What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 14th, 2019

Last week's economic readings included reports on inflation, mortgage rates, and first-time jobless claims. Monthly reporting on consumer sentiment was delayed. Consumer Price Index: Inflation Rises in March The Consumer Price Index rose 0.40 percent in March, which matched expectations and surpassed February's month-to -month reading of 0.20 percent growth. The March reading showed the highest consumer price growth in 14 months; higher rents, fuel and food prices contributed to month-to-month price gains in March. The Core CPI excludes volatile food and energy sectors and was unchanged in March although 0.20 percent growth was expected. February's reading showed 0.10 percent…
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When Is The Best Time To Do Your Roof Maintenance?

Perform roof maintenance on sunny days when there's less chance of slipping. Blocking off a weekend twice a year gives you plenty of time to complete the items below without rushing or taking unnecessary risks. The beginning of spring and fall present the best opportunities to complete your maintenance before the weather turns too hot or too cold. Loose Debris Removal Remove leaves, branches and accumulated debris before winter sets in. Set up a ladder, preferably with another person holding the ladder steady, and clean off as much debris as possible without risking your safety. General Inspection Start in the…
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FOMC Minutes Reveal Fed Policymakers U-Turn

Members of the Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee voted to hold the target range of the federal funds rate to its current range of 2.25 to 2.50 percent. The minutes of the most recent Committee meeting cited softening domestic and global economic conditions as reason for not raising the target federal funds range. While labor markets remained strong, the minutes noted that household spending and business investment slowed in the first quarter of 2019. FOMC members expected Gross Domestic Product growth to slow as compared to its 2018 pace. While current inflation and the national unemployment rate fell in…
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Staging Your Home: Here Are Your Self-Storage Options

If you're staging your home to sell, you may find yourself with more stuff than space. Rather than selling possessions that you'd rather not part with, you can put your things into short-term storage until your home sells and you're able to move. Here are some options you have when choosing and using a self storage unit. Climate Controlled Or Not Climate controlled units are located inside buildings. They could be compared to an apartment building, except instead of housing people, these storage buildings house belongings. Inside, they are powered with electricity and a temperature control that is temperate. The…
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4 Ways To Pay Off My Mortgage Faster

For most people, the mortgage payment is the biggest monthly expense. Whether you're facing retirement or still working, it would be nice to be free of this debt. Although you probably can't pay it off in one lump sum, it is possible to pay off your mortgage sooner than expected. Here are four strategies to try. 1. Make Bi-Weekly Payments You could shave eight years off a 30-year mortgage simply by breaking down your monthly payments into two payments instead of one. You'll pay the same amount each month while the interest paid over the length of the loan is…
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