December 2008

If the Federal Reserve keeps cutting rates until they hit zero, it might stimulate the economy by boosting the housing market. On the other hand, dropping Fed rates to zero also may put us into an even more precarious situation by driving down the prices of goods and the value of the dollar, inviting ugly economic deflation.

Former subprime masterminds are back in action, but now they’re targeting FHA loans.

Mortgage brokers and loan officers are reeling from a surge of mortgage applications that have challenged their dwindled numbers. Fighting nearly a two year battle just to survive mortgage companies and banks are scrambling to handle the work load. A very nice Christmas present for mortgage bankers as mortgage refinance applications jumped 6.5 percent over the previous week.

Data provided by RealtyTrac indicates that third quarter 2008 foreclosure filings numbered roughly 765,000. This spells gold for conmen who are willing to pounce on tragedy.

President-elect Obama would like to see a strong HUD leading the country out of the housing crisis. But is that realistic?

Cash investors can put their money in U.S. Treasuries or passbook savings accounts to earn less than 1 percent annually. Another alternative is to open a CD with a cash-poor bank, and log returns in excess of 3.5 percent.

This current bear is rewriting the rules of investing.

The 30-year mortgage rate dropped for the seventh consecutive week, hitting its lowest level since 1971. This has hit mortgage brokers and lenders with a surge of homeowners and refinance applications looking for a Christmas bonus.

Data provided by RealtyTrac indicates that third quarter 2008 foreclosure filings numbered roughly 765,000. This spells gold for conmen who are willing to pounce on tragedy.