Weekly Mortgage Watch - March 13, 2016

Weekly Mortgage Watch - March 13, 2016 [Infographic]

FIRST TEAM’S WEEKLY MORTGAGE WATCH (MARCH 13TH, 2016) THIS WEEK HIGHLIGHTS THE FOLLOWING UPDATES:

• Last week, mortgage rates managed to gain a little ground, bouncing off the positive economic news of the previous week and news out of Europe.
• The European Central Bank (ECB) expanded its effort to stimulate growth and reduce deflation risks. The expansion of the ECB bond purchase program now includes corporate bonds, and banks are paying the ECB more to hold excess reserves.
• Even with added challenges to international markets,our economy continues to grow, albeit unevenly.This week is a huge week for financial markets.
• In addition to significant economic data due, including Retail Sales, Industrial Production, and the twin Price Indices, the Federal Reserve meets to discuss monetary policy.
• While most experts are expecting the Fed to leave its programs and interest rates unchanged, the Fed’s economic outlook and expectations for future increases in its interest rate could move mortgage rates significantly.
• If the Fed Governors shrug off global challenges, and hold fast to increasing the Fed’s rate four times this year, mortgage rates will very likely rise. 

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Should I buy a home while still paying student loans? - Feb. 9, 2016

Should I buy a home while still paying student loans? - Feb. 9, 2016


The decision to become a homeowner is likely to be the biggest financial commitment you'll make, and many factors should be taken into account.
First, let's tackle whether it makes sense to become a homeowner. Writing a monthly rent check can seem like throwing away money, but piling mortgage debt on top of student loans can create a long-term budget crunch.
"With student loan debt, your asset is your education and no one can take that anyway," said Certified Financial Planner Travis Sollinger at Fort Pitt Capital Group. "But if you buy a house and you can't afford the payments, they will take the house."


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6 Stellar Reasons to Buy a Home in 2016

6 Stellar Reasons to Buy a Home in 2016




Is it really 2016 already? For those of you who happen to be planning on buying a home in the new year -- or even just trying to -- there's a whole lot to celebrate. Why? A variety of financial vectors have dovetailed to make this the perfect storm for home buyers to get out there and make an (winning) offer. Here are six home-buying reasons to be thankful while ringing in the new year:


Reason No. 1: Interest rates are still at record lows


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