Home purchase demand increases
For the third straight week, demand for refinance and home purchases increased. The Mortgage Bankers Association said that its index tracking mortgage applications rose 1.7 percent for the week ending May 4. The share of refinance activity came in at 72.1 percent, down from 72.6 percent the week before. Record low mortgage rates have accounted for the busy refinance activity.
In March, U.S. trade deficit expands
In March, the U.S. trade gap reversed course and expanded to $51.8 billion, about $2 billion over expectations. The number grew after the February deficit shrunk to $45.8 billion. The gap expanded due to a strong 5.2 percent increase in imports (following a 2.8 percent drop the month before), indicating a greater demand for consumer goods, autos and industrial supplies. Exports rose 2.9 percent during this same time, led by industrial supplies and capital goods.
What are the statutes of limitation?
Every claim in a civil case has to be filed within certain time periods or deadlines known as statutes of limitation. Generally speaking, if these deadlines are missed, then the lawsuit is barred and the claim is lost. So making sure you know which time periods apply and ensuring that your case is filed on time are extremely important considerations. Continue reading for these specifics: Read more 
Mortgage Matters Q & A: Why should I choose a broker over a bank?
Question: My older brother says don’t bother going to a mortgage broker”when you can go straight to the bank. Cut out the middle man, because you won’t get much of a better deal. He said that mortgage brokers are better used for difficult situations, like loans that involve damaged credit. What do you think? Read more
Mortgage Matters Notebook – March/April Economy Update
Last week was an eventful one, as economic indicators from March and April gave mixed messages about the economy. Among the positives – manufacturing, falling oil prices, household spending and income, and certain employment reports. Among the negatives – factory orders, home ownership, and certain employment reports. Read more
San Luis Obispo Mortgage Rate Update – May 7, 2012
Interest rates continue their downward march (pun intended). Since the end of March, rate costs have dropped a point and a half for the 30-year fixed, which translates to a 1.0% drop in APR and thousands of savings in closing costs. The 15-year fixed has shown similar improvements. For more on the savings possibility of a lower rate, see our posts about reducing monthly payments and long-term interest savings.
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Mortgage Matters Radio: May 5, 2012
Make sure you tune in to catch Mortgage Matters this Saturday (May 5) from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on KVEC 920. We will have State Farm agent Susan Rodriguez on the show to talk insurance. If you would like to hear an archive of our show last week with Cal Poly Professor Eric Fisher, click HERE. The show included an updated discussion of “where we are” with the recovery, and we highly recommend that you check it out.
Plants that Clean the Air
Traditional and native cultures used the healing power of plants and trees such as bay, oak, fir and juniper for all sorts of medicinal purposes, including dental care. Twigs from certain trees contain oils which stimulate blood circulation and tannins that tighten and cleanse gum tissue—they can even infuse Vitamin C. Here is something else plants can do – cleanse the air in your home from harmful chemicals. Read more
Mortgage Matters April 28: Professor Eric Fisher
We were pleased to have Cal Poly economics professor Eric Fisher back on the show this week. If you pay attention to the media on the daily basis, it is easy to get bogged down on “breaking news”, which seems extremely important until the next piece of “breaking news” hits. With an expert of Professor Fisher’s quality, we get a longer-term view, and a logical, well-thought out analysis of the economy. Enjoy. Read more
Dow at Highest Level Since 2007
A better-than-expected manufacturing report has helped bring the Dow up to highs last seen in December 2007. The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) April index rose 1.4 points to 54.8. The reading showed strong production orders and employment growth. Even more surprising, export orders were very strong and increasing in volume. Overall, the report points to accelerating growth. Read more