The Debt Deal Keeps the Stimulus Rolling

The government’s back up and running, and a newly struck deal on the debt crisis has headed off a default. Now, though, comes the fallout from the 16-day shutdown, as the dollar hovers near its lowest point in eight months and the Federal Reserve ponders what to do...

Qualified Mortgage Rule Changes Benefit Investors

The Qualified Mortgage Rule – a piece of the Dodd Frank Act designed to prevent another mortgage meltdown like the one in 2008 – has drawn fire from the mortgage industry and consumer advocates alike. And as we’ve noted before in this space, it offers a mixed message...

Is the Housing Recovery On Shaky Ground?

The advent of “Septaper” – the Federal Reserve’s September taper down of its stimulus plan –seems to send a vote of confidence about the long awaited recovery of the housing market. But some market observers and economists worry that the recovery may not be as solid...

Are You Ready for “Septaper”?

August is winding down, and investors and financial gurus – not to mention the little guys holding residential mortgages – are warily eyeing the advent of “Septaper.” the media’s dreadful new name for the Federal Reserve’s promised drawing down of its massive mortgage...

Rent First, Buy Later: Retirees Test the Waters

The pool of people choosing to rent rather than buy a home is growing, driven by changes in some key demographic groups such as retirees and millennials. But there’s another kind of renter, seen both at home and in expatriate communities abroad: people –...