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.

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.

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 months, 1 week ago by  Gustan Cho.

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 months, 1 week ago by  Gustan Cho.

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.

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.

Wednesday Headline news summary: December 25, 2024News Related to the Economy and Financial Affairs

A Decrease in Inflation:

• The US witnessed a slight decrease in the inflation rate.
• The inflation rate was reported to be 4.2% in November.
• However, it decreased to 3.9 % in December, signifying that inflation is slowly being controlled.

The Stock Market Surge:

• Strong holiday consumer spending boosted investor confidence, increasing the stock market.
• The Ordinary Share Index 500 (S&P 500) and the Dow Jones Industrial Average were reported to have experienced increases of 1.3% and 1.1%, respectively.

Retail Sales Growth:

• Last year, the retail industry growth stood at 5.4%, which can be attributed to a rise in online spending and greater demand for expensive goods.

New Developments in Housing and Real Estate.

Mortgage Interest Rate Steady:

• The national average mortgage rate remained close to 6.75% for a 30-year fixed-up mortgage.
• It is expected to remain in the range during the joyous season.

Housing Prices and Inventory:

• Housing prices rose by 4.1 percent compared to the past year.
• However, the housing inventory surpassed critical limitations, decreasing by 18% compared to last December.

Increase in Financial Instability:

• The number of foreclosure applications in the latest quarter surged by 13%.
• Revealing signs of financial instability since housing loan interests and inflation remained highest.

Politics News

Biden’s endorsement drops to below expected: Economic factors do not support satisfaction relative to President Joe Biden’s administration’s handling of inflation. Consequently, his endorsement fell by 34%.

Congress Approves Housing Rental Assistance Bill

A bipartisan approach has resulted in a construction elements amendment with tax credits that will help increase the supply of affordable housing by the end of 2025.

International Affairs

US and China Relations Breakthrough:

• President Biden and China’s Xi Jinping had a talk focusing on trade and climate issues.
• But Taiwan issues remain unresolved.

Ukraine Conflict Updates

America’s support for Ukraine is still strong, and $45 billion in other military and humanitarian support is anticipated for 2025.

Climate and Environment

Severe Winter Storms:

• A severe winter storm affects the Midwest and Northeast regions.
• Leading to the scrapping of over 30,000 flights and dangerous driving conditions.

New FEMA Flood Maps:

• New maps have been altered, increasing the region’s high-risk flood area and shifting the concern to homeowners insurance costs, which could be millions.

Technology and Industry

AI Changing Workplace Dynamics:

• The penetration of Artificial Intelligence into workplaces has doubled in the US over the last 12 months.
• It is particularly used in the logistics, customer service, and financial services industries.

EV Market Growth:

• Electric vehicle registrations increased by 20% over the previous year to federal tax deductions.
• Growing market activity helped sustain the momentum.

Social and Cultural Highlights

Record Charitable Giving:

• During this festive period alone, Americans gave a record-breaking seven billion dollars.
• This resulted in major donations to food banks, relief aid, and education.

Holiday Movie Box Office:

• Avatar 3 is the year’s highest-grossing film, leading the box office with over 1 billion dollars in revenue.

Sports

NFL Playoff Picture:

• While the Kansas City Chiefs have already qualified for the playoffs, the Philadelphia Eagles and many other team races are getting heated in both conferences.
• This outline, dated December 25, 2024, captures the critical moments in US contemporary history in economic, political, and cultural spheres.

Major news outlets and more detailed reports are excellent sources for further information on this story.

Here’s your weekly snapshot of mortgage and real estate headlines for December 24 December 24, 2024:

Mortgage Rate Changes

30-Year Fixed Rates:

• The national average interest rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage hit 6.75%.
• As a result, predicting competitive rates shortly has become easier.

15-Year Fixed Rates:

• The market continues offering 15-year fixed mortgage rates at around 6.15%.
• Much lower than before.

ARM Rates:

• The popularity of adjustable-rate mortgages has prompted lenders to cut back on their offerings.
• 5/1 ARMs, conversely, have an average interest of 6.50%.
• A flash in the arm is observed and foreseen for early 2025, as inflation is also predicted to remain strong.

Housing Market Analysis

Home Prices:

• Key markets such as Florida, Texas, and California show continued appreciation in median home prices. At the same time, states like Wisconsin and Pennsylvania still appear to have leveled out at more sustainable rates.

Inventory Shortages:

• Urban areas, in particular, are experiencing volatile market conditions.
• While demand and, thus, prices continue to stay high, supply remains at historic lows.

Best Buyers’ Markets:

• Buffalo, New York, and Detroit, Michigan, are approaching reasonable prices for new homebuyers.

Here Are The Updates About FHA Loans For 2024

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) raised the loan limit thresholds effective January 1, 2024.

• In low-cost areas, it is set to $500,000.
• The limit is set at $1.2 million in high-cost areas that can afford it, enabling homebuyers to have more choices.

Non-QM Loans Are Getting Popular Among Self-Employed Borrowers

Non-qualified mortgage loans are becoming more popular as more self-employed individuals enter the market. Various lending institutions have a wide variety of condotel and short-term investing options.

Shift in How Commercial Real Estates Are Sought After

The demand for multifamily building loans is increasing as more builders develop a strategy for constructing more projects in urban and suburban locations. Improvement in market conditions has enabled better entry price points for spec building of 1-4 unit real estate.

Private Equity Market with a Focus on Strategic Sourcing: The Midwest

Wisconsin:

• House prices continue to increase near Madison and Racine counties as more people from the area look for cheap housing and a better lifestyle.

Illinois:

• Chicago has a consistent level of interest for FHA loans, thanks to first-time home buyers who require financing and downpayment assistance programs.

Realstock Investor Programs

Realty investors are moving away from all capital cities and looking towards second-hand rental properties, as there is a good demand for rentals. There is still much interest in short-term furnished rental properties for places that are big tourist spots, but policymakers are increasingly holding back investment.

Top Updates to Regulation: There Is

The National Association of REALTORS(r) has settled on paying a realtor and buyer commission adjustments and structure to be in place come 2025. This has been proposed due to a discussion of concern that the agents will become purely marketing specialists, hence, out of the market.

Watch out for more analysis of these trends as the new year progresses.

Below is a comprehensive overview of the national mortgage and real estate market, focusing on specific areas as of December 23, 2024:

Mortgage NewsTrends in Mortgage Rates

30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates:

Reports indicate that the rate for 30-year fixed mortgages is 6.79%. This implies a significant decline that has been observed globally. All this has resulted from the announcement made by the Federal Reserve regarding the possible lowering of interest rates in the year 2025.

15-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates:

The prevailing rates for this kind of investment are set at 6.11, which can benefit homeowners who want to refinance their land and take out a loan.

Activity Regarding Refinancing

Slowly, as the rates stay on the lower side, they are starting to impact the number of applicant refinance applications; however, they are still much lower than in the pre-2023 timeframe.

Federal Reserve Policy

The recent changes made to the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy, along with the anticipation that mortgage rates will begin to lower in the first half of 2025 due to a decrease in the federal funds rate, have helped diffuse uncertainty.

Highlights of the Real Estate Market/IndustryPrices of Houses

Trends Nationwide:

Home prices have increased steadily but not excessively in most regions, and major metro areas like Austin, Miami, and Seattle still face a demand-and-supply issue.

Growing Market in Rural Areas:

There has been a noticeable surge in the popularity of affordable housing options in rural regions, including South Dakota, Montana, and certain parts of Texas.

Sales of Current Houses

Recognizably, the two-year spoiler of progress has been broken, and we are now 2.5% up on existing home sales. This, however, was long overdue, for the buyers had progressed along adjusting to the new ‘high mortgage rates’ by how the market conducted itself.

Rental Market Update

Moving up on the scales of the national average rent, single-family rental homes do incite a slight increase in demand. The region of Nashville, alongside Orlando, is experiencing population growth alongside the pit of competition, consequently sending dwellings soaring.

Policy and Legislation Updates

Affordable Housing Initiatives:

The Fed anticipates tax rebates alongside grants to effectively ‘build where they are broken.’ The Biden administration has properly reserved funds and is now allocating them according to its needs.

Zoning Reforms C. Constit 1, supplementary to this chapter, has been enacted to streamline the zoning processes for smaller-scale projects and combat California’s dire housing shortage.

Property Tax Relief

Florida and Texas have stepped up to provide tax relief aid to owners struggling with increasing home valuations.

Industry Innovations and Trends

Green Housing Initiatives:

Created automated homes coupled with solar roofs and energy-conserving materials are in demand, increasing the buyer market, which feels welcomed to the bid.

Technology in Real Estate:

Properties are being bought and sold at a staggering pace as AI and blockchain technologies are employed, enhancing the efficiency of the process alongside increasing transparency within real estate transactions.

Expectations in the Making For 2025

The ongoing economic situation and inflation are said to have contributed to a considerable slowdown in the real estate market. However, this also means that it will take longer for property prices to skyrocket. According to experts, property prices grow around 4%. But that number will vary by 1 or 2% based on the property’s location. This inventory crunch keeps the demand high, contributing to the gradual increase in property prices.

Furthermore, it has also been predicted that the mortgage rates will decrease in mid-2025, with the 30-year fixed mortgage sitting around 6.25%

Buyers:

You’re best off waiting until 2025, as mortgage rates will certainly dip and are predicted to decrease gradually.

Sellers:

The market is leaning towards a seller’s market. If you have trouble selling your home, you can tweak the price, as homes in high-demand areas often sell at suitable rates.

Renters:

With the demand for rental options increasing daily, aspiring homeowners should consider exploring rent-to-own options.

The insights shared above should give you a better understanding of how the real estate and mortgage sector is shifting, keeping in mind the potential stabilization of the sector in 2025.

As of December 23, 2024, here are the latest stories making headlines around the globe:

Labor Strikes and Worker Actions

Starbucks Workers Strike:

Employees at Starbucks across major US cities such as Chicago, Seattle, and Los Angeles have gone on strike as part of a campaign organized by Starbucks Workers United (SBWU). SBWU demands that Starbucks make sufficient progress towards wage and working conditions before Christmas Eve by December 24. Starbucks also appeals to its customers not to purchase from their stores during this time as they claim that they represent a horde of over 525 unionized stores in 45 different states.

Public Health Concerns

Avian Influenza Outbreak:

This specific subtype of bird flu, known as H5N1, has recently designed ruffling feathers, causing a stir through spreading from poultry to cattle and infecting raw or uncooked milk. California authorities and many other states have announced states of emergency to expedite their responses toward mitigating this disease. Vaccines and tests accompany the flu, but they are nowhere to be seen as the nation is still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, it is essential to abide by established guidelines the managers and supervisors set.

Economic and Financial Updates

Stock Market Movements:

Only U.S. stock index futures experienced slight inflation following the passage of a bill to control the government’s budget, indicating that a shutdown has not occurred. Meanwhile, investors await any further news or developments following the Federal Reserve’s recent announcement regarding the cut in interest rate, which markets have predicted will drop by around two 25-basis points through 2025.

It is worth mentioning that several companies, such as Qualcomm and Apple, have reported an increase in their premarket share due to good news.

Changes in Payments by Social Security

Because of the Christmas holiday season, millions of US citizens will receive their Social Security checks one day sooner, in this case, on Monday. Suffolk County generally pays its checks on the fourth Wednesday of the month; this time, the checks will be paid on December 24. Also, there is SSI, and its January payment will be made on December 31 since it’s supposed to be paid on New Year’s Day. Because of this annual adjustment, due to rising costs, the maximum monthly SSI will go up in 2025 from $943 to $967 in 2025.

Retail and Consumer News

Shopping During the Holiday Season:

December 23 is a holiday, so a number of consumers will go shopping, and most shops, like Walmart and Target, are expected to have their doors open from 7 am to midnight. Target business hours on December 23 are from 7 am to 12 midnight, and on December 24, are from 12 noon to 8 pm. For their part, Walmart hours on December 23 are 6 am to 11 pm, and on December 24, they are 6 am to 8 pm. Both stores will be shut down during the Christmas holidays on the 25th.

Sports Highlights

NFL Victory:

The Washington Commanders finally won their game against the Philadelphia Eagles, bringing their record to 10-5, the best they have achieved since 1991.

In his rookie season, quarterback Jayden Daniels earned historical fame by passing for five touchdowns while rushing for more than 65 yards in a single match. The impact of the victory boosts the playoff chances for the Commanders as they prepare to go head-to-head with the Atlanta Falcons.

College Football Playoffs:

The first round of the College Football Playoffs 2024 was kicked off with the top seeds putting in great performances, headlined by …Ohio State and Notre Dame. These relationships further raise debates on the need to keep a 12-team playoff format, given the range of capabilities on display.

Political Developments

Government Shutdown Averted:

President Biden signed a bipartisan funding bill over the weekend, thus preventing a government shutdown and ensuring that operations are not halted until March 14. Such an action reassures people during the holiday period and also prevents the likelihood of disruptions to federal services.

House Ethics Report on Matt Gaetz:

House Ethics Report of Former Congressman Matt Gaetz released its investigation reports on their findings. The public has received reports from the House Ethics Committee, which received compelling evidence that the former Congressman had sex with an underage sex worker, 17, and was using drugs while he was in office. Such findings seriously impact future relations for Gaetz and are sure to raise issues concerning the ethics of public servants, too.

Such activities mark a vibrant period for different sectors in America as we draw toward the end of the year.

The United States Congress releases bombshell news on Former Congressman Matt Gaetz. Various allegations and investigations have been centered on former Congressman Matt Gaetz. Here’s a summary of the key points related to these allegations.
Sexual Allegations

Inappropriate Conduct with Minors:

Gaetz has been accused of building sexually related connections with young girls below the legal age of consent. One of these claims includes paying for sex, something that he has heavily denied. It all started as a part of the investigation surrounding his conduct and relationships.

Other Investigations

Legal Investigations:

As per reports, the Department of Justice has charged Matt Gaetz with potential cases related to sex trafficking, among other series of allegations under investigation. The bias of this entire procedure was to determine if he had participated in breaching federal laws for sex trafficking minors.

Testimonial Misreports

The allegations against Gaetz were further complicated when witnesses were called to testify against him.

Personal Misconducts

Partying:

In several instances, Matt Gaetz has been observed drinking excessive amounts of alcohol and acting inappropriately with partygoers who witnessed the misconduct.

Drugs:

Drugs, including crack, have been smoked by Gaetz and made part of his use history, although facts and sources around these remain vague.

Political Impact

Party Response:

As a result of the allegations, considerable scrutiny has emerged within the Republican Party—some of its members have repudiated Gaetz. In contrast, others have stated that there is no reason to feel guilt as no formal charges have been made against him.

Media Coverage

The matter has undoubtedly attracted much media attention and added to the controversies surrounding Gaetz’s political endeavors.

Gaetz’s Denials

He stood resolute that all the accusations against him were politically touched, unqualified, and wrongly founded by denying their authenticity. He has contended that the allegations are made against him as a tactic to vilify him because he is assertive about different issues and cracks down on various people in the political arena.

The allegations against Gaetz have these proof, which are very serious, which include the alleged inappropriate behavior of having sex with multiple underage teenage girls, drug abuse, and much more. While investigations have been conducted, Gaetz denied the allegations and labeled them politically motivated. It’s a combination of legal and political issues that add to the matter and constantly change.

https://youtu.be/mQrcJltHCn4?si=_006moZmvv2Ib3Un

• This discussion was modified 3 months, 1 week ago by  Gustan Cho.
• This discussion was modified 3 months, 1 week ago by  Gustan Cho.

ILLINOIS GOV. JB PRITZKER signs 270 silly Bills impacting elections, hunting, mortgages, and tons of ridiculous unnecessary bureaucratic B.S. Thats what Democrat do. For 2025, Gov. JB Pritzker of Illinois has passed 270 bills drafting laws on various topics, including AI, property taxes, and digital driver’s licenses. A law governing personal and economic transactions is apparent when looking at the following bullet points:

Legislation Overview:

AI and Digital Rights specializing in employment: Bills such as House Bill 3773 and House Bill 4762 aim to protect individuals by ensuring they do not use AI-generated replicas of them maliciously or without consent.

Property Taxes and Financials: Senate Bill 3455 looks to reorganize the structure governing property taxes, and measures to revise calculations relating to motor fuel taxes are also present.

Environmental and Public Health, which improves health standards across various industries: Laws including a ban on using small plastic containers in hotels and introducing climate change education in schools also exist.

Immigration Policies and Related Procedures:

Protection for Immigrants in Practice: Pritzker states that Illinois is and shall remain a friendly place for immigrants. Thankfully, certain laws ensure a degree of restraint between local law enforcement and ICE. This also includes measures like the TRUST Act and other protections for undocumented immigrants.

Pritzker’s Position On ICE:

King Pritzker has made it clear that he will shelter illegal immigrants in Illinois, including those that have some criminal records, from any deportation attempts made by ICE. He has said that he will take to court any attempts by the federal government to carry out mass deportations within Illinois and other states, hinting that such activities would have to go through him or seek judicial approval first.

Reactions and Implications:

Political and Legal Challenges: His view is going to create huge legal wars between the state’s immigration authorities and that of the federal government, gaining autonomy in such matters and potentially revolutionizing the relationship existing between the sanctuary states and the US federal immigration bodies.

Public Discourse: This has generated several different reactions, with some interpreting it as support for the fight for immigrants’ rights, while others consider it as a defiance of the oppression posed by the US federal government, which may hurt security issues and the relationship between the states and the federal government.

Physical Description Comments:

Notably, Pritzker is physically portrayed, yet it should be emphasized that such ad hominem remarks are usually out of context to the personal policies and decisions made around his law and only take away an opportunity for more constructive debate about the possible consequences of his law as time goes on.

What is clear from the amalgamation of these new laws and Pritzker’s immigration policies is that there seems to be a desire to persist on the progressive policies in Illinois. The people of Illinois may not see eye to eye with the federal authorities in the course of the next government headed by Donald Trump, as he has stated that he will apply strict immigration policies. This may be a ‘problem’ in legal and political tussles or in the case of administrative issues that experience jurisdictional conflicts between state and federal governments.

https://youtu.be/_4vwBUM6jeY?si=G7muRBcfw4vudRu-

• This discussion was modified 4 months ago by  Gustan Cho.

It is human nature to easily be tempted into corruption due to greed. There is overwhelming evidence Joe Biden is an obvious corrupt politician. How can a politician without ever having a job and a family of no wealth can become a multi millionaire as a career politician. Here is a clip about the Joe Biden Crime Family

https://youtu.be/7gN_KkmogUU

The U.S. mortgage and real estate market is shifting significantly as of December 18, 2024, which affects sellers, buyers, and investors alike. Here’s a comprehensive overview:

Mortgage Rates and Predictions

Let’s look at the current averages step by step. These include the 30-year fixed mortgage, which sits at around 6.78%; the 15-year fixed rate, which sits at 5.94%; and the 5/6 adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), which average 7.35%. While all this was happening, the Federal Reserve steadily implemented cuts by scaling the benchmark rate to around 4.3%. However, because of the economic woes and low inflation, mortgage rates remained high, above 6%, as many analysts calculated.

Housing Market Activity

7.35% fixed mortgage rates, along with inflation and remodeling costs, severely restricted builders and home buyers alike from pursuing new projects. Most builders’ optimistic stance, hoping for a turn in market conditions, along with the continued price rise even as remodeling costs rose from $350,000 to $370,000 between 2020 and 2021, further restricted activity in the industry.

NewHome Construction

As housing construction felt the initial effects of the CR2 storm in 2021, the sudden rise in temperatures in the fall of 2022, coupled with the lack of consistent supply, felt like a final unlocking of the keyhole to this issue, with building starts in November having risen by 6.4% to an annual rate of an estimated 1 million units.

Although prices have risen, the rate of increase has been moderated compared to previous years.

Home Price Forecast for 2024-2029

Due to increased listings enabling a relatively higher home sales rate, home prices are predicted to remain flat. However, home prices will gradually rise between 2025 and 2029, with an estimated 1% increase yearly.

Housing Market Forecast for 2024

Substantial growth is anticipated in metropolitan housing markets, such as Oxnard, CA, Rochester, NY, and San Diego, CA. Prices and sales will ideally grow due to good economic conditions and stable prices.

Consumer Insights and Issues in the MarketMillennials as Homebuyers

One of the biggest blocks preventing millennials from fully engaging in the market is high home prices and higher mortgage rates. Based on current trends, 30-year-olds have a 43% homeownership rate, compared to 52% for baby boomers of the same age. Perceptions of homeownership or wealth due to economic imbalance within the generation heavily impact the decision-making process.

Concerns About Affordability: Today, as before, affordability continues to be an issue due to increased home prices and high mortgage interest rates. This led to elevated monthly repayments on existing mortgages. The increasing inventory levels would assist many prospective buyers, but the financial problem would remain.

Investment Opportunities

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT): Analysts say total returns on U.S. REITs should fall between 5 and 15 percent in 2025.

American Healthcare REIT, Extra Space Storage, and Cousins Properties are the best choices. These have made sensible investments and displayed steady occupancy rates. Still, their performance could be influenced by high valuations and anticipated changes in tax policies.

The American mortgage and real markets are adjusting to a trying period defined by high rates, low appreciation of home prices, and shifting consumer habits and behaviors. Operators must keep abreast of economic indicators to operate effectively in this economy, including the Federal Reserve’s decisions, policies, and market trends.

U.S. Headline News Summary Between December 16th-22nd 2024 Weekend Wrap Up. This is a detailed overview of the US headlines news of December 16 to December 22 for the year 2024:

February 16, 2024

Abundant Life Christian School Shooting:

• An unfortunate event occurred on February 16, 2024, at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison.
• A school teacher and a student were brutally murdered, along with multiple others getting injured during the life firing.
• It was brought to notice that the shooter was a 15-year-old student who killed herself after the incident.
• It is being investigated if she has any connections with a man living in California who was detained for planning another mass shooting.

February 17, 2024

Investigation Further:

• The Wisconsin shooting was reported to the authorities on February 14, 2024.
• They are investigating the shooter’s personal life, including their social media accounts, to look for any information that could provide insights into her motives for the attack.
• The malefactors of the country paid condolences to the deceased.
• The families of the deceased were offered counseling services to help with the process.

Donald Trump Remarks On Transition

• Donald Trump, who was elected president, held a press conference.
• He shared with the nation his administration’s plans, which included focusing on the general welfare of the people, reforming education, and increasing the budgets for public safety.
• The potential distribution of pardons and the current administration status regarding the polio vaccine were also re-touched.

February 18, 2024

Alerts Concerning Harsh Weather Conditions:

• The National Weather Service issued warnings for Extreme Winter conditions across the northern areas of the United States, including North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, between February 16, 2024, and February 22, 2024.
• Light rainfall and thunderstorms predicting torrential rainfall across the southern parts were also expected.

Legislative Measures Against Gun Violence:

• On December 19, 2024, in the wake of tragic incidents, the government commenced deliberations seeking to implement measures aimed at regulating the sale of firearms and tightening the background checks to prevent the sale of guns to minors.

Logistical Challenges:

• The adverse weather conditions brought thunderstorms alongside severe winter weather, resulting in massive road hazards.
• The severe winter hampered travel further, leading to widespread flight cancellations.
• Southern states were also warned about an incoming storm, with snow warnings.

Economic Outlook:

• Economic worries commenced when the approaching holiday season led to slight increases in unemployment claims being reported.

Gun Violence:

• On December 20, 2024, community members, alongside officials, participated in a vigil in Madison to honor the victims of the school shooting.
• They provided their perspectives regarding the tragedy, gun violence, and contemporary gun laws.

Shopping Trends:

• Fractured retail activity was noted due to the volatility within the economy.
• While spending during the holidays shot up, sectors exhibiting strong sales could not compete with the stragglers.

Travel Chaos:

• The storm’s movement out of the Midwest left many issues, including travel disruptions and power outages.
• Southern states suffered due to severe thunderstorms, which led to damaging flood waters, resulting in localized flooding.

Political Dynamics:

• The Trump Administration finalized cabinet appointments, with additional discussions around significant positions in education, public safety, and several other sectors.

December 22, 2023

Present Recovery Actions:

• The communities affected by the winter storm have started recovering.
• Their aim was to clear the roads and get the power back on.
• Emergency services evaluated the damage to any infrastructure.

National Insights:

• Once more, various media outlets were writing about significant developments of the year,
• This refers to the end of 2024, which does not seem to have ended gun violence, climate change, or political unrest.

This summary outlines the relevant news and developments related to the US events from December 16 to December 22, 2024, emphasizing the school shooting and its consequences, extreme weather events, and political changes within the country.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQlziWgJ6aI&ab_channel=EVAArtesManuais

Lennar Homes are slashing their new home prices by 25% in 2024. CEO of Lennar admits their mortgage division is experiencing delinquencies and a higher number of debt to income ratio from consumers. Lennar Homes is America’s second largest New Home Builder.

https://youtu.be/6mmQ2TEoK-g?si=nj2aidmYgL_awc8N

Crucial developments are changing the country as a whole in the US as of 18th December 2024.

A detailed summary is given below: Political and Government Measures

Banning of US investments in China

The American Congress is about to vote on the laws prohibiting Americans from investing in Chinese technology, targeting artificial intelligence and microelectronics. This effort is designed to resolve issues regarding national security as it shows measures to concern about the packages to fund the government so that federal activities continue until the middle of March.

Renovation of RFK Stadium

The American Congress has passed a bill that will allow Rexon to redevelop the RFK stadium in the district ardent S Senior Sc and lease it for 99 years. This will allow the Washington commanders to return to their esteemed location rent-free.

Economic Indices Housing Market Update

US single-family home building saw a strong upturn in November after a slump caused by the hurricane. US housing starts were up by 6.4%, reaching 1.011 million units on an annual basis. Recent cuts in interest rates by the US Federal Reserve have seen the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate floating around 7, affecting the housing market as well.

Transportation and Communication

Increase in the Number of Flights Operating from Washington Reagan National Airport

The US Department of Transport has confirmed five extra daily round trips from Washington Reagan National Airport.

Flights to STL, Seattle, San Francisco, Las Vegas, San Diego, and San Antonio will soon be available through United, American, and Delta airlines. These are new developments that will be available in 90 days.

Sports Segment

Significant changes have occurred recently for the Washington Commanders, who have signed Tyree Jackson as a Tight End on their practice squad. Additionally, their week 17 game against the Atlanta Falcons has been moved to SMT for its playoff participation. The team is currently reviewing the legislative news regarding the RFK stadium location.

Safety and Education

A tragic mass shooting incident took place at the Abundant Life Christian School located in Madison, Wisconsin. The Authorities stated that a 17-year-old child was the perpetrator, opening fire and killing two children while injuring five and eventually killing himself, all during a school event. The community is left devastated, and the police are investigating the shooting.

Technology/ Security

Various regions in New Jersey are beginning to voice concerns regarding the unidentified drones hovering over the area.

Federal agencies are investigating these events and the reason for the use of drones and have urged the public to report unusual drone activity.

Transitioning Politics

Donald Trump has been regularly making cabinet announcements and policy appointments, with recent updates about the current presidency and electoral results. Discussions are ongoing about decreasing funds for the implementation of charging stations and defunding electric cars, which suggests a change in energy and environmental strategies as a result of the new president.

This would encompass varied political events within the United States, new policies, economic reports, infrastructural growth, sporting events, and safety from farm technological growth.

Since December 17, 2024, the country has witnessed key developments that have impacted the U.S. Here is an in-depth summary:

Federal Funding and Disaster Aid

Congress is reportedly close to inking a funding deal to keep all federal government services running until March 14. This bipartisan agreement allocates more than $100 billion for emergency relief to aid local and state authorities recover from natural disasters such as hurricanes Milton and Helene. Additionally, $10 billion has been allocated in aid for farmers.

The House is expected to vote on the agreement to avert a partial lockdown on government services and allow the decisions regarding the budget to be made after the new president-elect, Donald Trump, and Congress are in place. This vote is believed to push the trimming deadline to January.

Recent East Coast Mysterious Drone Sightings

The FBI and Department of Homeland Security have stated that many of the reports of unexplained drone activity that have surfaced from several East Coast states are civilian, recreational, or police drones, as well as aircraft.

There is no evidence that these UAVs pose any danger to the general population. Instead, they claim that there is a concern for drone surveillance and, therefore, many suspected incidents of antisocial behavior. Dazzling light meters are currently being conducted.

Tragic School Shooting in Wisconsin

Wisconsin School Shooting Update: The Mother is Presently Charged With Closer for the Investigation.

A male student and a teacher were shot dead by Ms Natalie Rupnow, 15. During the attack, she was armed with a 9mm pistol, which she used to open fire.

The incident took place at Abundant Life Christian School, located in Madison, Wisconsin, and it left six individuals hurt. Rupnow ended up taking her own life later on. Her community is currently grieving, and there have been fierce protests requesting the Wisconsin and American politicians to step up and put stricter regulations around gun ownership.

Environmental Concerns at the Hanford Site

Surrounded by leaking tanks and containing 56 million gallons worth of nuclear waste, it is one of the most heavily taken care of sites ever to exist.

The site underwent serious clean-up procedures to gain the vocal documentation that had been prepared since 1989. To tackle the nuclear waste issue, they turned it into glass only to make the long-term storage sit better in glass for a long time. This might be one of the most expensive projects, with costs potentially reaching the hundred billion dollar range, and might take decades to clean up completely. However, major concerns like groundwater contamination and leaking tanks are still hot topics for debate and discussion.

Economic Developments and Market Movements

• The Federal Reserve expects to go for another rate cut in the final meeting of the year.
• Political instability in Canada and Germany has resulted in turmoil in U.S. Treasury bonds.
• Long-term neutral rates are suggested to remain above 3, with the addition of long-term projections hinting at only two permitted cuts next year.
• Furthermore, Donald Trump’s plans to establish a Bitcoin reserve to eliminate the national debt have raised additional red flags among market analysts.

Sports Highlights

In the NFL, covering defender Marshon Lattimore’s endeavors have paid on the trade for the Washington Team in their showdown against the Eagles. Community efforts and field exploits define rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who recently gifted 100 local kids bicycles. With key performances by players Daniels and Terry McLaurin, the team’s performance this season has only ever been matched in terms of initial performance in 1992.

Political Calendar

Important dates in the U.S. political calendar that coincide with the end of the year are December 17, this year, when the electors of the U.S. president and vice president will meet in their respective capitals to cast their votes for the President and Vice President.

As mentioned, the 119th Congress, with the inauguration of the U.S. president and the formal certification of the election results, will begin on January 3, 2025. These events emphasize the context of national U.S. news as of December 17, 2024, including the passage of newly aghast public legislation, public and environmental crises, concerns, economic developments, and sporting and political events.

Mortgage and Real Estate News Weekend Edition: Market Wrap-Up Update (December 16 – December 21, 2024):

Mortgage Rates

Current Rates:

• The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is steady at 6.4% as of December 21, with the average fifteen-year fixed in the 5.8% region.
• The ongoing stability during a slow period provides some relief to home buyers.

Market Influences:

• Inflation figures and the Federal Reserve’s message on the likely direction of interest rates have contributed to fluctuations in existing economic indicators, keeping mortgage rates slightly further tempered.

Home Sales Activity

Existing Home Sales:

• In November, the National Association of Realtors registered a surge of 1.5% in existing home sales.
• This increase signals a boost in buyer activity for that month, caused primarily by seasonal changes and a subsequent boost in buyer activity.

Pending Home Sales:

• The market shows signs of strength going into the new year, as pending home sales also bumped by 2.3% during November.

Housing Inventory

Inventory Levels:

• Despite the increase in sales, housing inventory remains tight.
• The current supply of homes is around 2.7.
• This number is fairly low compared to the historical average of six over the months.

New Listings:

• In December, new listings noted an increase of 4%, which is commendable.
• This further shows that despite sellers’ affordability challenges.
• There is still a willingness to join the real estate bandwagon.

Home Prices

Price Trends:

• The median existing home price has served as a foremost determinant in history.
• The average selling price at the national level was $370,000, down almost two percent compared to the past year.

Regional Variations:

• Particular regions within the Southern and Midwestern parts of America are either showing slight rises in value or stabilization of values, in contrast to the major restructuring occurring within the Californian and New York markets.

Foreclosure Rates

Foreclosure Data:

• Financial strains on borrowers rapidly increase, resulting in foreclosure filings soaring by 10% in the last month.
• Significant activity has been done in foreclosures in Nevada and New Jersey.

Government Response:

• Local governments are trying to implement support measures for families facing foreclosure.
• These measures incorporate counseling services and monetary support.

Regulatory Developments

Federal Reserve Meetings:

• Over the recent months, mortgage rates have demonstrated signs of higher stability than in the past.
• This is due to the federal funds rate remaining steady after the Federal Reserve’s recent meeting.

Legislative Initiatives:

• Congress is paying attention to ongoing discussions on amending housing policies such as zoning laws and increasing funding for affordable housing.

Market Outlook

Outlook Towards 2025:

• Analysts expect the housing market to stabilize further in early 2025 if there are more sellers since there might be more inventory.
• However, other headwinds, like high mortgage rates and economic uncertainty, may continue to dampen buyer demand in the property market.

Affordability Constraints:

• The affordability constraint continues to be serious, especially for first-time buyers.
• More attention to the developments of economic factors and interest rate fluctuations will be very important for the housing market’s health in the months close to the elections.

The picture of the mortgage and real estate market between 16 and December 21, 2024, resembles a guarded optimism given the developing challenges. There are signs of home sales picking up modestly and mortgage interest rates stabilizing, which is positive. In contrast, supplies and affordability remain key drivers in the lead-up to the new year. The key economic indicators and regulatory measures have given clues on what to anticipate in housing for 2025.

• This discussion was modified 3 months, 1 week ago by  Gustan Cho.
• This discussion was modified 3 months, 1 week ago by  Gustan Cho.

Summary of National U.S. Headline News for December 20 December 20, 2024

Economy and Markets

Stock Market Performance:

• On the eve of Christmas, the economy is feeling a little gray, with stock prices on the S&P 500 lowering by 0.2% and the Dow Jones Industrial increasing by 0.5%.
• Investors are shedding any hope of seeing the stock market go upward due to mixed economic data and inflation, making long-term forecasts look dismal.

Inflation Rates

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) indicated in its latest report that inflation was around 3.8%. While these numbers were slightly higher than expected, this raises questions about the Federal Reserve’s policy going forward.

Housing Market

Mortgage Rates:

• Potential housing buyers were provided respite as the mortgage rates hovered around 6.4%.
• , in the long run, this will further exacerbate the issue of housing affordability.

Foreclosure Rates:

• Recently released reports indicate that the number of foreclosure filings in various states, including New Jersey and Nevada, has spiked, calling for timely state intervention measures to curb the problem of housing affordability.

Politics

2024 Presidential Election:

• Recent polls show a close race in the Democratic contest.
• While Mr. Biden is predicted to lead, Mr. Andrew has also posed a threat as the Democratic candidates put more effort into campaigning on the primaries’ eve.

Legislation Update:

• In Congress, discussions are going around the need for a new infrastructure for rural broadband transportation.
• As a bipartisan bill is being drafted, progress on the bill seems fairly realistic to come within the next few months.

Public Health Issues

October 2022 Update: The COVID-19 pandemic has shown modest rises during this period due to the ongoing hospitalization of people, which has led to a conversation surrounding vaccination campaigns and booster campaigns against variants.

Mental Health

Mental health services have seen growth. It is important to understand the root cause of poor mental health. The federal government is aiding in the improvement of the mental health of veterans and anyone else who lacks access to it.

Environment

Severe Weather:

• Weather agencies have predicted snowfall and harsh weather for parts of the Midwest in the upcoming week.
• A severe weather warning has been issued to highlight the dramatic impacts.

Climate Change:

• The ongoing climate change in America has drastically changed many circumstances.
• The American government is maximizing efforts to rectify the growing climate change through Investments in renewable energy and strategies to reduce carbon emissions.

Social Issues strictly related to Guns and Energy.

Women and Gender Rights:

• The shooting that took place recently shed light on and revived the gun control debates.
• This event alone had a touch on gun safety advocates who lobbied the government to implement regulations around guns before the new year set in.

Education Policy

• Student debt and increased education qualifications are still the center of attention around educational reforms.
• That attention will amplify as we approach the latter part of 2025.

Technology and Innovation

Cybersecurity Concerns:

• Due to the increase in threats caused by the war, the government is making efforts to ensure security through cyber attacks and is channeling more funds into those initiatives.

Political Changes and Economy

As of December 20, 2024, the country is certainly experiencing many social issues, such as political activity and economic problems simultaneously. The end of the year will clearly show the key points for the year ahead: housing, public health, or legislative priorities.

Tech Industry Developments

Most businesses in the technology sector continue to grow unbothered. However, representatives of the advertising industry have recently seen some of the world’s largest companies, like Netflix, Spotify, and Facebook, announce massive layoffs due to the drop in ad revenues caused by the economy and other factors, worrying about the industry’s future expansion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGtUYs5iyfA&ab_channel=CBSNews

As of December 19, 2024, the U.S. mortgage and real estate markets have made significant progress that affects buyers, sellers, and investors.

Here’s a detailed summary :Trends in Mortgages

Current Averages:

• The typical rate for 30-year fixed mortgages is 6.72 percent, compared to 6.60 percent a week ago.
• This increase is partly fueled by the Fed’s recent prediction that there will be fewer rate cuts in 2025 than anticipated.

Actions of the Federal Reserve

Revised forecasts from the Federal Reserve have altered long-run views of the economy. They are attributed to the recent increase in mortgage rates. The long-run expectations showed caution for investors who were looking for more aggressive cuts in the near future.

Expert Predictions

Economists predict that rates will remain above 6 cents through 2025. Some estimates peak as high as 6.8 cents. These estimates are attributed to the risks of inflation and rising debt issued from the government’s uses.

Dynamics of the Housing Market

Homes on Sale:

• In November, the sale of already-owned homes in America rose for a third month, reaching an annualized rate of 4.2 units.
• Considering the context of last year, this is an increase of 6.1 percent and the highest annual increase since 2021.
• In light of this surge, predictions for the year indicate a house shipment on a scale comparable to 1995.

Home Prices

The transition in the U.S. recession posted buck sales prices of up to $406,100 in November. The data shows an increasing average sales price driven by increased demand in the housing market regardless of unprecedented mortgage rates.

Inventory Levels

By the end of November, inventories comprised 1.33 million homes, a 17.7% increase from current sales. Despite this surge in homes, the market remains competitive, with >30% fewer stocks than those pre-COVID.

Builder Activity

Lennar Corporation:

• A leading bill in home sales, Lennar reported a dip in sales owing to the higher interest rates of mortgages.
• The brand hinted at a shift in strategy to lower prices further.
• However, the current quarter prediction does not seem promising, as earnings from home sales are the lowest in over six years.

Market Predictions

Looking Forward To Buying A House:

• Real estate expert Barbara Corcoran predicts a surge in condo buying activity if loan costs decrease to just 5%.
• This is because Ms Barbara believes that such a decrease in mortgage costs will cause the real estate market to explode.
• Loan costs have decreased to 6.6% from 6% to 7%.

The mortgage rate and the real estate industry in the U.S. are experiencing a combination of increasing mortgage rates, more home sales, and new strategies by builders. Economic drivers, Federal Reserve activities, and other developments should be tracked to make proper decisions in this volatile framework.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Arm-B_jWugc&ab_channel=OneRentalataTime

• This discussion was modified 3 months, 1 week ago by  Gustan Cho.

Fresh Update on National Mortgage and Real Estate News highlights for December 20, 2024.

National Mortgage And Real Estate News

Trends in Mortgage Rates

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has remained consistent at 6.4, dropping fractionally compared to last week, offering a tiny amount of hope for future buyers in this market.

End of The Year Home Sales Statistics:

Data recently disclosed highlights that existing home sales have grown by 2% as of December, highlighting a slow market recovery as sellers take advantage of lower rates before the start of the new year.

Newly Built Properties

The United States Census Bureau announced a 15% growth in the start of new housing units for November; this can be attributed to the demand for individually owned homes. Builders are meeting the constant demand for housing.

Rates Of Foreclosure

The foreclosure rate continues to be at 0.4 percent, which is still lower than expected. This all hints towards stability in the economy and assistance to homeowners with increased property value in specific areas.

Dynamics Of The Rental Market

Renting, on average across the country, has surged by around 3.5 percent compared to last year. The major areas have significantly more demand because of the gradual change in work-from-home policies and tenants’ desire to be closer to their place of work.

Influences Of New Policies

New Federal housing policies to make properties more affordable and easier to obtain are expected to take effect in early 2025. These policies will affect mortgage rates and the amount of housing available.

Tech in Real Estate

The introduction of AI tools and the option of virtual tours is making real estate purchasing easier. Both buyers and agents are making good use of these add-ons.

Market Predictions for 2025

The younger generation will greatly influence the market, so it is predicted that 2025 will be a very busy and competitive housing market. It would be easy to assume that prices would also increase.

With favorable mortgage rates and encouraging sales and construction of homes, the real estate sector is exhibiting a healthy outlook as we near the end of 2024. When considering 2025, investors and buyers should be aware of market developments and potential legal changes that could impact their choices.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Arm-B_jWugc&t=481s&ab_channel=OneRentalataTime

As far as the most recent update from December 16, 2024, is concerned, the mortgage and real estate sector is as follows:

Mortgage Rates

Current Statistics: The national average for a fixed-rate mortgage for a period of 30 years has decreased to approximately 6.6%, a reduction from 6.69% recorded a week before.

State Variations: Interest rates differ by state. Some states offer up to 6.68%, while others charge a high 7.09%.

Refinancing Rates

For the past 30 years, refinance mortgages have seen highs of 6.98%, which is eleven basis points greater than before.

Housing Market Trends

Home Sales: Compared to last year, house sales have increased by 22% over a month.

Home Prices: According to NAR, house prices will increase by 2%, and the median rise is estimated to be $410,700 thousand by 2025.

Inventory Levels

With stock inventory expectations low, more than $1.45 million housing unit sales are predicted for 2025 after the pandemic.

Expert InsightsMarket Predictions

Real estate expert Barbara Corcoran claims that if mortgage rates drop near 5%, the housing market will jump and go “ballistic.”

First-Time Buyers: First-time homebuyers account for less than a quarter of the entire market, an all-time low. There is a dire “urgency” for new buyers.

Home Renovations

Spending Trends: Due to the current state of home prices and mortgage rates, homeowners are more likely to spend more on renovations than moving.

Global Perspectives

UK Market: The UK house markets have seen exports slump for two months, resulting in average declines of £6395 in the December market.

China’s Market

During the last 17 months, house prices have depreciated slower than usual in China, which could indicate that the region’s property or real estate market is on its way to recovering and stabilizing.

Home buyers and real estate markets have been riling with activity, resulting in declining mortgage rates and stimulating purchasing and spending on home upgrades. Most experts in the field suggest that further step-downs in mortgage rates lead to much higher activity within the market, especially with those buying homes for the first time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeSO9zBYeyc

• This discussion was modified 3 months, 2 weeks ago by  Gustan Cho.

This is an overview of the most recent national economic events as of December 16, 2024:

Economy and Inflation

The American economy continues to grow exponentially despite inflation, which is at its highest level since the 1970s, at around 2.8%, crossing the Federal Reserve’s target of around 2%.

Federal Reserve and Interest Rates

The Federal Reserve is expected to respond to the alarm that inflation has allegedly stayed too high, securing a default interest rate cut further to increase the rate to around 4.25-4.5%. In the upcoming years, policymakers are afraid to slow down rate cuts in 2025 to balance out the inflation risks.

Housing Market and Mortgage Rates

While the new forecast of around 6.3% in 2025 still maxes out at the affordable limits due to the ongoing sluggish housing market performance, home prices are projected to increase by 5% this year. Furthermore, the endless mortgage and home prices likely convince homeowners to spend extra income on renovations rather than buying new homes.

**The Stock Market and Treasuries: An Analysis**

U.S. stocks during President Trump’s tenure have risen by around 27%, and this increase can be witnessed along with the significant gains that the U.S. stock market experienced as the receiver of Donald Trump’s economic policies. As far as the bond market goes, it currently has signs of being under stress as the 10-year treasury note increase is above 4.4%. A reason for the increase could be out of concern regarding the rise in inflation promise and an increase in government spending.

Despite the above-mentioned inflationary concerns, the foreign interest in U.S. debt remains upward.

**Business Outlook: An Overview**

Those conducting business face the dual challenge of inflation, which only goes away with a careful approach to policymaking. The slow pace of rate cuts that the Federal Policy is expected to deploy means that interest rates on loans for both businesses and consumers are likely to remain high, which can impact plans for expansion and investment.

Considering everything, while the U.S. economy showcases signs of strength, inflation, housing affordability, and the prevailing market volatility remain concerning aspects to manage, which fall under the purview of policymakers and investors.

This is a brief review of recent national initiatives in different sectors of the economy as of December 16, 2024.

Economy & Inflation Rates

The United States economy is strong. Real GDP growth of 2.7% is expected for 2024, with added consumer expenditures and productivity growth.

Inflation is a problem regardless. It remains at a high annual rate of 2.8%, two percent over what the Federal Reserve stipulates as a limitation.

Federal Reserve and Interest Rates

The Federal Reserve will likely reduce interest rates by quarter points again this week, the third reduction in the current year. The federal fund’s target range is expected to be between 4.25 and 4.5 percent now. As the rate of increases has tapered off, a closer balance of inflation and labor capacity would result in rate cuts in 2025.

Stock Exchange Along With Treasuries

The economy will likely benefit from economic policies under Donald Trump’s second term, which translates into significant gains in stock markets. U.S. equities have risen by a whopping twenty-seven percent this year.

The bond markets, however, appear to be in distress as inflation appears to be a concern along with the rush for government debts for increased spending, as indicated by the increase in the yield for a 10-year treasury note to over 4.4%

As of December 16, 2024, here is a comprehensive overview of the latest national developments across various sectors:

Economy and Inflation

The U.S. economy is exhibiting robust growth, with real GDP expected to increase by 2.7% in 2024, driven by consumer spending and productivity gains.

However, inflation remains a concern, holding steady at an annual rate of 2.8%, above the Federal Reserve’s target of 2%.

Federal Reserve and Interest Rates

The Federal Reserve is expected to implement a quarter-point interest rate cut this week, marking the third consecutive reduction this year. This adjustment would increase the federal funds rate target to 4.25-4.5%. Policymakers are adopting a more cautious approach, indicating that the rate cuts may slow in 2025 to balance inflation risks and labor market strength.

Stock Market and Treasuries

The stock market has experienced significant gains, with U.S. stocks rising by 27% this year, partly attributed to economic policies under President-elect Donald Trump’s second term.

However, the bond market is showing signs of strain, with the yield on the 10-year Treasury note surpassing 4.4%. This increase reflects investor concerns about potential inflation and the growing supply of government debt to fund spending.

Housing and Mortgage Rates

The housing market is improving, as are mortgage rates and inventory, but the forecasts say otherwise. Due to a drop in mortgage rates, which are expected to touch 6.3% in 2025, home prices are expected to increase by 5 percent.

In addition, the reduction in purchasing new homes will increase home improvement spending.

Unemployment and Labor Market

The labor market remains stable as unemployment remains low and wage levels rise above inflation. The exception to this is contraction in certain industries, such as manufacturing. December saw a continuing decline in U.S. manufacturing as factory output hit 4.5-year lows.

Business Outlook

The businesses are working with a more elaborate dynamic while dealing with inflation and stagnant monetary policy.

Given that the Federal Reserve will not be slashing rates aggressively, the cost of loans to consumers and corporations could be maintained at a high level, affecting their willingness to invest or expand.

Political Developments

President-elect Donald Trump has commenced assembling his administration by making numerous important appointments. Susie Wiles has been selected as White House Chief of Staff, which is remarkable since this is the first time a woman will ever hold this position.

Also, Trump has picked candidates for various cabinet posts as he outlines the policies he wishes to pursue in the next term.

Global Political Climate

The political developments that one has recently witnessed globally present evidence of an exceptionally turbulent and transformational period. By defeating Kamala Harris, Donald Trump’s election as the President of the United States marked the end of an era of benevolent scientific rule. Other examples are the surcease of the German government’s existence over budget disagreements and the South Korean military’s declaration of martial law against a president’s wish only to have Congress reverse the situation.

To summarize, the U.S. economy may appear stable, albeit the processes of inflation, stagnancy in the housing markets, and volatility in the other markets need to be addressed. Policymakers and investors are extensively monitoring all these issues and the peculiar economic situation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KSvn46epzU

• This discussion was modified 3 months, 2 weeks ago by  Gustan Cho.

On December 15, 2024, the U.S. mortgage and real estate market is expected to see the following changes:

Trends in Mortgage Rates and Market Development: Reduction of Current Mortgage Rates

The average fixed mortgage rate for 30 years has dropped from 6.69% to 6.6% for the third week. Potential homebuyers can sigh relief, especially as we enter a low-competition winter period.

People Looking To Purchase Homes Expected To Rise

The NAR estimates selling numbers to be higher than in 2025 with the 6% mortgage stabilization rate. The sale value of previously-sector-owned homes is expected to be $410,700, which is a modest increase of 2%. The availability of additional stock and the increase in the number of people relocating to metro areas are shaping the market.

Regional Market HighlightsOuter Suburbs Advancement

According to Australia’s report, outer suburbs and non-metropolitan regions are comparatively outperforming other metropolitan regions in household demand, and the time taken to sell homes is also significantly less. Two cities in Australia, Perth and Brisbane, have seen a major decline in the median selling time, indicating significant market growth after particular times.

Attraction of Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach, SC, is gaining traction with retirees. Between 2020 and 2023, the nation saw the maximum adult growth rate of those over 65.

The local housing market has different types of properties that appeal to a wide range of buyers.

Innovations and Industry ChallengesFrustrations in Mortgage Credit

In November, mortgage credit availability drastically dropped, with government indices dropping to the lowest since 2012. Reduced investor interest has affected the liquidity in the market.

Technological Advancements

There is a growing trend within the mortgage field of enhancing how customers are treated and supported during the lending process. Lenders are adapting new technologies that optimize business processes, lower costs, and address changing consumer needs to enhance and deliver value throughout the customer journey.

Consumer StrategiesApps for Mortgage Overpayment

Owners use Sprive and similar applications to make mortgage overpayments, likely reducing their terms and the total interest paid. These applications are linked to a bank account and offer cash back, and these savings contribute to such payments.

Market Outlook: Predictions for 2025

According to the experts, mortgage prices will stay around 6% in 2025, the new mark. These reductions would allow more buyers to enter the market after the interest rates increased previously. However, affordability will remain a barrier, especially in the more sought-out areas.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/pQrWdi0KNtE

The Great Content Authority Forums, specifically known as the GCA Forums, is powered by Gustan Cho Associates. This forum serves as a platform for discussions on a wide range of topics, primarily focused on mortgage and real estate but also includes general community assistance and various other subjects like insurance, automotive, and more. Members can engage in topics ranging from FHA and conventional loan guidelines to mortgage rates, and there’s also a section for classified ads related to real estate and mortgage services.

The forum features various utilities such as mortgage calculators, FHA loan limits, and information on conventional loan limits. Members can also inquire about real estate and mortgage careers through designated sections for realtors and mortgage loan officers. Moreover, the forum provides links to subsidiary sites offering specialized services in real estate and mortgage brokering.

For those interested in diving deeper into specific topics like the differences between different mortgage companies such as AXEN and NEXA Mortgage, the forum hosts detailed discussions where experts like Michael Neill contribute insights on the intricacies of mortgage lending practices​ (GCA Forums)​​ (GCA Forums)​​ (GCA Forums)​.

If you’re looking to explore this forum or require more detailed information, you can access it here.

Several important issues are affecting the national outlook of the United States as of December 19, 2024.

The Following is a Detailed Summary:Government and Politics

Potential Government Shutdown:

• The U.S. Congress faces a possible government shutdown after President-elect Donald Trump declined the bipartisan spending bill while requiring that he remove the debt ceiling.
• A partial government shutdown will begin on Saturday if a new agreement is not reached.
• It will interrupt numerous government activities and result in more than 2 million federal employees being unable to receive their pay.
• Social Security payments, for example, are likely to be uninterrupted.

Financial Times Person of the Year

Donald Trump has been conferred the title of the Financial Times Person of the Year 2024 as he made a startling return in the political arena. This regard comes alongside the endorsement of substantial deregulation, tax reductions, and paradigmatic changes toward right-wing policies. Such plans include aggressive measures, including mass deportations, alongside stricter measures attempting to quell liberal institutions, which bear substantial repercussions across domestic and foreign business scenarios.

Public Health

Life Expectancy Increases:

• According to the America’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average American lifespan expanded for almost an entire year in 2023, reaching around 78.5 years.
• The advancement has certainly been correlated with decreasing rates of prominent causes of death, including COVID-19, heart disease, and even drug overdoses.
• Nevertheless, the rate of advancement has reduced, which could mean the world is heading back to a less optimal state.

Taking Climate Action

Goals Set By The Biden Administration:

• The Biden team has projected that the United States will decrease greenhouse emissions by 61% and 66%.
• By doing so, its goal is to cut methane emissions by a minimum of 35% by 2035.
• Such action appeals to state and local leaders, especially since they are expected to take a step forward in climate action, regardless of what the Trump presidency would entail for them.

Legal Proceedings and Crime

Murder of United Health Care CEO:

• Luigi Mangione, a known hate-filled individual targeting the Healthcare system, has recently been charged with the murder of a CEO.
• He has been termed as a stalker, claiming it was only political reasons that led him to kill the United Health Care president. He was arrested after a search when the political motivations turned violent, and guns were used.

Washington Stadium Construction

Trump’s embarrassing decision to pull out of constructing a new garden for Washington’s RFt led to further construction delays.

The events have caused speculation in the public space and disinformation, e.g., Elon Musk. If the site is affiliated with the Washington Commanders football team, its fate remains in the air.

Such developments, including political stalemates, health care developments, climate change programs, court cases, and construction works, demonstrate a particular era of vigor in U.S. national life.

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National U.S. Headline News Summary for 19 December 2024 - Search Videos

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With all these recent news about high inflation, low housing inventory, mortgage rates in the 8%, and loan officers quitting the mortgage industry by the thousands, is now a very bad time to become a mortgage loan officer? Is it true that the national number of loan officers dropped by over half due to the mortgage industry going under? Is it true over fifty percent of the mortgage companies went out of business and there are more mortgage brokers and mortgage bankers that are waiting to get out of business?

Can diabetes cause blindness?

As of December 17, 2024, the mortgage and real estate markets are experiencing notable developments across various regions. Here’s a comprehensive overview:

Mortgage Rates and Trends

• Current Averages: The national average for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is approximately 6.78%, rising over the past five days.
• This upward trend followed when rates reached their lowest levels since October.
• State Variations: Refinance rates vary by state, with New York, California, and Arkansas offering some of the lowest rates between 6.70% and 6.90%. In contrast, states like Kentucky, Hawaii, and Illinois have higher rates, ranging from 7.02% to 7.09%.
• Expert Predictions: Economists forecast that mortgage rates will remain above 6% into 2025, with some estimates reaching 6.8%. Factors influencing these projections include potential inflation and national debt concerns.

Real Estate Market Highlights

• Luxury Rentals: Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler rents an 8,500-square-foot mansion on Miami Beach’s exclusive Hibiscus Island for over $70,000 monthly. This property features luxurious amenities, including ocean and skyline views, a private dock, and extensive recreational facilities.
• Australian Market Dynamics: In Australia, housing has become the foremost concern in 2024, with costs escalating significantly. Mortgage holders face increased interest rates, leading to financial strain for many. The average monthly mortgage repayment has nearly doubled from $2,291 in 2022 to $4,428 in 2024.
• UK Housing Outlook: The UK propertSignificant25, such as stamp duty threshold alterations effective April 1, potential mortgage rate reductions later in the year. These factors are expected to influence the UK property market, behavior, and market activity.

Market Predictions and Buyer Behavior

• Potential Market Surge: Real estate expert Barbara Corcoran predicts that if mortgage rates drop to around 5%, it could cause a significant increase in homebuying activity, making the housing market “go ballistic.” Mortgage rates have fallen to 6.6% but fluctuate between 6% and 7%.
• Millennial Hesitancy: Millennials born between 1981 and 1996 exhibit caution when entering the housing market. Past economic crises and volatile home prices have led this generation to view homeownership as a speculative asset, contributing to a lower homeownership rate than previous generations.

The mortgage and real estate landscapes are characterized by fluctuating rates, regional disparities, and shifting buyer sentiments. Stakeholders should closely monitor these trends to make informed decisions in this dynamic environment.