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

Southern California Wildfires:

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

Economic Indicators:

Employment Data:

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

Inflation Concerns:

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

Financial Markets:

Bond Market:

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

Stock Market:

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

Outlook on Interest Rate:

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

Other Developments

Corporate Bond Issuance:

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

Public Health Emergency

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

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

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

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

How does the $25,000 down payment homebuyer federal grant work? Kamala Harris has been a hypocrite and has a history of lying. Kamala Harris is very vague on the $25,000 down payment grant for homebuyers. Anyone have specifics. Harris has a reputation of promising a lot of things but never explains it in detail.

I have seen so many cases where home builders will offer seller or builder’s concession towards closing costs of $10,000 or more only if the homebuyer uses the home builder’s preferred mortgage lender. If the homebuyer uses the buyer’s own mortgage lender and loan officer, the home builder will not offer any seller concession towards closing costs. To up the ante, the home builder also will offer incenstives such as upgrades to homebuyers who use the home builder’s preferred lender. Isn’t this illegal? Isn’t this a case of steering? Why isn’t the CFPB, HUD, and state and federal mortgage regulators jumping in on this. I am sure the preferred lender is giving the home builder a kickback which is an absolute violation of RESPA and mortgage fraud. I archived this article about Home Builders Steering Buyers To Builder’s Preferred Lenders and I suggest you folks read it and save it on your archives. I use it for reference.

https://gcamortgage.com/preferred-lenders-steered-by-builders/

gcamortgage.com

Should I Use Preferred Lenders Steered By Builders

Homebuyers who go with preferred lenders steered by builders get incentives such as builder upgrades, closing cost credits, and upgrades

What does a prospective employer look in your credit. How do employers analyze credit scores and your overhall credit in the hiring and promotion process. What does a high credit score and good credit determine of a prospective employee. Will bad credit and low credit score jeapordize a job candidate from getting hired? What type of job positions will be scrutinize with their prospective employer running credit and what determines the job prospect whether or not they get the job.

What is the difference between FHA AMENDATORY CLAUSE and VA AMENDATORY CLAUSE?

• This discussion was modified 5 months, 1 week ago by  Sapna Sharma.

How does the county assessor’s office value home prices and property taxes? What does the assessed value of a home mean? What factors are used by the assessor in determining my home’s assessed value and property taxes? How can I reduce my property taxes? What is the maximum property tax increase in each of the fifty states? Do seniors get a break in property taxes in every state? Where are my property taxes used for? Should homeowners challenge property tax assessment with the county assessor? What is the step by step process in disputing and challenging your property taxes? What are frequently asked questions from homeowners about property tax assessments. What is the difference between assessed versus market value on real estate. What is the basic explanation of property assessments? How are owner-occupant homes, investment homes, and commercial properties assessed and how are the property taxes on these three different types of properties determined?

If you have late payments after bankruptcy or foreclosure, lenders consider borrowers as second offenders. Borrowers with late payments after a bankruptcy or a housing event will have a difficult time getting a mortgage loan approval. Why do mortgage lenders consider borrowers having late payments after bankruptcy or foreclosure, as second offenders. Why do mortgage lenders consider borrowers with late payments after a bankruptcy or a housing event have a difficult time getting a mortgage loan approval. How can you get approved for a mortgage approval with late payments after bankruptcy or foreclosure?

Is there God. Is God Real? Is God Good? The Ten Commandments. Who is our Creator? Adam and Eve. Jesus. What is Heaven? Hell? Who is Satan? Who created Earth, the sun, the moon. Life and death. What makes a person Good, Bad, or Evil. Many questions for nonbelievers.

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Sharing the gospel to an Atheist in Walmart! Pray for Him 🙏 By @zachary_impellicceiri #dailydevotional #dailydevotion #Godisreal #jesuslovesyou #christian #Christiancontent #christianreels #motivation #Inspiration #truth #instagramforchristians #TheChristiansDeck | The Christian's Deck | thechristiansdeck · Original audio

Sharing the gospel to an Atheist in Walmart! Pray for Him 🙏 By @zachary_impellicceiri #dailydevotional #dailydevotion #Godisreal #jesuslovesyou #christian #Christiancontent #christianreels...

Here’s a blog about HUD Guidelines on gift of Equity.

What kind of mortgage can I get approved for during a divorce process?