Fannie Mae economists are forecasting two more quarter-point interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve this year, expecting that the Fed will move to cut rates in September and again in December.  That could bode well for lowering mortgage rates for the remainder of the year.  Even though the Fed's short-term interest rate does not have a direct … [Read more...]

A recent study by Move.org ranked the 75 largest U.S. cities based on affordability.  St. Louis ranked number 19 with an average monthly cost of living of $1,632.49.  The affordability list is lead by El Paso, Texas at number 1 with an average monthly cost of $1,182.96.  On the other end of the list is San Francisco with an average monthly cost of … [Read more...]

The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) is commending the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for finalizing the new Federal Housing Authority(FHA) condominium loan policies.  The Changes, many which NAR has championed for over a decade, should yield thousands of new homeownership opportunities and help alleviate affordability … [Read more...]

This week's stock market chaos began on Monday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunging more than 700 points as trade disputes with China intensified.  The turmoil in the markets will likely lead to new lows for mortgage rates this week, but it could come at a cost and eventually lead to an economic recession if tensions continue, warned … [Read more...]

Voting opens for our 2020 St. Charles REALTORS Officers and Directors and the 2020 Officers and Directors of the St. Charles REALTORS COMMERCIAL DIVISION on Monday, August 26th at 8:00 am.  Voting will be open on-line at www.StCharlesREALTORS.com and at REALTOR Headquarters.  Voting will close on September 10th at 10:00 am.  Voting will be open … [Read more...]

Despite mortgage rates dipping below 4%, more jobs filled than ever before, and record-high consumer net worth, existing home sales turned south in June, running at a pace similar to 2015 levels, the National Association of REALTORS reported Tuesday.  While economic indicators portend a strong housing market, low supply on the lower end--which … [Read more...]

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Cincinnati city officials have settled with the real estate agent and prospective buyer who were handcuffed and accused of breaking and entering a listing via lockbox.  Real Estate prop Jerry Isham and his client Anthonty Edwards had filed a lawsuit in federal court last week over the wrongful arrests that occurred on Nov. 17, 2018 CLICK TO READ … [Read more...]

A decline in global growth and low housing inventory contributed to a drop in foreign investment in U.S. residential real estate over the past year. This is according to  an annual survey of residential purchases from international buyers, released today by the National Association of REALTORS, which found that foreign buyers purchased fewer U.S. … [Read more...]