The following article came out last week and will have a continued impact, per the article, on keeping interest rates down in the near future. Review and tell me what you think!

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/Fed-says-start-buying-mortgage/story.aspx?guid=%7BE5545C3D%2D387B%2D4891%2D8226%2D3FB7A8CAC28C%7D&dist;=hplatest

My apologies for not posting this past 2 weeks. We have had snow where I live for the past 2 weeks….and I would say up to 2 feet! 2 ‘ icicles hanging from our roof. We live just E of Highway 9 by about 2/3 of a mile and cannot believe the difference in snow levels. But…we love it! Our place today is a winter wonderland. Hope this weather hasn’t been too much of a hassle for anyone. Drive safely!

We,as Americans, have realized that a big cornerstone to our economy is the housing market. Congress & the Bush Administration have acted to provide aid to corporations but have just recently started taking steps to help the housing situation (see previous blogs). The National Association of Realtors has developed a four step plan that can be seen here….http://takeaction.realtoractioncenter.com/nar/4pointplan.html

I would think we could anticipate these points being included in future stimulus plans to continue to assist our housing market stability. Here in the PNW, we did notice WEATHER having another impact! Apparently, buyers and agents are rarely venturing out in the snow. More pent up demand…..things are starting to change!

It has certainly been an interesting year! Well, a year an a half! Check out this article regarding speculation for interest rates. Tell me what you think! I’m always checking out real estate articles that are pertinent to today’s situation and if you find one, do let me know!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28165488/

And here we have the Fed’s Ben Bernanke recommending specific solutions to the foreclosure problem to help AVOID foreclosures. Read this article and please feel free to comment!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28053280/

This is a very interesting article in MSN.com 12/3/08. Check it out!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28045659/

This could definitely make a difference in the housing market, although additional work needs to be done on the foreclosure situation. Read this article and see what you think! Hang in there!

Okay, back again with today’s news. The following link will take you to a Market Watch Report which seems to indicate that rates may remain lower. Check it out and become informed!… http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/Mortgage-rates-likely-stay-low/story.aspx?guid=%7BE1AA4E98%2D1952%2D44E3%2DBBAA%2DE279EB80088C%7D&dist;=hplatest

This news article by Market Watch gives better detail and a better description of the move today to restore liquidity to the credit markets. This move is, in my opinion, the best move so far to help “Joe Main Street”. Check it out…http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/Fed-bolster-consumer-lending-tune/story.aspx?guid=%7BC3B72C58%2D6CB5%2D4DB1%2DB986%2D8A65E005FDE4%7D

Treasury Secretary Paulson announted an $800,000,000 ($800 Billion) credit package today that caused investors to finally loosen their grip on higher interest rates. In my 19 years of experience and knowledge (that I’m increasing daily)…….the current financial situation & bond market should have seen our long term Mortgage interest rates down closer to 5% (for fixed rate 30 year mortgages-conventional limits) and with this move to settle down investors, the mortgage rates went down to 5.375% for the best borrowers. Check out this article….. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27905756

This should have an impact on credit cards companies as well.

If you are thinking about refinancing and you do have equity, now may be the time for you to consider doing whatever you can to lower your monthly payment. Just a thought!

If you have your home on the market right now, you know that one of the toughest challenges, in addition to the challenging market, is to maintain your home’s curb appeal. This article is in the NW Real Estate News…author Tara Darby and gives you some good ideas! http://nwrealestatenews.com/2008/11/24/maintaining-curb-appeal-through-winter/