Current Mortgage Rates Finish the Week Slightly Lower

As anticipated, mortgage rates stayed in a fairly tight range this week. There was some action on Wednesday, but the markets recovered and mortgage rates moved into the weekend close to where they were on Monday. Read on for more details.

Where are mortgage rates going?                                

Rates finish a touch lower

At the start of the week, it seemed as though mortgage rates would remain in the narrow range that they’ve been in for the couple of months. That projection bore itself out as current mortgage rates are only a couple basis points below where they were on Monday.

We did get a significant reaction in the bond market on Wednesday, with the yield on the 10-year Treasury note having its biggest single day drop in a month.

Still, it was only a decline of 5.5 basis points, which underscores the notion that there hasn’t been many big swings as of late. Mortgage rates typically follow in the footsteps of the 10-year yield, which is why we saw rates move lower.

Also of note this week was the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS). It showed that current mortgage rates moved lower for fourth time in the last five weeks. Here are the numbers:

• The average rate on the 30-year fixed rate mortgage fell two basis points to 4.55% (0.5 points)
• The average rate on the 15-year fixed rate mortgage remained flat at 4.04% (0.5)
• The average rate on the 5-year adjustable rate mortgage rose four basis points to 3.87% (0.3)

Here is what the Freddie Mac Economic and Housing Research Group had to say about mortgage rates this week:

“Mortgage rates declined over the past week and have now retreated in four of the past five weeks.

The decrease in borrowing costs are a nice slice of relief for prospective buyers looking to get into the market this summer. Some are undoubtedly feeling the affordability hit from swift price appreciation and mortgage rates that are still 67 basis points higher than this week a year ago.

As highlighted in our June Forecast, the economy and housing market overall are on solid footing this summer, which should support continued strength in housing demand. Home price growth is still high, but is expected to moderate, and while sales activity has slowed, it’s primarily because of stubbornly low supply.”

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Rate/Float Recommendation              

Lock before rates rise           

Mortgage rates have remained in this close range for the past couple of months, and could stay here for a little while longer. However, the Federal Reserve is expected to raise the nation’s benchmark interest rates at least two more times this year, so it’s extremely likely that we will see mortgage rates finishing out the year at levels much higher than they are right now.

Given this expectation, we believe that the smart decision for most borrowers is to lock in a rate on a purchase or refinance sooner rather than later.

Learn what you can do to get the best interest rate possible.  

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Notable events this week:     

Monday:   

• Chicago Fed National Activity Index
• New Home Sales
• Dallas Fed Mfg Survey

Tuesday:   

• S&P Corelogic Case-Shiller HPI
• Consumer Confidence
• Richmond Fed Manufacturing Index
• State Street Investor Confidence Index
• Fedspeak

Wednesday:         

• Durable Goods Orders
• International Trade in Goods
• Pending Home Sales Index
• EIA Petroleum Status Report
• Fedspeak

Thursday:     

• GDP
• Jobless Claims
• Fedspeak

Friday:          

• Personal Income and Outlays
• Chicago PMI
• Consumer Sentiment

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*Terms and conditions apply.

from Total Mortgage Blog https://ift.tt/2KDAQDG

Simple Care Tips for the Bathroom Sink

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

At the end of a long day, all we want to do is relax in our comfort zone. However, a home with a dingy bathroom isn’t exactly what we have in mind when we think of comfort, right? Have a pristine, hotel-like bathroom by practicing these tips:

Photo by Dan Watson on Unsplash

Keep your sink from getting scratched
Avoid abrasive cleaners, which can scratch your sink. Those scratches become magnets for grease, soap scum and dirt. Scrubbing the sink with a solution of 1 tablespoon ammonia to 1 gallon of water will dissolve them and bring back your sink’s shine. A solution of 1 teaspoon of trisodium phosphate to a gallon of water effectively removes grease and soap scum build up as well. Also known as TSP, trisodium phosphate, a degreasing agent, can be found at most hardware stores in white powder form. Source: HomeGuides.SFGate

Maintain a clean sink
Regularly wash your sink with soap and water. You can prevent dirt and stains from building up in the first place by gently washing your sink after every use. Use a little dish soap and a soft, non-abrasive sponge, and rinse thoroughly with clean water.  Source: WikiHow

Remove stains right away
De-stain surfaces with lemon juice. We’ve got a sure remedy for stained sinks: Erase those spots with a paste made of one-half cup of powdered borax and the juice of one-half lemon. Dab a sponge in the mixture, rub, and rinse with running water—it’ll work like a charm whether your sink is made of porcelain enamel, stainless steel, or any other material.

Get rid of mineral deposits
Use vinegar on your lime. The white spots that you have so much trouble cleaning off the faucets are lime deposits from mineral-rich hard water. They’re very easy to remove with a secret ingredient that’s already in your pantry: vinegar. Soak a paper towel in vinegar, and wrap the towel around the spotted area. Wait 10 minutes and then buff with a dry paper towel. This works well on all fixtures except brass or colored fixtures; using vinegar on these surfaces may discolor them. Source: RD

Our selection of trendy ceramic sinks will surely fit your budget and needs. Take a look and call us if you need any assistance.

 

Contact:
Perfect Bath
Phone: Toll Free 1-866-843-1641
Calgary, Alberta
Email: info@perfectbath.com

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Cleaning Tips for Stubborn Toilet Stains

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

Are you finding it difficult to remove ring stains in your toilet? With the following ingredients, you’ll have plenty of effective solutions to choose from.

Image Source: Flickr

Coca-Cola
Get rid of stubborn toilet bowl stains with a 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola. Pour the full can around the rim of your toilet so it coats the toilet bowl and let the soda sit for an hour. The acid in the Coca-Cola will break down the stains. After an hour, scrub the bowl with a toilet brush and flush. Source: BrightNest

Vinegar
Most people reach for bleach to obliterate toilet germs and stains. However, Green living expert Mark Lallanilla says that plain old white vinegar is not only an effective cleaner, but also safer than chlorine bleach. To eliminate hard water stains, soak toilet paper in vinegar and place directly on top of the stain. Let the vinegar-soaked paper sit overnight. The next morning, flush to rinse and the stains should be gone.

Lallanilla says that full-strength vinegar also works great on grout and caulk. Use a spray bottle to saturate the area and let it soak in for at least an hour before rinsing. Source: TheSpruce

Water softener
Often times stubborn toilet bowl rings are directly the result of hard water deposits. While you can always take some time to clean the ring after it appears, it is usually better to stop the problem from ever forming in the first place. If you can afford to do it, install a water softener in your home and have it maintained properly. This should reduce a large number of water related problems not just in the bathroom, but throughout the rest of the house as well. Source: Cleaning.Tips

Borax powder
Borax powder is a very powerful cleaning agent that’s not found in a supermarket, but in a hardware store. Shut the water supply to the toilet tank and empty the bowl by flushing it once. Sprinkle the powder directly on the stains and rub them with a toilet brush. After scrubbing, let the powder sit for thirty minutes. Then reconnect the water supply to the tank and flush the toilet. Source: Home.HowStuffWork

Why not replace your toilet with top-of-the-line quality and design that still fits your budget? Choose from the ones we have on our website or call us for assistance!

 

Contact:
Perfect Bath
Phone: Toll Free 1-866-843-1641
Calgary, Alberta
Email: info@perfectbath.com

The post Cleaning Tips for Stubborn Toilet Stains appeared first on Perfect Bath Canada.

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Current Mortgage Rates for Monday, June 25, 2018

Mortgage rates have remained in a tight range for the past couple of months now, however, the scales are still tipped in favor of a push higher in the coming months.

It might not happen at the pace that analysts had projected at the beginning of the year, but with the Fed planning on raising the federal funds rate a couple more times this year, it’s reasonable to expect mortgage rates will rise. Read on for more details.

Where are mortgage rates going?                                

Rates avoiding a sustained rise for now

Mortgage rates have proved over the last few weeks just how difficult it can be to judge where the market will go. In the beginning of the year, we saw a sharp jump up in rates that seemed as though it would persist for the duration of the year.

Instead, we’ve seen rates hit several speed bumps that have slowed the climb. In the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS), mortgage rates have now declined in three out of the last four weeks.

The average rate on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage moved down five basis points to 4.57% this week. We’re still fairly close to the highest reading of the year, which was 4.66% at the end of May.

Even though the push higher for rates has been somewhat tempered recently, the stage is still set for rates to finish out the year much higher than where they are now.

By all accounts, the Federal Reserve is still on track to raise the nation’s benchmark interest rate, the federal funds rate, at least two more times this year.

That would certainly put some upward pressure on mortgage rates, potentially bringing the average rate on the 30-year fixed rate mortgage up near 5.00%.

However, in the near-term we could remain in this narrow range that we’ve been in for the past couple of months for a while longer. The Fed isn’t expected to make any moves until September, so it’s up to other market and political events to move the needle in the interim.

Given the ongoing trade drama with China, it’s unclear when investors will feel comfortable enough to take on more risk and send money out of bonds and into stocks.

This affects mortgage rates because long-term government bonds, particularly the 10-year Treasury note, have a substantial impact on the direction of mortgage rates. Recently, the 10-year yield has moved lower, resulting in a slide for mortgage rates.

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Rate/Float Recommendation              

Lock before rates rise           

Mortgage rates have mad a little push lower recently, so right now is a great time to lock in a rate on a purchase or refinance. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that you’ll wind up getting a higher rate on your home loan.

Learn what you can do to get the best interest rate possible.  

Today’s economic data:         

Chicago Fed National Activity Index

It’s a miss for the Chicago Fed National Activity Index which came in at a -0.15 for the month of May, compared to the 0.37 that analysts had expected. That brings the three month average down to a 0.18.

New Home Sales

• 10am

Dallas Fed Mfg Survey

• 10:30am

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Notable events this week:     

Monday:   

• Chicago Fed National Activity Index
• New Home Sales
• Dallas Fed Mfg Survey

Tuesday:   

• S&P Corelogic Case-Shiller HPI
• Consumer Confidence
• Richmond Fed Manufacturing Index
• State Street Investor Confidence Index
• Fedspeak

Wednesday:         

• Durable Goods Orders
• International Trade in Goods
• Pending Home Sales Index
• EIA Petroleum Status Report
• Fedspeak

Thursday:     

• GDP
• Jobless Claims
• Fedspeak

Friday:          

• Personal Income and Outlays
• Chicago PMI
• Consumer Sentiment

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*Terms and conditions apply.

from Total Mortgage Blog https://ift.tt/2KjSUFF

Three Players The Celtics Can Move Up For During The NBA Draft

Boston Celtics have secured the services of one new player so far in the NBA draft and the team is still in the market for more players. The club speaking via the Director of Player Personnel, Austin Ainge stated that it’s very much busy in the market looking to secure the signatures of several players [...]

The post Three Players The Celtics Can Move Up For During The NBA Draft appeared first on Boston Sports Then & Now.

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Current Mortgage Rates for Monday, June 18, 2018

Here we go with another week. Mortgage rates are holding steady as we kick things off, which is a trend that could persist for the entirety of the week as there’s very little significant economic data out to stir up the pot. Read on for more details.

Where are mortgage rates going?                              

Rates poised to stay near current levels for now

If you’re getting a little tired of hearing about the escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China, you’re forgiven.

It seems that for the past month this story has ebbed and flowed in and out of the news headlines, and it’s somewhat difficult to muster up the same excitement for it as the first time it appeared.

However, we did get a hard development on Friday when President Donald Trump approved tariffs of 25% on nearly $50 billion of Chinese goods. This caused officials in Beijing to take retaliatory measures against the U.S. equaling the same value.

Financial market participants reacted by moving money more into the perceived safety of government bonds, pushing Treasury yields lower.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury note, which is the best market indicator of where mortgage rates are going, is currently at 2.91%.

There have been some slight adjustments here and there but overall that yield has remained around 2.90% for all of June. Mortgage rates typically move in the same direction as the 10-year yield, and while we’ve seen mortgage rates bounce around a little more than the 10-year yield, they’ve still remained in a fairly tight range this spring.

Looking at the economic calendar for this week, there’s really no major economic reports that could send rates sprawling up or down. It’s more likely than not that the political realm will play more of an influence.

There are also several speaking engagements from Federal Reserve officials, and it will be interesting to hear what they have to say after last week’s FOMC decision to raise the nation’s benchmark interest rate by a quarter-point.

So what does all of this mean for mortgage rates this week? In all likelihood, mortgage rates will continue to hover around current levels over the next five days.

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Rate/Float Recommendation             

Lock before rates rise         

Mortgage rates have been hanging around a fairly tight range for the past few weeks and could very well continue to do so over the next several trading sessions.

However, the Federal Reserve did raise the federal funds rate last week and could potentially follow through with two more increases this year. That sets the stage for mortgage rates to finish out the year at levels that are much higher than where they are now.

For this reason, we are recommending that anyone looking to purchase a new home or refinance their current mortgage should try to lock in a rate sooner rather than later.

Learn what you can do to get the best interest rate possible.  

Today’s economic data:         

Fedspeak

• Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic at 1:00pm
• San Francisco Fed President John Williams at 4:00pm

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Notable events this week:     

Monday:   

• Fedspeak

Tuesday:   

• Fedspeak
• Housing Starts

Wednesday:         

• Existing Home Sales
• EIA Petroleum Status Report

Thursday:     

• Jobless Claims
• Philadelphia Fed Business Outlook Survey
• FHFA House Price Index

Friday:          

• PMI Composite Flash

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*Terms and conditions apply.

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Sneaky Tips To Make Your Bathroom Appear Great

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

 

The home is the place where the real peace of the world lies. People dream to have a beautiful space. The accommodation is the identical address of all those mesmerizing satisfactions. Every corner of the abode carries the special importance. Likewise, the kitchen, the bedroom, the balcony, the bathroom is also an integral part of the home. The bathroom directly relates the grounds of the impression it leaves. Bathrooms are no more the mere functional units as before. Nowadays every person pays the same attention to the bathroom as well while building their dwellings. The designing of the bathroom with the hearty efforts is emerging in the form of trending recognition. Well, the ways to keep in mind for the purpose of making the bathroom indeed incredible are as follows.

 

Making the selection of perfect toilet seats

The toilet is the most basic entity of the when it comes about the designing of beautiful bathrooms. There are several toilet seats available in the market, which redefine the ease and comfort perfectly. The interesting look of these toilet seats adds to the real feel of your bathroom. Kohler k-1.2 8 GPF comes in the category of best toilet seats. For more ravishing options regarding the selection of toilet seats, one can visit crushreviews.com. Making the selection of perfect toilet sets is must to create a delightful bathroom.

 

Dazzling Lights

 

The placement of bright lights works as the soul of the bathroom because lighting weaves the texture of the bathroom. Apart from the point of view of the appearance of the bathroom the light is essential for another purpose also such as shaving or applying the makeup. So, the proper assimilation of lighting is a big factor for serving the ideal end to the bathroom. This is the reason behind mentioning the dazzling lights as an effective tip for providing the praiseworthy look to the bathroom.

 

The appealing plumbing system

The plumbing system compiles to the basic functioning of the bathroom. It grabs the eyes of the enterer firstly. The fixation of the splendid plumbing accessories generates the adorable outlook of the bathroom. So, the decision for choosing the plumbing components must be taken wisely. For maintaining the striking likeness of the bathroom, it is just to put a brief check on favorable plumbing segment. So, the appealing plumbing system incorporates the major significance for the bathroom.

 

Smart spacing

Always keep in mind that a bathroom looks spacious only when it is tested with the tactics of smart spacing. This falls in the brook of valuable tips for constructing the irresistible bathrooms. This leads to using the corners of the bathrooms with the installation of storage brackets. The essence of following such tip is that it produces the sense of extra inner space. This makes to look bathroom even bigger. Smart spacing is the composite technique of fabricating the fabulous fascination of the bathroom.

The above mentioned are some salient suggestions for making the look of a bathroom by far more interesting. Well, the bathroom is worth of these cherishing outlines to soothe the eyes of the beholder.

 

Contributed by: Perfectbath.com Experts in Bathroom Design and bathroom fixtures

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How Do Waterless Toilets Work?

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

 

The concept of waterless toilets might sound outdated, right? Well, if you picture that traditional outdoor structure, then it might. But in reality, a waterless toilet is actually a modern household appliance that greatly helps save on water. In some parts of the globe, developing countries, for instance, water comes off as a luxury that cannot afford to be flushed down the drain. It should be used in moderation instead, a practice which is greatly aided by the use of waterless toilets.

 

As an alternative to the common flush toilet, a waterless toilet can equally provide sanitation and better still, do so on minimal infrastructure. The greatest benefit, of course, being the water conservation part. Normally, they are not connected to the sewage system, and the waste is not sent to a treatment plant. Instead, as the toilet owner, you will have to take care of it on your own, by composting. With the current designs, these toilets provide a hygienic way of recycling human waste. They are several types of these toilets to choose from, and a comprehensive list can be found on homeworthylist.com.

Why Waterless Toilets?

Apart from the obvious reason of saving on water, these toilets also come with other numerous benefits. They are incredibly flexible as they can be conveniently put up whenever there is a need. They are easy to install and repair in case of damages. You can click this link to find out more about the best repair kits for your toilet.

 

Here is a list of key benefits of waterless toilets:

Water Conservation

These toilets, unlike flush toilets, do not require water in the disposal of human waste. They are ideal for those in areas faced with frequent water shortages. Additionally, they help to cut down on water costs, which could otherwise be high with the use of flush toilets.

Reduced Odor

Most waterless toilets feature a smart ventilation system design that enables a reduction in odor. As a result, there is no need for chemicals, in the name of detergents to help keep the bad smell away.

Eco-Friendly

Wastes from these toilets can be safely recycled. Composting toilets convert human waste into compost that can be used in the garden. It eliminates the need for waste treatment which usually involves harmful chemicals that are eventually released into water bodies.

How Waterless Toilets Operate

Waterless toilets work in a smart way to hygienically convert human waste into compost. As the waste collects into the separate collection chamber, usually located below the toilet pedestal, air is fanned through to speed up composting. The air also helps fan way bad odor. Any liquid accompanying the waste is separated into a small trench where it is eventually evaporated by the fanning action.

 

These toilets can be purchased together with a greywater treatment system to conveniently integrate an on-site wastewater management system. They are quite a number of manufactured waterless toilets, composting toilets in particular, with different features as explained below:

Types of Composting Toilets

Batch Composting Toilets

Just as the name suggests, this system facilitates waste composting in batches. They come with several composting chambers, at least two, that are used alternately. As soon as one is filled, it is replaced with the second one. The filled one is left to compost to maturity before the compost is used in the garden. When fully emptied, it can then be used to replace the second one when full, and the process goes on and on.

Continuous Composting Toilets

This system features one large composting chamber that allows for a continuous composting process. As the waste is converted into compost, the older material settles at the bottom and is easily accessed and removed through the access hatch.

Hybrid Composting Toilets

This composting system combines the processes of both the batch and continuous composting toilets. The collecting chamber, when full, feeds the finishing tray at the base, where composting takes place. The mature compost is removed and used in the garden as the new batch is again fed into the finishing tray by the rotating handle.

 

Waterless toilets are an ideal alternative to flush toilets, especially for those in areas frequently affected by water shortages. They greatly help reduce water consumption and still provide sanitation by hygienically managing human waste. Composting toilets convert human waste into compost that can be used in the garden. They eliminate the need for waste treatment which usually comes with negative environmental implications.

 

Contributed by: Perfectbath.com  foremost experts in bathroom fixtures and bathroom design.

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What Should You Send a VC Before Your Meeting?

Tips on Creating an Eco-Friendly Bathroom

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

Every single effort counts when it comes to taking care of the environment. Start practicing environmentally-safe habits right at home by choosing to do the following tips:

Photo by Icons8 team on Unsplash

Buy a low-flow toilet
Toilets use approximately 27% of the water consumed in your home — more than any other appliances or plumbing — including the washing machine, dishwasher and shower. Replacing your old toilet with a low-flow model is a great place to start when greening your bathroom. Newer homes will boast more efficient low-flow toilets installed by their contractor, but those found in older homes can use up to a whopping 7 gallons per flush. While low-flow toilets used to get a bad rap for boasting a less than desirable flush, sometimes requiring users to hit the handle twice, modern low-flow toilets provide ample flushing power while still using just a fraction of the water. Source: Inhabitat

Install aerators
One of the easiest, most cost-effective water conservation measures you can make is the addition of aerators to faucets. These devices, retailing for less than $5, screw onto the faucet head and add air to lower water flow from 2 to 4 gpm down to 1 gpm, but still provide a feeling of high water pressure. Source: AngiesList

Use organic towels
Next time you have to replace your bath towels, choose organic cotton. Conventional cotton is one of the most water-intensive and polluting crops on the planet. Don’t go out and replace your perfectly good old towels with organic ones, though. The lowest-impact choice you can make is to buy nothing. But when your old towels are starting to fall apart, go organic. Source: Care2

Switch to a tankless water heater
Replacing a tanked water heater with a tankless model will reduce the amount of energy consumed and the cost to heat water. A tankless water heater will heat only what is needed, when it’s needed. Plus, it doesn’t require a pilot light, so it emits less carbon dioxide and improves indoor air quality. Source: HGTV

A dual flush toilet can help you minimize your water consumption. Choose from the latest models as you browse through our website or call us for assistance.

 

Contact:
Perfect Bath
Phone: Toll Free 1-866-843-1641
Calgary, Alberta
Email: info@perfectbath.com

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Current Mortgage Rates for Monday, June 11, 2018

Here we go with another week. The Federal Reserve announcement on Wednesday is the big even over the next few days so it’s important to keep an eye out for that. Overall, we think that mortgage rates will move slightly higher, so borrowers should take action soon. Read on for more details.

Where are mortgage rates going?                              

Fed Meeting in Focus

It’s a slow start to the week today with no significant economic data out of release. We will see the news-feed pick up as we move through the week, though, as the Federal Open Market Committee will convene for a two-day meeting starting on Tuesday.

The event will wrap up on Wednesday with a written statement at 2:00pm and a press conference with Fed Chair Jerome Powell at approximately 2:30pm.

Financial market participants are largely anticipating a quarter-point increase to the nation’s benchmark interest rate, the federal funds rate, bringing the target range up to 1.75%-2.00%.

Given this expectation, market participants have already priced in the change, so we aren’t expecting any major market reactions on Wednesday when the formal decision gets announced. In general, the Fed is projected to signal a calming message of gradual rate hikes.

It’s really a matter of what actually happens at this point. If the Fed comes out and does exactly what everyone thinks they will do, then we should get a fairly smooth day with rates making a little push higher, but no major swings.

However, all it takes is one word in the written statement or a slightly provocative remark from Fed Chair Powell during his Q & A to stir up some fuss in the markets.

If I had to bet on it, I would say that things will go as planned, but that certainly won’t stop me from tuning in to find out if there are any surprises.

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Rate/Float Recommendation            

Lock before rates rise        

Mortgage rates have been fairly flat over the past couple of weeks, but we do anticipate that they will finish out the year higher than where they are now. For this reason, we strongly recommend that anyone looking to purchase a new home or refinance their current mortgage does so sooner rather than later.

Learn what you can do to get the best interest rate possible.  

Today’s economic data:         

 

• Nothing

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Notable events this week:     

Monday:   

• Nothing

Tuesday:   

• FOMC Meeting Begins
• NFIB Small Business Optimism Index
• Consumer Price Index

Wednesday:         

• PPI-FD
• EIA Petroleum Status Report
• FOMC Meeting Announcement

Thursday:     

• Jobless Claims
• Retail Sales Import and Export Prices
• Business Inventories

Friday:          

• Empire State Mfg Survey
• Industrial Production
• Consumer Sentiment

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*Terms and conditions apply.

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Current Mortgage Rates for Thursday, June 7, 2018

It’s been a good week for borrowers as mortgage rates have improved slightly thanks to easing political tensions in Italy. Rates are expected to rise over the coming weeks and months so if you’re looking to buy or refinance, you should do it soon. Read on for more details.

Where are mortgage rates going?                      

Mortgage fall in Freddie Mac PMMS

It’s good news for anyone looking to buy a home or refinance their current mortgage as mortgage rates fell for the second consecutive week in this week’s Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey. This now puts the average rate on a 30-year fixed rate at a 7-week low. Here are the numbers:

• The average rate on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage fell two basis points down to 4.54% (0.5 points)
• The average rate on a 15-year fixed rate mortgage slid five basis points to 4.01% (0.4 points)
• The average rate on a 5/1-year adjustable rate mortgage dropped six basis points to 3.74% (0.4 points)

Here is what the Economic and Housing Research Group at Freddie Mac had to say about rates this week:

“Mortgage rates dipped for the second consecutive week.

Homebuyers have taken advantage of the recent moderation in rates, which led to a 4 percent increase in purchase applications last week.

Although demand has remained steadfast against the backdrop of this year’s higher borrowing costs, it’s important to note that the growth rate of purchase loan balances has moderated so far this year – and particularly since March. This slowdown indicates that buyers are having difficulty stretching to keep up with the pace of home-price growth.

While the very healthy job market continues to fuel interest in buying a home, the supply shortages in most markets are pushing prices higher and currently keeping sales at a standstill. Listings for new and existing homes need to increase in the months ahead to moderate price growth and reignite sales activity.”

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Rate/Float Recommendation          

Lock before rates rise        

Mortgage rates are down to levels that haven’t been see for almost two months. This is clearly great news for anyone who is about to buy a new home or refinance their current mortgage. However, mortgage rates are expected to tick back up in the coming weeks and months so you’ll want to take action soon to avoid the risk of locking in a higher rate.

Learn what you can do to get the best interest rate possible.  

Today’s economic data:         

Jobless Claims

Applications filed for U.S. unemployment benefits fell 1,000 from the prior week putting them at 222,000.

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Notable events this week:     

Monday:   

• Factory Orders

Tuesday:   

• PMI Services Index
• ISM Non-Mfg Index
• JOLTS

Wednesday:         

• International Trade
• Productivity and Costs
• EIA Petroleum Status Report

Thursday:     

• Jobless Claims

Friday:          

• Wholesale Trade

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*Terms and conditions apply.

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5 Ways on How to Achieve a Well-Maintained Bathroom

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

 

The bathroom is mostly the bane of most proud homeowners’ life. It is probably the place that you spend most time cleaning since it is the place where there is a constant battle against grime, bacteria, mold, and dirt. As a result, it is essential to maintain a clean and fresh bathroom.

 

With that, here are a few tips on how you can achieve this:

1. Adequate storage.

Having your bathroom in order and throwing out any unnecessary items can go a long way when cleaning your bathroom and creating adequate space. Most probably, you have a lot of products in your bathroom that are not necessary and rarely use them.

 

These items and products such as used empty shampoo containers, conditioners containers and other bottles take up space in your bathroom, creating a feeling of crowdedness in your bathroom. Crowded areas are more difficult to clean and maintain. Get rid of these unused items and leave only useful products. If you do not have a drawer or cupboard, you can put them in one container to make it more organized.

2. Ventilation is crucial.

When taking showers and baths a lot of steam is produced. You should know that proper ventilation is vital to get rid of this steam. The steam tends to settle on the bathroom walls which can cause molds to grow. If your bathroom does not have a window, then you can install an extractor fan to get rid of the steam. Even though this seems like a tedious job, it is essential. Having a damp bathroom will always be unhygienic, unpleasant and dirty.

3. Get rid of the curtains wet materials.

Shower curtains are subjected to a lot of moisture regularly, and they are rarely adequately dried. Dump curtains create a conducive environment for bacteria to breed which is not good for you if you want a clean and hygienic bathroom. To avoid this, you should swap the curtains with simple, and modern shower screen which are easy to wipe clean after using your bathroom. Shower screens are easy to maintain. You do not have to swap them each time to make your bathroom look more spacious.

 

You can also exchange your curtains with easy-to-clean blinds which will give your bathroom a fresher look and also molds are much less likely to grow in them. Also, it is important to dry all other wet materials like towels, and bathmat after every use. If molds grow in your bathroom, you can look for solutions from mold removal experts Ferro Canada.

4. Avoid oil stains or rings.

Getting rings and stains out is not a fun thing to do, and therefore, you should avoid their formation as much as possible. Avoid the formation of oil stains and rings by rinsing your bathtub using warm water. If the stains are already formed, clean and scrub the tub using abrasive cleaners. You should clean as often as possible in order to maintain a spotless bathroom.

5. Clean grout.

There are little crevices between the tiles in your bathrooms which can hold drops of water which can easily lead to the growth of mold and mildew. You can use a mixture of water and bleach to scrub the tile to clean bacteria out and prevent the development of molds. Also, do not forget to remove the bleach with warm water and a pH neutral cleaner to protect your skin and eyes from burning while you use the shower next time.

 

It is essential to maintain your bathroom on a regular basis since it is the one place that can easily be affected by bacterias. The bathroom should be a comfort zone for you everytime you use it. The above few tips will help you maintain a clean and hygienic bathroom.

Contributed by: Perfectbath.com Foremost experts in bathroom design and function.

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May 2018 Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver Statistics Package with Charts & Graphs

Reduced demand is allowing housing supply to accumulate

Home buyer demand continues to decline across the Metro Vancouver* housing market.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in the region totalled 2,833 in May 2018, a 35.1 per cent decrease from the 4,364 sales recorded in May 2017, and a 9.8 per cent increase compared to April 2018 when 2,579 homes sold.

Last month’s sales were 19.3 per cent below the 10-year May sales average.

“With fewer homes selling today compared to recent years, the number of homes available for sale is rising,” Phil Moore, REBGV president said. “The selection of homes for sale in Metro Vancouver has risen to the highest levels we’ve seen in the last two years, yet supply is still below our long-term historical averages.”

There were 6,375 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in May 2018. This represents a 5.5 per cent increase compared to the 6,044 homes listed in May 2017 and a 9.5 per cent increase compared to April 2018 when 5,820 homes were listed.

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 11,292, a 38.2 per cent increase compared to May 2017 (8,168) and a 15 per cent increase compared to April 2018 (9,822).

The total number of listings available today is 17.2 per cent below the 10-year May average.

For all property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for May 2018 is 25.1 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 14.7 per cent for detached homes, 30.8 per cent for townhomes, and 41.7 per cent for condominiums.

Generally, analysts say that downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below the 12 per cent mark for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.

“For home sellers to be successful in today’s market, it’s important to price your property competitively given the shifting dynamics we’re experiencing,” Moore said. “It’s also important to work with your local Realtor to better understand these changing conditions.”

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,094,000. This is an 11.5 per cent increase over May 2017 and a 0.2 per cent increase compared to April 2018.

Sales of detached properties in May 2018 reached 926, a 40.2 per cent decrease from the 1,548 detached sales recorded in May 2017. The benchmark price for detached properties is $1,608,000. This is a 2.4 per cent increase from May 2017 and a 0.1 per cent increase compared to April 2018.

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,431 in May 2018, a 29.3 per cent decrease from the 2,025 sales in May 2017. The benchmark price of an apartment property is $701,700. This is a 20.2 per cent increase from May 2017 and a 0.1 per cent increase compared to April 2018.

Attached property sales in May 2018 totalled 476, a 39.8 per cent decrease from the 791 sales in May 2017. The benchmark price of an attached unit is $859,500. This represents a 16 per cent increase from May 2017 and a 0.6 per cent increase compared to April 2018.

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Current Mortgage Rates for Monday, June 4, 2018

Here we go with another week. Mortgage rates are dealing with some moderate upward pressure as we march onward into another five days of market action. There’s not a lot on the economic calendar, though, so it’s possible we don’t see that much movement for mortgage rates. Read on for more details.

Where are mortgage rates going?                   

Mortgage rates increase to start the week

Financial market participants are moving into stock this morning pushing money out of the bond market, causing Treasury yields to rise.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury note, which is the best market indicator of where mortgage rates are going, is up almost five basis points to 2.91%. Mortgage rates typically move in the same direction as the 10-year yield so rates are heading higher to kick off the week.

The markets are still digesting the strong monthly jobs report for May. That report showed that 223,000 jobs were added to the U.S. economy. That number is slightly higher than the 200,000 that analysts had projected.

Given the strong headline reading, the general sentiment among financial market participants is that the Federal Reserve will follow through with their plan to raise the nation’s benchmark interest rate, the federal funds rate, at least two more times in 2018.

The week following a monthly jobs report is historically a slow one for economic data so the focus shifts more towards political news to steer investors. If the political theater fails to entertain, then it could be a boring week for mortgage rates.

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Rate/Float Recommendation       

Lock before rates rise 

Mortgage rates did fall last week but they’re back on the rise today. Friday’s monthly jobs report seemed to solidify at least two more rate increases from the Federal Reserve this year, which will put some upward pressure on mortgage rates.

To avoid the risk of locking in a higher rate, our recommendation for anyone looking to purchase a home or refinance their mortgage is to lock in a rate sooner rather than later.

Learn what you can do to get the best interest rate possible.  

Today’s economic data:         

Factory Orders          

Factory orders fell 0.8% in April.

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Notable events this week:     

Monday:  

• Factory Orders

Tuesday:   

• PMI Services Index
• ISM Non-Mfg Index
• JOLTS

Wednesday:         

• International Trade
• Productivity and Costs
• EIA Petroleum Status Report

Thursday:     

• Jobless Claims

Friday:          

• Wholesale Trade

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*Terms and conditions apply.

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