The housing market experienced a significant contraction in mortgage demand toward the end of December 2024, coinciding with a sharp increase in mortgage interest rates. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), total mortgage application volume plummeted by 21.9% during this period compared to the week prior. This decline is particularly noteworthy as it occurred
Real Estate
The housing market is always a focal point for both economic analysts and everyday consumers, serving as a reflection of broader economic conditions. As we draw closer to the end of 2024, multiple trends have emerged that paint a complex picture of the market’s state. While there is more housing supply at the moment than
In 2024, the Federal Reserve made headlines by lowering its interest rate target three times, a move that many anticipated would help decrease mortgage rates. However, those hoping for an immediate decline in borrowing costs may need to temper their expectations. Leading analysts, including Jordan Jackson from J.P. Morgan Asset Management, suggest that mortgage rates
The Federal Reserve’s decision to cut interest rates for the third time in 2024 may seem counterintuitive when juxtaposed against the rising tide of mortgage rates. The central bank slashed the federal funds rate by 0.25 basis points, making it a total of one full percentage point cut throughout the year. This monetary policy tool
Investing in the stock market requires a blend of analytical skills, a keen understanding of market dynamics, and a willingness to act decisively amid uncertainty. Recent movements in the stock market highlight how fluctuations in economic indicators and Federal Reserve announcements can present both challenges and opportunities. An analysis of strategic buying decisions in light
The pursuit of homeownership is an arduous journey that many encounter, particularly in the current economic climate. For prospective homebuyers, the landscape is fraught with challenges, from inflated prices to an unpredictable market. Nonetheless, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently released a report revealing ten metropolitan areas poised to become the “housing hot spots”
Investing in the stock market requires a delicate balance of strategy, timing, and market analysis. Recently, our strategy involved a timely purchase of shares in two significant companies: Home Depot and BlackRock. The decision to acquire 25 shares of Home Depot at approximately $407 each, alongside 14 shares of BlackRock at an average price of
Easterly Government Properties (DEA), a real estate investment trust specializing in government-leased properties, is witnessing a tumultuous period marked by market uncertainty and investor anxiety. The company, operating across a vast portfolio of 100 government leases, is predominantly reliant on its real estate dedicated to federal agencies, with 98% of its revenue stemming from these
As the Federal Reserve approaches an anticipated interest rate cut on December 18, marking its third consecutive reduction, economic observers are closely monitoring how this decision will shape both the short-term and long-term financial environment. Interest rates have already seen a cumulative decline of one percentage point since the Fed initiated its cutting cycle in
In the intricate dance of homebuying, obtaining a mortgage represents a fundamental step. However, the journey from finding your dream home to securing that essential loan can often be fraught with challenges, particularly when it comes to verifying income. The complexities of non-traditional income sources can play a significant role in whether your mortgage application