Government programs helping to rebuild after natural disasters Natural disasters, like the storms and devastating wildfires, do far more damage than destroying people’s property and lives. They also disrupt local municipal budgets.   Some might say, local bureaucracy is far less important than people’s homes and possessions. These local governments are responsible for: police and fire protection schools roads and…

Does the Fed set mortgage rates? Simple answer: no. The Fed Open Market Committee (FOMC) met this week to decide what they would do with the Federal Funds Rate. This is the rate at which banks and credit unions lend money to each other overnight, from their reserve balances. The Federal Reserve influences the rate at which they lend this money…

Natural disasters bring out the scammers For every natural disaster, such as the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey, there are hundreds of scammers emerging from under their damp rocks, seeking to profit from the misery of others.   Here are some of the most commons scams, and how to avoid falling prey to them: Fake rental listings At this writing,…

Watch Out for Fake Home Ads With ever-rising rents, scammers are targeting desperate would-be renters through the popular classified ad website, Craigslist. It is important to watch out for fake home ads more than ever.   Variations of scam with a goal to separate unsuspecting people from their money. Here are a few of the most common:   Credit report scam…

Mortgages are About to Get a Little Easier A change in FICO score reporting and loosening of lender qualifying standards are about to open for many hopeful home buyers. It’s no secret that a low credit score can keep a would-be borrower from qualifying for a home loan. Lenders look first to that critical three-digit number to decide whether to…