Topic Summary: Did you know that the average U.S. home spends $2,175 on utility costs per year? That’s over $180 per month! A recent survey indicated that 86% of consumers wanted to know average energy costs they would have to pay before they move into a new home. What follows are some resources that will […]
Get a Firm Grip on our Rate by
Rates are a major consideration when you’re shopping for a mortgage. After all, you want to find the best one available. You also want to be sure that you are not only able to handle the monthly payments now, but also throughout the life of the loan. Click link for full article
S.1944 A bill to create jobs
Washington Watch- Going Down To The Wire Update: Last week it looked like the extension of the payroll tax cut from 2011 was sure to pass Congress. It’s worth about $1000-$1500 to the average taxpayer. Now there are competing bills and the usual beltway bickering back and forth as to who is on the side […]
Get to Know Section 529 Plans
Get to Know Section 529 Plans Basically, a college savings plan allows you to place money in a state plan to be used for the beneficiary’s higher-education expenses at any college or university, which include tuition, fees, books, supplies, and certain room-and-board costs. There are several significant advantages to these plans. Click link for full […]
House Committee Passes Mortgage Reform Bill
The U.S. House Financial Services Committee approved legislation on Tuesday creating new consumer protection standards in the mortgage industry. The bill drafted by Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) would: Ban lenders from making loans that borrowers don’t have the ability to repay. Prohibit lenders from steering home owners into refinanced mortgages that don’t provide any benefit. […]
Weekly Residential Activity Report for St. Louis Metro Real Estate
Newly listed properties and properties back on the market…..1,911* Expired listings, price adjustments, and removed listings…..3,985* Closed sales, under contract firm and contingent…..1,821* Current properties for sale…..30,159* *Numbers obtained through the Mid America Regional Information Systems MLS and represent activity for the past 7 days.
Market Perspective
This is a well written article explaining why the news is bad and the market is good. Interestingly the market continues at a pace only slightly off it’s best ever while some analysts would have us believe market conditions are extremely bad. Economy in Focus BY ROBERT FREEDMAN Beneath Market Punditry, Underlying Strength With some 5 percent of subprime mortgage borrowers facing […]