Frank Woodard, The Step Group DRE # 00657762

This week (1/26-2/1) rates are down once again and hitting some lows we haven’t seen in a while. Lots of economic news that had Bond and Stock Market moving potential with the Fed meeting, GDP, inflation, and housing data. The Stock Market was volatile and down overall for the week. The Federal Reserve left rates unchanged, as expected. The first look at 4th quarter GDP was released and came in at 2.1%. The preliminary full year figure was reported at 2.3%. This does not indicate we’re heading into a recession. Inflation stayed muted and that is good for mortgage rates. Mortgage rates are low so if you are thinking about purchasing this is a great time!

January 4th, 2020 - Stocks are hitting new record highs while oil prices surged on the confirmed killing of Soleimani. The Feds December meeting showed no surprises and a stable Fed Funds Rate with a forecasted inflation rate unchanged at 2%. Mortgage rates are expected to remain low and that is great news for the 2020 housing market. The O.C. housing market remains hot for homes under one million dollars, but we probably won’t see much appreciation this year as buyers are... remaining cautious. All and all it should be a great year for real estate in the O.C. If you have any interest in selling, buying or investing in real estate give me a call at 714-348-1831. Frank Woodard, Esq. Broker Associate, The Step Group DRE # 00657762, Keller Williams Real Estate DRE #01898399

If you are thinking of selling your house, make sure the Realtor you choose gets it staged! Realtors are in little doubt of the value of staging a home according to a recent NAR survey. It found that an overwhelming 83% of buyers’ agents say that staging helps clients to visualize a property as their home and 53% of sellers’ agents say that staging can decrease the time a home takes to sell (25% say it greatly decreases time, 28% say it slightly decreases time). In addition, ...44% of buyers' agents say that staging a home increased the financial offer on a home, with some suggesting as much as 12%; but 29% said it has no impact on dollar value; and 1% felt that staging has a negative impact on a home's dollar value. A similar share of sellers’ agents also say that staging a home increases the financial offer, but none reported a negative impact from home staging. "Buying a house is more than a financial decision; it is an emotional decision as well. Buyers aren't just making an investment in a property, they are purchasing a place to call home; to raise their children; to begin a new chapter; or to retire to a new season of life," said NAR President John Smaby. Source: Realtor.com See more

Mortgage rates are down slightly and are the lowest we’ve seen in 3 years! Lot of Stock Market volatility this week and this should help the bond market. It looks like the Fed has decided that it holds too many Mortgage Bonds and are allowing them to roll off its balance sheet without reinvesting back into Bonds. With rates being low it is a good time to buy, sell or refinance.... If you have any interest in buying, selling or investing in real estate please give me a call at 714-348-1831 or email me at [email protected] Frank Woodard, Esq. Keller Williams Realty, The Step Group DRE # 00657762 714-348-1831 (cell)

For the week ending 6/8/2019 mortgage rates are the best we have seen since 2017, about 60 basis points below last year at this time. This interest rate decline was driven by the 10-year Treasury Bond dropping below its historically support level to keep rates low. While actual job creation was significantly below anticipated job creation, 75,000 vs 180,000 unemployment remains at historically low rates and average hourly earnings continue to rise. In summary, rates are low and with the Fed’s thinking about interest rate cuts now is the time to buy or sell. If you are thinking about selling, buying or inventing in real estate call me at 714-348-1831 or email me at [email protected]