due to fears over increased bond yields alongside possible inflationary policies with President Donald Trump.

Bond Market Dynamics

The bond market is starting to act differently as stock market volatility increases. The massive increase in the 10-year Treasury yield caused by the Federal Reserve cutting rates has only occurred twice in the last 40 years.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjycL_KWApo

Comprehensive Overview of National Headline Daily News for the Week of January 6th through the 12th 2025: The Summary of This Week’s Weekend Edition Summary with the Latest on the Pacific Palisades Wildfire in Southern California, the latest updates on President Elect Donald Trump’s agenda, plans, and changes, the Federal Reserve Board, the exit of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, and other important headline news for the week. Also, what we are going to expect this coming week.

Full Summary of Mortgage, Business, Employment, Economic, and Investment Daily National News:

From 6th to 12th January 2025:

Weekend Edtion Highlights

***Adjustable-Rate Mortgages: ARMs Rates Capped: Economy Dips***

• Due to fluctuating economic activity, the 30-year fixed mortgage loan rate averages 6.35%.
• The weighted average cost for adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) moved down.
• This indicates that consumers are choosing to refinance at a higher rate more often than lenders can provide these options.

***Investors and self-employed people prefer Non-QM Loans***

• Non-QM loans are gaining popularity from self-employed folks and investors seeking more financing options.
• Especially in states like Florida and California.

***FHA Loans are on the rise***

• FHA increased high-cost zone loan limits for areas exceeding $1,200,000 in 2025.
• This increase is anticipated to enable first-time homebuyers to purchase a home in a highly competitive housing market.

***Insights on Improvement in the Housing Market***

• There has been a 2.5% decrease in active listings relative to the preceding month’s figure.
• Unfortunately, supply constraints remain most severe in metro areas.
• This includes New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
• Labor shortages coupled with increasing construction expenses are worsening this inventory problem.

Home Prices Rise Slightly

• The national median price of homes increased by 1.2% month over month.
• Midwest cities such as Columbus, OH, and Kansas City, MO, showed the most prominent year-over-year growth.

Shift Toward Multi-Generational Housing

• This increasing trend of multi-generational living is impacting how houses are built.
• The demand for units with two kitchens and separate living spaces has risen by 18%.

Real Estate Trends Commercial Real Estate Faces Headwinds:

• As remote work continues, the office segment has not performed well.
• The vacancy rate is constantly above 20% in big metropolitan regions.
• However, the industrial real estate sector continues to be buoyed by the growth of e-commerce.

Luxury Real Estate Rebounds

• The new year started strong, with sales of luxury homes.
• Especially those priced at more than 3 million dollars, seeing an increased demand of 10% in the first week of January.
• This was driven by increased investment from abroad and improved stock market conditions.

Top Performing Real Estate Markets

• The real estate markets in Phoenix, AZ, Austin, TX, and Charlotte, NC, have higher volume and price appreciation than the national average.

Business and Employment News Unemployment Rate Declines

• The country’s unemployment rate fell to 3.7%, clearly showing a strong labor market.
• The health, tech, and construction sectors saw the strongest job growth.

Layoffs in Tech

• Companies like Meta and Amazon announced additional layoffs, citing cost-cutting and adjusting to post-pandemic demand changes as the reasons for the cuts.

Small Business Optimism Improves

The Small Business Optimism Index rose 4 points, signifying confidence in the new consumer entity, which is expected to improve inflation.

Economic Developments

Federal Reserve Signals Pause on Rate Hikes:

• According to the FOMC meeting minutes, a rate hike is unlikely.
• This is because inflation decreased to 4.1% from 9.1% mid-last year.

Consumer Confidence Up

• The Consumer Confidence Index increased due to wage growth and holiday spending, finally posting its highest level shift since April 2023.

Stock Market Performance

• Green energy and tech stocks led gains.
• The NASDAQ and S&P 500 stocks increased by 2.2% and 1.8%, respectively.

Investment and Financial News

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) on the Rise:

• Investor optimism in the logistics and tech sector led to REITs owning industrial and data center properties posting strong gains.

Crypto Markets Recover

• With renewed interest from institutions and regulatory shards bolstering confidence.
• Bitcoin’s value jumped above 100,000 dollars.

The Investment in Renewable Energy Grows Herring

• This week, investments in wind and solar projects hit an all-time high of $15 billion.
• This increase is largely due to recent announcements made by First Solar and Tesla.

Market Predictions for the Coming Week

Expectations in Economic Reports:

• Retail sales data will be useful during the holiday season 2024 and paint a clear picture of holiday spending changes.
• The CPI report will reveal December’s inflation rate, which will help estimate the inflation rate 2025.

Mortgage Applications and Rates

• Mortgage application is estimated to experience moderate growth.
• This is due to buyers easing their financial expectations and stable rates.

Potential Legislative Actions

• A new legislature is set to debate the new housing credit.
• This has been introduced to boost the housing market for first-time buyers.
• This week witnessed strong performance, encouraging results in the mortgage and housing sectors.
• There is optimism visible across the greater investment and economic environment.

Comprehensive Overview of National Headline Daily News From 6 To 12 January 2025:

Weekend Edition:

Summary With The Most Recent Information:

• Regarding The Pacific Palisades Southern California Wildfire.
• President-Elect Donald Trump’s Plans And Changes.
• Federal Reserve Board Member Benefits.
• The Month And Year Joe Biden And Kamala Harris Leaving Office.
• Other Significant Head People News From The Selected Week.
• Additionally, What We Anticipated For The Subsequent Week

FEMA financed personnel and equipment and gave federal approval. Inga suitcase canister turning random oblique ring Newadiens surveil this impact.

• Investigators are corroborating the story, with initial information raising the possibility of power lines disqualification.

Policy Announcements

• Trump talked about the most important plans in an off-the-record meeting with the head of the next round invited to his press release:

Immigration Reform

• Renewed commitment to border security.
• This includes reinstatements from his earlier presidency.

Economic Stimulus:

• A “Middle-Class Recovery Act” that aims to cut taxes and strengthen the economy by increasing the number of small businesses.

Healthcare Overhaul:

• Repeal key provisions of the Affordable Care Act while simultaneously expanding Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

The US Military

• Trump pledged a return to American values.
• He prioritized military readiness, manufacturing jobs, and energy independence and gave a speech in Florida emphasizing these areas.

Updates from the Federal Reserve Board

• Jerome Powell hinted that the Fed will adjust the chair’s interest rate for the first time during the new normalization period.
• Inflation stabilization and housing market stagnation are often cited as the causes of this rate shift.

Economic Growth Concerns

• According to the minutes from the Fed’s last meeting in December.
• There are worries regarding the economy contracting after the holiday customer spending boom.

Market Reaction

• The Dow Jones index increased by 2.1 at the end of the week.
• The increase was driven by more positive earnings reports and speculation over the Fed’s upcoming decision to change its monetary policy.

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris Take Their LeaveFarewell Address:

For one last time, President Joe Biden addressed the people of America and emphasized the following main points:

• Reduction in unemployment to historic lows.
• Passage of landmark infrastructure and climate legislation.
• As Vice President Kamala Harris puts it, all these reasons are enough to ponder her remarks regarding unifying and moving forward into civilian life.

The Transition of Power:

• Joe Biden’s presidential advisors are working directly with Trump’s group to ease the power shift and concentrate on security and economic stability in the USA.

Other National Headlines

Supreme Court Decisions:

• The Supreme Court has decided not to take a case against state abortion bans.
• Thus keeping the controversial laws.
• A very important decision regarding affirmative action in college admission policies will also be made in a few days.

Severe Weather Across The Midwest

• The Blizzard has severely impacted travel and power supply in the Midwest.
• The Blizzard took over the Midwest, canceling over 1,500 flights and shutting down service in 200,000 homes.

Healthcare Strikes

• California and New York nurses and healthcare personnel went on strike over wages and the understaffed population.
• This puts pressure on the hospital systems to take immediate action.

What Have We To Expect On The Followed Date

Political Movements

• On his first day in office, Trump will announce an Executive Order.
• He will sign it on his inaugural day and finish outlining his cabinet appointments.
• A temporary funding bill is on Congress’s agenda to prevent the government from halting operations.

Econometric Data

• The CPI index for December is due to be published.
• This should shed some much-needed light concerning inflation.
• Based on previous records, strong retail consumer spending is predicted during the festive season.

Containment progress of the wildfire

• The Pacific Palisades firefighting will pick up.
• This is because the US government is expected to start and allocate further resources for warfare.

Watch the Supreme Court

• The military court will likely pass rulings on immigration and voting rights legislation pending case reviews.

Weather Predictions

• The arctic temperatures will shift this upcoming week, affecting big city populations such as Chicago, Detroit, and New York.
• This week’s events included economic optimism, political transition, and environmental catastrophe.

Significant changes in policies and markets and contagious recovery efforts in different parts of the country are expected in the upcoming days.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAHzD37g_6E

• This discussion was modified 1 month, 1 week ago by  Gustan Cho.

This video is about a young man who relocated to Florida from Wisconsin and got stopped by a Florida law enforcement officer for a traffic infraction. The cop sees evidence of impairment and asks the driver if he wants to perform field sobriety test to see if he can pass it so he can go on his way. With that said, the driver volunteers to take the field sobriety tests to end up bombing it and giving all the cops a laugh. Must see. It must be tough to be stupid and make a total jack as of yourself.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/95RbpdMSFeonYeej/?mibextid=D5vuiz

facebook.com

Officers Amazingly Keep Straight Faces During this Arrest | Officers Amazingly Keep Straight Faces During this Arrest | By Diócesis de La PazFacebook

Officers Amazingly Keep Straight Faces During this Arrest

Homes prices in Sarasota Florida is expected to tank in 2024. This year is an election year and many homebuyers are jittery during a turbulent election year. Lower interest rate is forecasted in the later half of the year. Home prices are forecasted to plummet 40% or more in Sarasota County Florida. Average price of homes in Sarasota Florida is $535,000 for single family homes. Condos are priced in the low $500,000 median price range.

https://youtu.be/5iOF5u4W9r0?si=3jODXPnqdNxlNxOx

Many mortgage loan originators belong to a team or group where they can veer off on their own with their own mortgage brokerage or a mortgage net branch of a larger national mortgage brokerage or mortgage lender. The mortgage net branch can operate as a DBA (Doing Business As), the mortgage group’s brand name. The business is run on a P&L model, and the branch manager is in charge of all the outgoing expenses. The goal is to have a positive P and L to generate profit. Can someone experienced with how to start a mortgage net branch please go over the list of expenses? Even a small office can run a mortgage branch in the red if not managed correctly.

How Large Do German Shepherd Dogs Get? Can you please detail the size of males and female German Shepherds on how large they get compared to their age? For example, a chart how much a male German Shepherd dog weighs at three months, six months, nine months, twelve months, 18 months, 24 months, 30 months, 36 months. The same with female German Shepherd dogs. How much does a female German Shepherd dog weigh at three months, six months, nine months, twelve months, 18 months, 24 months, 30 months, 36 months. When is a German Shepherd dog fully grown and when do they reach full maturity level? Thank you in advance.

BREAKING NEWS UPDATE on GCA FORUMS:

Great Content Authority Forums Launches GCA Forums News

GCA Forums, powered by Gustan Cho Associates, has launched GCA Forums News. Our News department consists of two useful categories for our fast-growing online community:

GCA Forums News

• GCA FORUMS Mortgage and Real Estate News
• GCA FORUMS Headline News.

GCA FORUMS News, which provides a comprehensive overview of key daily news events, will benefit a large percentage of our viewers and members.

Content Consist of National Daily News Summary

Time is essential for our viewers and members of our online community.

• Many GCA FORUMS viewers and members are real estate investors, mortgage and housing professionals, and enthusiasts.
• Keeping time for our viewers and members is important.
• Due to the importance of the knowledge-is-king principle, GCA FORUMS Mortgage and Real Estate News and Headline News were launched.

Highlights of GCA FORUMS Daily Mortgage and Real Estate News

Market Trends:

• Notice of modification on mortgage rates.
• Key components cover fixed and adjustable mortgage rate products.
• Housing inventory, sales, and price analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions on GCA FORUMS Weekend EditionWhat additional insights or highlights will be included in the GCA FORUMS Weekend Edition that differs from the daily news?

• The Weekend Edition offers a comprehensive summary of the week’s key events and trends, capturing the most significant highlights.
• It presents thoughtful analysis and expert opinions, allowing readers to reflect on the week’s mortgage and real estate developments.
• This enhanced content consolidates the week’s news, providing valuable insights and perspectives.

Will there be any special features or guest contributions in the Weekend Edition?

Yes, the Weekend Edition often includes special features and guest contributions from industry experts. These provide in-depth analysis, unique perspectives, and valuable insights that are not typically covered in the daily news updates.

How will users be notified about the publication of the Weekend Edition compared to the daily updates?

• Users will be notified about the Weekend Edition through our regular notification channels, including email alerts, push notifications, and updates on our website and social media platforms.
• This ensures that users are always informed about the latest publications and special features.

GCA FORUMS Mortgage, Real Estate, and Headline News Daily Edition

• Each of these news sections will be updated and published daily from Monday through Friday, ensuring that members have access to the latest developments in the industry throughout the week.

The GCA FORUMS Headline, Mortgage, and Real Estate News Weekend Edition

• The Weekend News Edition provides a thorough and insightful summary of the week’s key events and trends, capturing the most important highlights and offering a comprehensive overview. This allows readers to reflect on the week’s mortgage and real estate developments.
• Enhanced with thoughtful analysis and expert opinions, the weekend content is an invaluable resource for our members seeking to stay informed and make informed decisions in the market.

Lending Guidelines

• New face value of loans eligible for FHA, VA, USDA.
• Lender Overlays and the Mortgage Process

Government and Policy Updates

• Mergers and acquisitions are new policies that bound the supply of mutual consternation, a constellation, and the merged entity.
• Government policies and its actions on mortgage banking rates through new policies set by the Federal Reserve.

Real Estate Market Insights

• Market predictions from both a regional and national perspective on housing construction.
• Advice for buyers, sellers, and investors in the current economy.

GCA FORUMS: Daily Headline Briefings – A Complete Synthesis

Objective

• This component caters to a target audience by providing global, national, or local headlines in business, politics, and economics integrated with coverage of the real estate and/or mortgage sector.

Major Takeaways

Business and Economy

• Regular insights related to stocks, corporate obligations, and their impact (if any) on mortgage rates.
• Turning out the latest developments on mergers, acquisitions, and other related activities with firms focused on the finance and real estate industries.

Politics

This section includes updates on new legislation and other political behavior in the country that affect the housing and consumer lending sectors. It also includes soft updates related to government spending policy, trade talks, and their aftermath.

Social and Environmental Changes

Recent news focused on housing sustainability, technologies designed for smart homes, and city development. Community-driven stories focus on the local affordable housing market, zoning law changes, and infrastructure investments.

Current Events

• A chain of event coverage that cameras social events fluxing to our daily bases.

GCA Forum Members’ Advantages

• Timeliness: Obtain important developments of the day with well-informed industry experts daily.
• Relevance: Industry news is tailor-made and useful to borrowers, realtors, and others.
• Accessibility: There is no cost to perusing news documents on the GCA Forums platform, which promotes equal opportunities for all.
• Engagement: Forums promote interactions around news stories, and related experiences are shared with other site members.

Where to Get the News

• Platform: The GCA Forums website has integrated the latest updates and aged news on their homepage.
• Delivery Options: Users with accounts can request these notifications as emails or text messages.
• Interactive Features: Discuss the day’s important news with other users and professionals.

The Vision Behind the Initiative

The schedule started on these new features. GCA Forums has the following goals:

• Aid its members with greater knowledge.
• Promote better decision-making when dealing with mortgage and real estate.
• Improve its reputation as a reliable source to industry players and borrowers.

GCA Forums’ Daily News

GCA FORUMS Daily News is great for borrowers who want to monitor the market, real estate agents who want to gain a competitive edge, and experts who want to remain in the know.

Be in the know. Make an impact. Go to GCA Forums now and remain updated on market shifts!

If someone is a foreign national, let’s say Serbia, and wants to visit the United States, what are the procedures of getting a visitors VISA to the United States. How long does it take and what is the process?

National Daily Comprehensive Headline News, including the latest Southern California wildfires, inflation, stock and bond markets, rates, and overview of important news in the United States for Friday January 10th, 2025. On January 10, 2025, there will be a roundup of major national news covering the fires in Southern California, economic indicators, and national markets.

Southern California Wildfires:

Wildfires are raging in southern California, and roughly 36,685 acres of land have been burned, mostly in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Palisades Fire, Hurst Fire, and Eaton Fire are the main ones. These fires have resulted in the death of not less than ten people, destruction or damage to over 13,400 structures, and evacuation of close to 180,000 residents. Adding to the problem are severe Santa Ana winds that blow with speeds above 80-100 miles per hour and dry weather conditions. Authorities are examining the causes emphasizing extreme climate patterns.

Economic Indicators:

Employment Data:

• In December alone, the U.S. economy added more jobs than anticipated – a total of 256 thousand – thereby reducing unemployment rates.
• This noteworthy increase in employment suggests a robust labor market that could influence the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy choices.

Inflation Concerns:

• Anticipated import tariffs have pushed consumer inflation expectations, leading to concerns that prices may rise in the coming months.

Financial Markets:

Bond Market:

• Following yesterday’s strong employment report, U.S. Treasury yields jumped, with the 10-year yield nearing five percent.
• This change reflects investors’ readjustment of their forecasts for Federal Reserve interest rates.

Stock Market:

• The main U.S. stock indices fell, including the S&P500 (1.5%), DJIA (1.4%), and Nasdaq (1%).
• Investors worry that continued economic strength may mean higher interest rates, impacting corporate earnings and valuations.

Outlook on Interest Rate:

• The Federal Reserve, which started to cut rates in September 2024, is now expected to maintain current interest rates for longer.
• Some analysts argue that the Fed may contemplate raising rates in 2025 if inflationary pressures intensify.

Other Developments

Corporate Bond Issuance:

• Major American companies are issuing bonds faster and faster to capture current borrowing costs, keeping rising Treasury yields in mind.
• This week, $62.7 bn was raised across 39 issuers—a record.

Public Health Emergency

The U.S. Department of Health has declared a public health emergency for California due to wildfires to facilitate federal help for affected communities.

In summary, America faces several challenges, including huge wildfires in Southern California and economic dynamics marked by strong employment numbers, increasing inflation outlooks, and unstable financial markets.

• This discussion was modified 1 month, 1 week ago by  Tom Miller.

As of the week ending on April 25, 2024, the average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is reported at approximately 7.877%. It’s important to note that these rates have seen some fluctuations, and various factors including economic conditions and the borrower’s credit profile influence the final rate offered. For those considering refinancing, the average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate refinance loan has slightly increased to about 8.425%​​.

Mortgage rates are significantly influenced by economic factors, personal financial details of the borrower, and the specific conditions of the mortgage market at the time. For instance, someone with a strong credit score and a substantial down payment might secure a lower rate, while those with lower credit scores or smaller down payments might face higher rates​​.

If you’re thinking of securing a mortgage or refinancing your current one, it would be beneficial to compare rates from multiple lenders to find the best deal for your situation. As of April 30, 2024, the housing market is showing signs of resilience and growth in certain areas despite ongoing challenges like high mortgage rates and affordability issues. Key insights include:

• Home sales have seen a mix of increases and decreases depending on the region. Nationally, existing home sales have improved month-over-month but are still below the levels from the previous year. New home sales show slight growth compared to the previous year, indicating a shift where more buyers are opting for new homes due to the low supply of existing homes​ (Freddie Mac – We Make Home Possible)​.

• The National Association of Realtors (NAR) forecasts a significant increase in existing-home sales to 4.71 million for 2024, which is up from the previous year. This growth is expected to be concentrated in markets with high demand such as Austin, Texas, which is noted as a top market to watch due to pent-up housing demand​ (http://www.nar.realtor)​.

• Mortgage rates have remained steady with an average of around 6.8% as of March, impacting both buying and refinancing activities. Although this presents challenges, there’s an uptick in both refinance activity and purchase applications as the market adapts to these conditions​ (Freddie Mac – We Make Home Possible)​.

Overall, while the housing market faces headwinds from higher rates and price pressures, certain regions are experiencing growth, and there’s a general sense of cautious optimism as the market adapts to the economic landscape of 2024.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYQgJlwKskc

My big guy Chase, my German Shepherd Dog, has a baby sister. SKYLAR. Skylar is an eight month old female long coat black and red German Shepherd Dog from the same breeder Chase came from. Chase is neutered and i am going to get Skylar spayed in about six months. Skylar is underweight and skinny. You can feel the ribs when you pet her on the sides of her body. Skylar was the runt of the litter and was bullied on by her furry brothers and sisters. She was bit in many places and her siblings stole her portion of Dog food so that is why she is underweight and malnourished. Had a visit to the veterinarian and got her tested for worms 🪱 and parasites. Results came back negative. Skylar is takung a 14 day antibiotics program due to her scabs, a lump on her left side rib area due to blunt trauma and urinary infection and scratches on her vulva. She got her rabbits and puppy shots and weighs 52.5 pounds. Unfortunately Skylar is not fully potty trained nor obedience trained. I will work on a training regiment after a few weeks. Extremely skittish therefore I want her to get used to her new home and her new family and environment. Here are a few photos of Skylar and Chase. One of Skylar ears is floppy. I adopted Skylar on Sunday October 6th. Dan Ivenovic dropped her off the house. Dan has two other German Shepherd pups that are nine months. Please let me know if anyone is interested . Price is discounted. 9 months old.

Value of Silver will outpace Value of Gold as precious metals skyrocket. Silver trade in a thin market. Plus Silver has investment Value as well as practical industrial Value. In 2011 Value of Silver doubled to $45 per ounce. Trading of Silver opened higher today. Start stacking Silver today.

https://youtu.be/jYV3vi-ysPk?si=oC1zFZqFGjY8B6AU

National Daily Comprehensive Mortgage, Real Estate, Business, and Economic News, including the latest stock and bond markets, gold and silver prices, crypto currency, rates, and overview of important housing and finance news in the United States for Friday, January 10th, 2025.

NEXA Mortgage has independent loan officer branch manager opportunities and loan officer opportunities under a producing branch. You now have the opportunity to run your own P and L business in the mortgage industry. You are your own boss and run your own mortgage company the way you seem fit. CEO Michael Kortas gives the entreprenuer loan officer their own keys to take it where they want to. The sky is the limit. CEO Mike has a hands off policy and never tells you what to do. CEO Kortas is there to help you and will never say NO if you have great ideas in expanding your own business. You can run your mortgage broker business as a dba of NEXA Mortgage. Becoming a NEXA mortgage branch is better than owning your own mortgage company. Contact me at 262-627-1965 or email me directly at gcho@gustancho.com. Please post any questions on this forum or private message me.

https://gustancho.com/career-opportunities/

gustancho.com

NEXA Career Opportunities » Mortgages » Realtor - MLO

Career Opportunities as mortgage loan originators, mortgage processors, account managers, loan processors, mortgage underwriters now available

Below are the steps to create a business directory:

Step1: Click on business form top or here is link https://gcaforums.com/business/

Step 2: Click on Create a Business

Step 3: Enter the details like Business Name, Business Description and select the category of your business and click on create business blue button.

Step 4: Upload business profile picture and click on next button.

Step 5: Upload the cover photo and click on visit business

Now you business page created. Now there are more addition information which you can add in your business page like phone number, address , social media links etc.

So for these setting go to your business page which you created and click on Setting option. Where you can add all information which you want.

Here’s a broad summary of the front page news for Wednesday, January 1, 2025: Worldwide Celebrations and Events New Year Celebrations Across The World:

Celebrations like these were commonplace as 2025 was welcomed for a new decade in every corner of the world. New York City Times Square grew with a buzz as people celebrated and marked the start, while 2024 was on the verge of ending, one of the best places for fans to enjoy the new year.

Sydney’s First Baby for 2025:

Australia welcomes its first child in Sydney. Born around 12:32 AM in Royal Cohen for Women, Shawn Cedric Biansi was a true treat for his parents as the family assumed his delivery would be later in the month rather than the first of the new year.

Technology And Business

Apple Technology That Can Be Expected in 2025:

According to reports, Apple will release a smart home command center device and other gadgets, including an iPhone 17, a facial identification camera doorbell, a smart security camera, and much more. With these products, the company aims to tap into the expanding market of smart home technologies.

Sports

Pro Bowl Voting Results:

Jayden Daniels was voted the favorite for the Quarterbacks and overtook stars Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Patrick Mahone.

In addition, several players of the Washington Commanders team performed ripe in fan votes, hinting at a fruitful season for the team.

Expectations For 2025

Speculative Forecasts:

Experts have hypothesized many things that can happen in 2025, such as political shifts, anticipating technological shifts, and undergoing cultural changes. Although all these forecasts are speculative, they assist in building expectations for trends or happenings in the upcoming year.

Forecasting The Weather

Polar Vortex Warning:

According to meteorologists, the eastern part of the United States might see freezing temperatures in January 2025 due to the polar vortex. If their predictions are accurate, then history will be made, as 2014 was the last time January was freezing. This prediction can be juxtaposed with the warm temperature readings in 2024.

Legal and Policy Changes

New Policies For Tasmania:

Australia underwent several legislative changes that came into effect on January 1, 2025. These include the mandating of electronic identification devices for all sheep, goats, and bobby calves to strengthen biosecurity, restriction of any activities associated with engineered stone because of health issues, and modifications to the provisions within the Historic Cultural Heritage Act to enhance the level of protection for heritage sites.

Laws In Florida:

The laws now instituted in Florida include restricting minors from using social media and providing protection to first responders.

Changes in law will focus on child protection issues, safety while on the internet, and the treatment of paramedics.

Increased Minimum Wage for the State of Virginia:

As of the first day of January 2025, the wage rate will increase from twelve United States dollars to twelve United States dollars and forty-one cents per hour. This will also be included in the minimum wage plan to reach fifteen United States dollars by 2026 to compensate the state’s employees fairly.

New Traffic Laws and Safety Measures in Colorado

Since January 1, 2025, the existing traffic laws have been altered. They now include no sitting while driving while holding a cell and tightening child seat belt laws. All these regulations have been enacted to increase children’s safety in cars.

INCIDENTS

New Orleans Attack:

• A horrifying event happened in New Orleans, Louisiana, involving a vehicle ramming and shooting attack, which caused over 30 injuries and 10 death tolls.
• Its surrounding areas have been cordoned off for security purposes as the motive for the attack is still unknown.

Since news developments are very new, the information is likely incorrect. Contact political sources or other official news channels that provide up-to-date information for accurate data.

Newest Updates for January 1, 2025

New Year’s 2025 live updates:

• New York City bands goodbye to 2024, welcoming 2025 from Times Square.
• New leaked home gadgets we have never seen before have surfaced.
• New Apple tech expected to be unveiled in 2025 has also been leaked.
• In 2025, the US is expected to be warmed by the Polar Vortex and experience unreasonably low temperatures.

Comprehensive Overview and Summary of Mortgage and Real Estate, and Business News for Wednesday January 1st, 2025.

Below is the summary regarding mortgages, real estate, and business news for Wednesday, January 1, 2025:

Mortgage and Real Estate BriefUnited States:

Housing Market Activity:

A slowdown in the United States housing market was observed in early 2024 owing to stagnated mortgage rates and an increase in home prices. New listings scalped for the first time since June 2023 while the pending home sales growth decelerated.

Mortgage Rates:

Throughout 2024, mortgage rates were chaotic, and as a result, home affordability went downward. By January 2024, rates came down from their peak established in October 2023, which assisted in buying potential buyers.

Home Prices:

From 2023 to 2024, the median sale price of homes continued to rise, reaching $362,113 in January 2025, a 4.2% increase from the previous year. This trend escalated existing affordability barriers for a vast majority of buyers to above unfortunate limits.

Australia:

Home Prices:

In Australia, statistics illustrate that home prices declined by 0.1% in December 2024 compared to the Australian home prices, which saw a monthly rise in Canada two years ago. Major Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne both observe declines of 0.6% and 0.7%, respectively.

Interest Rates:

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) retained interest rates at 4.35% during 2024, which was 12 years high. Market predictions led to interest rate cuts in 2025, which could, in effect, steer home prices.

United Kingdom:

Mortgage Rates and Cash Buyers

Rising mortgage rates increased the number of cash buyers in the market, accounting for 31% of property sales in early 2024.

The increase in interest rates has led to some homebuyers opting to purchase homes in cash rather than obtain a mortgage because they don’t want to bear the costs of a loan.

Retail UpdateRETAIL/RETAIL HIGHLIGHTS

Contagion from Housing Crisis:

The retail sector in the US had also been severely impacted by the weakened housing market, which led to home durable goods sales collapsing in 2024. Concomitantly, Big Lots and Conn’s reported overstocks, which caused them to shutter more locations than they expanded in the entirety of the year, leading to the overall net store closures of about 1400.

REAL ESTATE

Property Outlook Determinants:

The uncertainties of the economic state led to subdued demand, coupled with higher financing rates, creating an imbalance. Consolidated Offices witnessed a drop in demand due to the patterns of hybrid and remote work. The sector is expected to grapple with refinancing nearly USD 570 billion worth of matured commercial real estate loans by 2025.

PROPERTY/REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT

Single Successful Candidates:

Some outliers managed to profit from market trends with great effort. For example, 30 aged rental property owners in Des Moines, Iowa, earned around 240,000 from rental properties in 2023 while fully employed in the day sector.

Regional Commentary: Shorewood in Wisconsin MSA

Property Trends:

In February 2023, Wisconsin noticed a 6 percent rise in the average housing price, reaching an estimated $265,000.

Sales have become increasing with inventories of 2.5 months worth of supply remaining. Along with this, new listings have also surged by up to 10.1%.

Real estate and business markets are ever-changing, and conditions tend to shift quickly, so to get real-time information, check in with local real estate agents or financial advisors in addition to authentic news sources.

• This discussion was modified 1 month, 1 week ago by  Gustan Cho.

Mortgage and Real Estate News Update for December 30th 2024

Until December 30, 2024, trends have emerged and developed in the mortgage and real estate industry as follows:

Current Rates:

• The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is around 6.85%, indicating an upward trend from 6.72%.

Federal Action:

• While the Federal Reserve has cut rates, that has not been reflected in mortgage rates.
• This
  is primarily because the Fed’s benchmark rate cuts have been negated by
  higher 10-year Treasury yields due to inflationary worries, causing
  mortgages to remain higher.

Pending Home Sales:

• The
  US saw a successful November, with purchase contracts of used homes
  rising by 2.2%, the highest level in 21 months, over November.
• This
  signaled the potential recovery of the US housing sector, as not only
  did this mark an increase compared to October, but there was a
  noticeable trend over the past four months.

Regional Variation:

• Moderation in Housing Stock has aided growth in home purchases, with YoY housing inventory rising to over 18%.
• However,
  the South and West regions saw an increase in the sales of Pending
  homes, which was contrasted with a decrease in the Northeast region.

Forecasts of the market for the year 2025

Mortgage Rates:

• As estimated, mortgage rates will stay above the 6% threshold in 2025, with chances of reaching 6.8%.
• These measures assume inflation and a rise in the national debt due to future strategies.

Prices of Homes:

• The estimates suggest that home prices will increase by approximately 3.7% by 2025.
• Such estimates gauge home prices increased by 4% in 2024 and 1.1% in 2023, suggesting appreciation for the rules set.

Construction inventory:

• The
  estimates suggest construction will rise in 2025, with an estimated
  13.8% increase in new construction and an estimated 11.7% increase in
  inventory sales.
• This expansion could provide buyers with ample options, decreasing the competition in the market.

Opinion of the Consumers:

• The sentiment surrounding the housing market is now more optimistic than ever.
• An unprecedented share of respondents think the rates will lower in the coming year.
• At the same time, an appropriate number of them think the housing market will be a good area to invest in.

We are slowly seeing some stability in the mortgage and real estate markets, with slight increases in home sales and the prices of homes, although I wouldn’t hold my breath for those rates to come down anytime soon. For mortgage seekers, and even home buyers and sellers, despite the high competition we face in the market, deep knowledge of economic indicators helps to forecast market trends that promote reliable decision-making in today’s global environment.

• This discussion was modified 1 month, 1 week ago by  Gustan Cho.
• This discussion was modified 1 month, 1 week ago by  Gustan Cho.

Breaking News from Perry, Indiana. Tyson Foods fires American workers and hires migrant workers. Recently, there have been rumors that Tyson Foods has fired American employees in Perry, Indiana, and replaced them with migrant labor. Such claims lack evidence and take a situation out of context.

Clarification of Events:

The company stated specific business reasons for the closure and encouraged affected employees to apply for other positions within Tyson Foods. Perry, Iowa Plant Closure: Tyson Foods announced in March 2024 the shutdown of its pork processing plant in Perry, Iowa, leading to the layoff of around 1,200 workers. Misinformation on Hiring Practices:

After the factory shut down, speculation went viral, alleging that Tyson would employ 52 thousand immigrants to replace those who lost their jobs. The company has repeatedly denied these claims, saying it has no plan to recruit them and that every worker must be legally authorized to work in America.

Tyson Foods’ Employment Policies:

Tyson Foods says, “We would like to make it clear once again that we only hire people with the legal right to work in this country.” The company has established strong hiring guidelines to ensure adherence to employment laws and participates in government schemes such as the IMAGE (Mutual Agreement between Government and Employees) program and E-Verify.

Tyson’s Commitment to Employing Refugees: In 2022, Tyson committed to hiring approximately 2,500 refugees over three years in partnership with Tent Partnership for Refugees.

This initiative differs from the layoffs in Perry, Iowa, as these individuals have work permits.

Current Status in Perry, Indiana:

No Reported Layoffs or Replacements: According to credible reports, Tyson Foods has not laid off any local American workers in Perry, Indiana, and replaced them with migrant laborers. However, confusion may arise based on what happened in Perry, Iowa, and misinformation afterward.

Unfounded Claims of Firing Americans and Hiring Migrants by Tyson Food Industries Inc

The company imposes strict recruitment strategies to verify the legality of each employee’s employment documents within U.S. boundaries. Instead of rumors, reliable sources should be used to provide information.

https://youtu.be/eGe5Z7aGYK4?si=zGAZKdA2HRpJEyzr

• This discussion was modified 1 month, 1 week ago by  Gustan Cho.

What would I need to qualify for FHA loan during bankruptcy (over 12 on time payments), no late payments on credit, etc

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 | When Evil Cops Got Caught Red Handed | Mr. Nightmare #cops #police #thinblueline #lawenforcement #policeofficer #UK #usa | By BlackRoastFacebook

When Evil Cops Got Caught Red Handed | Mr. Nightmare #cops #police #thinblueline #lawenforcement #policeofficer #UK #usa

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?

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.

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 month, 2 weeks ago by  Gustan Cho.
• This discussion was modified 1 month, 2 weeks ago by  Gustan Cho.

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

https://youtu.be/zVJli70qr7Y?si=kPQ9oqtxhT7JqsqH