tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49198063299434457242011-04-21T15:16:01.684-04:00Real estate finance blog. Mortgage planner Paul insight on financial planning, real estate financing, investing and other mortgage industry news and happeningsPaul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.comBlogger511100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-76594328974490827162008-09-29T09:02:00.005-04:002008-09-29T09:11:17.288-04:00

Last week's failure to complete any bailout sent mortgage rates climbing upward despite other economic news that revealed continuing weakening. Second quarter GDP was revised downward to 2.8% with expectations for third quarter GDP to fall near or below 1.0%.Mortgage rates may be in for another very volatile week. Expectations are running very, very high for Washington to complete some type of

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-11710805174336151662008-09-08T13:55:00.001-04:002008-09-08T14:04:56.546-04:00

GOOD NEWS FOR THE HOUSING MARKET! Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac issued bonds are soaring, resulting from Sunday's announcement that the government will at least temporarily take control of the both GSEs.Mortgage yields now have every reason to come down, which means lower interest rates on mortgages. The spread between mortgage and Treasury yields has been a thorn in the mortgage industry’s side.

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-5902071775278795722008-07-21T16:27:00.000-04:002008-07-21T16:28:20.125-04:00

Inflation worries moved back to the forefront of concern for the market. Fed Chair Bernanke, in comments before Congress, stated that upside risks for inflation have "intensified" recently. Both the Consumer and Producer Price Indices came in with higher-than-expected headline numbers, and the CPI's core reading also came in above expectations. Housing Starts appeared to make a strong showing by

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-66462263942909191222008-07-07T11:15:00.001-04:002008-07-07T11:19:02.909-04:00

Mortgage rates moved downward last week as fears of a weakening economy outweighed inflation fears. The biggest news of the week was the loss of another 62,000 jobs in June with unemployment holding steady. However, we did get some hopeful news with the ISM Manufacturing Index unexpectedly stepping above 50, indicating a very small amount of expansion in manufacturing. While rates did tick down,

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-33074917372937338042008-06-25T15:41:00.001-04:002008-06-25T15:43:02.291-04:00

With no surprise the Fed did not move to raise the Fed Funds & Discount Rates. They provided rhetoric that inflation remains a concern, there was on descending vote in favor of raising rates. This means we will most likely continue to see a rise in energy and food prices.Initially mortgage-backed securities were trading lower, meaning higher remortgage rates; hover within forty-five minutes of

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-73932135771901951642008-06-23T15:27:00.004-04:002008-06-23T15:29:27.671-04:00

There is no quick fix to debt reduction; this requires careful planning and implementation. CMPS professionals help you implement these three proven steps to help you achieve financial freedom and become debt-free:Develop a Debt Reduction Plan of Action:The best way to approach debt reduction is by re-examining your spending habits and the way your monthly cash flow works. This doesn't

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-60904002886633007132008-06-16T16:26:00.001-04:002008-06-16T16:27:54.945-04:00

Inflation fears kicked in last week, driving long-term mortgage rates up significantly. While the core reading of the Consumer Price Index came in at expectations, the headline number rose a stout 0.6%. Additionally, retail sales bounced up 1.0%, almost twice the rate of increase that had been anticipated. While the increase in retail sales certainly bodes well for the economy as a whole, it does

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-52407305237666548232008-06-09T10:52:00.001-04:002008-06-09T10:54:16.131-04:00

Long-term mortgage rates continued to experience some minor upward pressure last week, while short-term rates dipped a bit. The biggest news of the week was not as big as it could have been. The Labor Department reported that the unemployment rate rose to 5.5% - a jump of 0.5%. While an increase of this scale has not been reported in 33 years, the data came with a note of caution. There has been

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-20128350813332735782008-06-09T08:49:00.001-04:002008-06-09T10:52:02.725-04:00

Unless you've been living in a cave on a deserted island, you've seen the news and commentary about falling home prices. There is no doubt that the housing market has suffered over the last few years, and may continue to suffer for some time. It has been a rude awakening for most of us to see that housing prices can fluctuate like any other item that can be bought and sold. While most of the

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-63506114194685113152008-06-02T08:47:00.001-04:002008-06-02T08:49:11.187-04:00

While the economy is not looking all that much better, last week's economic news was enough to nudge mortgage rates upward. GDP came in as anticipated at 0.9%. While this number is well below what most economists would call "healthy," it was enough to cause many traders to begin unwinding recession-leaning positions. With another quarter's GDP above zero, the probability of recession becomes even

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-9790210932113113282008-05-27T08:39:00.000-04:002008-05-27T08:40:54.330-04:00

Mortgage rates spent another week moving in a relatively tight range. The minutes from the Fed's most recent meeting were released last week. The comments made it fairly clear that the Fed is done lowering rates. Most analysts now expect the Fed's next move to be an interest rate increase. There is an expectation that this latest round of rate cuts, and all of the government's effort to stimulate

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-21769525152626344462008-05-19T08:33:00.001-04:002008-05-19T08:34:45.189-04:00

Last week saw mortgage rates holding fairly steady again. Economic news continues to be mixed, with no real strong indication either for or against future growth. Retail Sales did dip 0.2% in April, but removing autos from the calculation, sales actually rose 0.5°/0. Industrial Product sank more than expected. However, Housing Starts bounded up 8.0%, rather than declining as predicted. The best

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-46541850966029454942008-05-19T08:27:00.000-04:002008-05-19T08:29:36.820-04:00

Not that long ago, the credit score was a mysterious number. Whether you were shopping for a car, a house, or a credit card, you could be told your score was too low, and you would not be able to get any financing. Alter­nately, the paperwork might be presented to you and all you had to do was sign. Rarewly would you be told your actual score. As time has gone on, and laws have been passed,

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-29553243582205800692008-05-12T08:52:00.001-04:002008-05-12T08:54:19.875-04:00

Last week, mortgage rates held steady again as the week's economic indicators continued to reveal an economy that is neither growing nor shrinking. The most positive news of the week was the ISM Services Index surprise 52.0 reading. Any reading over 50 is considered to be a sign of growth in the service segment of the economy. Analysts had expected the index to hold steady around 49.5.This week

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-38552430213579955512008-05-05T09:14:00.001-04:002008-05-05T09:15:48.706-04:00

From some perspectives, last week was a good week for economic data. While there were no clear signs that the economy is rebounding, there were some signs that this economic slump may be short-lived. GDP for the 1st quarter of 2008 came in at a meager 0.6%, which was above what many experts were predicting. More encouraging news came from the labor market. The US economy lost 20,000 jobs, again

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-72573958551860644322008-04-28T09:00:00.002-04:002008-04-28T09:03:18.202-04:00

Mortgage rates began trending higher last week, as the limited amount of economic news that came out was not as dire as expected. While the economy continues to run at a sub-par level, there is some evidence that we may not drop as far, or last as long, as some have been predicting. With inflation refusing to behave, signs of stability are increasing the chances that the Fed will stand pat on

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-87468919762353485602008-04-28T08:58:00.001-04:002008-04-28T09:00:51.936-04:00

Is it a good time to buy a home? Is the value of my house going to drop 10, 15, 25 or even 40%? Should I sell my house and move into a rental before the housing market collapses? Are we in a recession? Are mortgage rates going to continue to drop? These are a few of the questions asked of me on a daily basis these days. The omnipresent negative media hype has even had me start to wonder

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-37270744912833413382008-04-21T10:02:00.002-04:002008-04-21T10:04:50.821-04:00

Last week ended with upward pressure beginning to mount on mortgage rates. Economic news was mixed, but hinted that perhaps the downturn will not be as bad, or as long, as many had feared. Both Retail Sales and Industrial Production posted only small gains, but both faired better than expected. Both the Producer and Consumer Prices Indices revealed that inflation is still marching ahead with

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-74101359049749270732008-04-14T09:11:00.000-04:002008-04-14T09:12:52.364-04:00

Mortgage rates held mostly steady last week as markets appeared to be taking a breather while waiting for next week's onslaught of economic data.While some calm might be nice for the entire mortgage industry, we could see volatility return this week with the amount of economic data due. This week, we get insight into many segments of the economy. Retail Sales and Industrial Production numbers are

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-23796548917292133132008-04-08T13:43:00.001-04:002008-04-08T13:45:58.037-04:00

While much of the country is fixated on the problems of the overall housing market, many people are facing a much more personal issue - what to do with their own home when a change is needed. Whether it is the birth of a child, an elderly parent moving in, a job change, or just time for a change, making the decision to move or remodel is rarely an easy one. With the overall housing market not as

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-9619383583282248582008-04-07T08:28:00.001-04:002008-04-07T08:29:43.885-04:00

Mortgage rates held relatively steady for a second week with weak, but stable, economic news. While we may see some downward pressure this week from the greatest jobs loss reported in five years, the Labor Department reported a much worse than expected loss of 80,000 jobs in March. Last week's ISM Manufacturing Index ticked up slightly. While it is still below 50, which indicates contracting

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-17374686488520848932008-03-31T10:08:00.000-04:002008-03-31T10:09:45.617-04:00

After weeks of turmoil, mortgage rates were relatively stable last week with no real surprises in economic data or news. While many ideas, bills, regulations and rules were debated last week, we had a quiet week in terms of new government-related programs around housing or mortgages. GDP was left unrevised at 0.6% for the final quarter of 2007. While certainly weak, we did not slip into recession

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-60330770510321663752008-03-26T16:44:00.002-04:002008-03-26T16:49:14.785-04:00

In response to the current credit markets, the Federal National Mortgage Association, nicknamed Fannie Mae, and the Federal Home Mortgage Corporation, nicknamed Freddie Mac have implemented new credit score (FICO score) and Loan-To-Value (LTV) driven pricing. This makes pricing a loan and comparing pricing on conventional conforming loans even more difficult. Someone with a credit score as high

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-11954327814236108422008-03-24T09:15:00.002-04:002008-03-24T09:19:00.439-04:00

Long-term mortgage rates were pushed downward last week as the Fed continues to aggressively provide liquidity to the struggling credit markets. The Fed slashed interest rates again by 3/4 of a point and announced direct lending to troubled financial institutions. The Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO) also announced an initiative that should enable Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-56627843375303844562008-03-19T07:00:00.002-04:002008-03-19T08:44:42.455-04:00

The Fed just lowered the Fed Funds Rate .75% and the Discount Rate .75%. This results in the following current rates:Discount Rate 2.5%Fed Funds Rate 2.25%LIBOR 2.56%Prime 5.25%How does the Fed affect mortgage rates?Well, if you have a home equity line of credit based on Prime or short term ARMs based on LIBOR, you should see an immediate reduction in your interest rate in the coming weeks.

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-54490270148673946762008-03-17T08:34:00.001-04:002008-03-17T08:36:52.597-04:00

Last week proved to be another extremely volatile one for mortgage backed securities. Retail sales data came in lower than expected, and the Consumer Price Index held steady. Unfortunately, this data failed to move mortgage rates downward as usually expected. The culprit continues to be lack of investor interest, and the situation is unlikely to improve anytime in the immediate future. Thursday

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-91168797217234186932008-03-10T13:17:00.002-04:002008-03-10T13:21:26.000-04:00

Per the economic stimulus package, temporary conforming and FHA loan limits have been released and they are higher then we anticipated. This is for FHA and Conforming loan amounts through the end of the year:Richmond City MSA $528,750Washington DC Metro $729,750Charlottesville MSA $425,000Winchester MSA $475,000VA Beach/Norfolk MSA $428,750What this means:Lower Rates on mortgages greater than

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-68592618136951823152008-03-10T08:55:00.001-04:002008-03-10T09:02:44.533-04:00

Mortgage backed securities experienced one of the most volatile rides ever seen last week, once all was said and done rates on fixed rate mortgages were up about 0.375%. Economic news continued to be mostly sour last week with the Labor Department's Employment Report highlighting the current economic challenges. While the unemployment rate did tick downward to 4.8%, the drop was due mostly to

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-27921750319474446782008-03-06T16:32:00.001-05:002008-03-06T16:46:34.948-05:00

An Early present from HUD.About one week prior to the date required by legislation, FHA & Conforming loan limits per the economic stimulus package have been released and they are higher then we anticipated. This is for FHA and Conforming loan amounts through the end of the year:Richmond City MSA $528,750Washington DC Metro $729,750Charlottesville MSA $425,000Winchester MSA $475,000VA Beach/

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-41176359384241049732008-03-03T09:18:00.000-05:002008-03-03T09:20:06.904-05:00

Last week was another volatile one for the mortgage market. Mortgage rates marched higher for much of the week as investors continued to be hesitant about even good-quality, mortgage-backed investments. Existing and new home sales numbers again revealed that the bottom has yet to be found for the struggling housing market. Fed Chair Bernanke's comments last week regarding the Fed's increasing

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-59083054447040687922008-02-29T16:53:00.002-05:002008-02-29T16:56:47.146-05:00

With a Bridge Loan you can buy or build your dream home now, before selling your current home.A Bridge loan eliminates the need for a contingency clause, requiring the sale of your current home, you can start building or move into your new home now!Sell without the stress and maximize your cash flow.This program gives you the time you need to efficiently market and sell your current home.No need

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-76516872657709740602008-02-25T08:35:00.002-05:002008-02-25T08:37:55.644-05:00

Mortgage rates climbed higher last week on news that inflationary pressures could be heating up. The release of the minutes from the last Federal Reserve meeting also helped propel mortgage rates higher. It noted that once the economy appears to be in better shape the Fed may need to rapidly raise interest rates. While we may still dip into recession, the Fed's continued fight to add liquidity to

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-45688007043474304272008-02-18T11:28:00.000-05:002008-02-18T11:29:13.303-05:00

Cupid's arrows might have been flying around everywhere last week - but little love came calling for the Bond market. First, Retail Sales for January were far better than expected - which was good news for Stocks, but as money flowed into Stocks, and out of Bonds. Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke gave his semi-annual testimony to the Senate Banking Committee last week. While he stated that the

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-65935840311495405892008-02-14T10:57:00.003-05:002008-02-14T15:21:09.778-05:00

Fixed rate interest-only loan, home buyers choose their monthly payment and either qualify for more home, or have more cash in reserve for investment, paying down higher-cost debt, or making home improvements. This is not a negative amortization product, your principal balance will never increase!Interest-Only Loans Offer:Potential for lower monthly payments: for the first 10 years of the loan

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-24558729463665237912008-02-11T08:53:00.000-05:002008-02-11T08:56:19.357-05:00

Last week economic news was mixed, with the ISM Services Index plummeting to its lowest point in its ten-year history. However, Factory Orders ticked up nicely and weekly jobless claims dropped. While we did not get any convincing evidence one way or the other about the economy, the major economic stimulus package has passed both houses of Congress and will be signed by the President. While there

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-22866346369597875612008-02-08T16:41:00.000-05:002008-02-08T17:01:43.222-05:00

The US Senate passed an expanded version of HR 5140 – an economic stimulus package that includes a temporary increase in the conforming loan limits from $417,000 to as high as $729,750 in high cost areas. The two things you must know in order to determine if you are in a high cost area:1. You must know the formula. If 125% of the local area median home price exceeds $417,000, the temporary loan

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-3170315084556920442008-02-04T08:43:00.000-05:002008-02-04T08:44:51.483-05:00

Last week was another frenzied week for financial markets. While the debate still rages over whether we are in, or are entering into, a recession, there was plenty of ammunition for both sides in the debate. Our first look at GDP for the 4th quarter of 2007 came in at a weaker-than-expected 0.6%. Consumer Confidence dropped again, and January appears to have started with a net loss of jobs in the

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-24402763097161219842008-02-01T09:23:00.000-05:002008-02-12T12:02:29.532-05:00

In order to answer this question, it is helpful to understand the four major interest rates that are affected by the Fed:Discount Rate (currently 3.5%) - the interest rate that banks pay when they borrow money directly from the Fed. The rate has been largely symbolic in the past because banks prefer to get short term financing by:· Issuing "commercial paper" – these are short term IOUs of

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-23094440979281855262008-01-28T08:29:00.000-05:002008-01-28T08:34:02.380-05:00

In what should have been a quiet week for financial markets, turmoil reined. The Fed started the holiday-shortened week by slashing the Fed Funds rate to 3.5% from 4.25%. The official position was that the move was in response to the weakening economy, but there may have been another reason. A rogue trader in one of France's largest financial institutions orchestrated a $7 billion fraud. The

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-62526114540013027422008-01-23T10:59:00.000-05:002008-01-23T11:00:48.572-05:00

Yesterday in a surprise move, acting over growing concerns of the US economy possibly moving towards recession, which resulted in crashing world stock markets yesterday, the Fed today has cut down interest rates to 3.5 from 4.25, the largest rate cut move since 1990. Also, the discount rate was lowered by 75 bps to 4%. Market response to this action has not been typical of other Fed rate cuts.

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-34016955446869205302008-01-21T08:27:00.001-05:002008-01-21T08:28:31.640-05:00

Mortgage rates dropped to near three-year lows last week with economic data continuing to point to a slowing economy and inflation data revealing a nearly stable inflationary environment. This should allow the Fed to drop interest rates again at the end of the month. Note that while there is clear evidence that the rate of economic growth has slowed, we do not appear to be in a recession. The

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-84975203600222823822008-01-14T08:41:00.000-05:002008-01-14T17:51:00.393-05:00

by Paul CantorWith very little economic data last week, mortgage rates continued to move downward after the previous week's lackluster employment report. The Federal Reserve's recent moves, in conjunction with several other countries' central banks' actions, are beginning to have a positive impact on interest rates. The Fed has already announced additional funding for its short-term auction

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-13277254619516419592008-01-09T10:01:00.000-05:002008-01-09T10:09:13.779-05:00

Planning on building your dream home or renovating your existing home? Construction-to-Permanent Loan is a single loan for both construction and your permanent mortgage.• Provides a single approval and closing for the three stagesof construction:1.Land Acquisition2.Construction Financing3.Conversion into a permanent home loan• No need to re-qualify for the permanent loan whenconstruction is

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-62386143594876495472008-01-07T08:16:00.000-05:002008-01-07T08:18:13.096-05:00

After months of appearing to be only marginally affected by housing and credit challenges, both manufacturing and the labor market began to show signs of stress in December. The ISM Manufacturing Index came in at 47.7. Readings below 50.0 indicate that manufacturing is very likely to be contracting. The Employment report was also disappointing with a surge in the unemployment rate from 4.7°/0 to

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-14170682548890572762008-01-04T12:48:00.000-05:002008-01-04T13:11:36.715-05:00

Annual Mortgage Check-Upby Paul Cantor http://www.PaulCantor.com/Like an annual physical with a family physician, it is a good idea to perform an annual physical of a mortgage. For most a mortgage is the most important dent and when managed properly it is a an asset. When performing a mortgage check-up an experienced mortgage planner will look at a persons whole financial picture and in many

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-41168970916739881412008-01-02T09:08:00.000-05:002008-01-02T09:09:57.554-05:00

A boom for the Richmond housing Market. The Richmond Times Dispatch reported this morning the results of a Manpower survey that the creation of new jobs will be strong in the first quarter of 2008. Thirty percent of the companies surveyed indicated they will increase the number of employees while only thirteen percent plan to eliminate some jobs. This news is a very good sign for the Richmond

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-56317687350867045502007-12-30T21:17:00.000-05:002007-12-30T21:29:01.578-05:00

Weekly Mortgage Rate Commentary - Week of December 30, 2007After enduring days and weeks on end of extreme market volatility. And Like the many weeks before ;ast week was one of extreme volatility, events in Pakistan brought on even more volatile moves in the markets. There is global concern over the possibility that the Pakistani government may become destabilized - and if this should happen,

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-40385994172743183162007-12-28T12:28:00.000-05:002007-12-28T12:30:35.350-05:00

Financial market history will show 2007, as the year of the Mortgage Market Meltdown, with a similar impact as t that of the Savings and Loan Crisis of the 1980s and the Dot Com bubble of 2001. Collateral damage, mortgage market meltdown, subprime crisis, credit crunch, distressed debt, ratings downgrades, and rate freezes are terms that we’ve been seeing hearing and reading in the mainstream

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-88518804704475915542007-12-27T11:42:00.000-05:002007-12-27T11:55:05.463-05:00

from the CMPS instituteThe mortgage planning process is different than the typical "shopping for a mortgage" experience.The typical shopping for a mortgage experience includes:Wasting your valuable time trying to save $25/month by comparing rates, fees and closing costs among different lenders. Wasting your valuable time trying to baby-sit the mortgage company you’ve reluctantly chosen to work

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-74903435136509095932007-12-27T11:14:00.000-05:002007-12-27T11:53:48.008-05:00

Your credit scores usually determine the price you pay for your money (your mortgages, your auto loans and leases, your credit cards, business loans, etc.).Perhaps the most significant part of your credit report is your credit score. Credit scores range from 350 to 850, with 850 being the best possible credit score that you could receive, and 350 being the worst possible credit score. There are

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919806329943445724.post-5976544036229817992007-12-26T14:21:00.000-05:002007-12-26T14:38:37.807-05:00

A mortgage is a debt that is secured by real estate. Mortgages play a large role in the financial markets. When used properly mortgages go beyond the role of providing a way to achieve the American Dream of home ownership: They provide a means of wealth creation, a low cost method of reducing cash outflows, among a host of other benefits.Mortgages help people manage their lives more effectively.

Paul Cantorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017304408113119565noreply@blogger.com