Federal Reserve – Page 3 – Rita Kerins-Neighborhood Expert Chicago Real Estate Broker

Federal Reserve: No Change on Target Fed Funds Rate

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) of the Federal Reserve did not move to increase the Fed’s target federal funds rate, which is currently 0.00 to 0.250 percent. Although the committee acknowledged further progress toward…

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 18, 2015

Last week’s economic reports included data from the Federal Reserve on student loan debt, job openings and retail sales. Weekly jobless claims and Freddie Mac’s survey of average mortgage rates were released as usual on Thursday. A report on consumer sentiment wrapped up the week’s scheduled economic new.

Home Builder Confidence Rises in April

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported that April’s Housing Market Index rose from a reading of 52 in March to 56 for April. This is in line with warmer weather and the peak home buying season in spring and summer. Readings over 50 indicate that more builders view market conditions as positive as those who do not. NAHB members cited lower mortgage rates and better labor market conditions as reasons they expect more home buyers to enter the market.

FOMC Minutes: Housing Market Stable But Slow

The minutes of the March meeting of the Fedâs Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) were released Tuesday and included a staff review of current economic conditions. The minutes noted that while labor markets continued to grow, inflation to the Fedâs target rate of 2.00 percent was impeded by dropping fuel prices. The Committee noted that expectations for longer-term inflation remained stable.

FOMC Statement: Federal Reserve Discusses Rate Increase, but Concerned About Growth

The post-meeting statement of the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee indicated that while the Fed is considering raising its target rate as early as June, the agency is in no hurry to cast anything in cement. The statement cited stronger labor markets and low unemployment rates as encouraging, but noted that FOMC members remain concerned about economic growth due to low inflation failing to meet the FOMC goal of two percent.

FHFA House Price Index Rises for 14th Consecutive Quarter

According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), U.S. home prices rose by 1.40 percent for the fourth quarter of 2014 and were up by 0.80 percent month-to-month from November. The seasonally adjusted FHFA House Price Index measures purchase transactions for homes connected with mortgages owned by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Fed Not in a Hurry to Raise Rates: FOMC Meeting Minutes

Federal Open Market Committee policymakers are in no hurry to raise the target federal funds rate. Members said that raising rates too soon could swamp the strengthening economy and expressed concerns that changing the committeeâs current “patient” stance on rising rates could cause more harm than good to current economic conditions.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 16, 2015

Last week’s economic news included an index of labor market conditions provided by the Federal Reserve, a report on small business sentiment, and a report from the Labor Department on job openings. Weekly jobless claims, Freddie Mac’s mortgage rates report and a report on Consumer Sentiment rounded out the week.

Contact Rita
773-807-2387
rita@ritaestate.com

Rita Kerins
Real Estate Advisor

A Chicago Native, Rita Kerins is a realtor who balances her tech-savvy skills, with the personal connection of seeing her clients from the start of their journey, all the way to the closing table.

“We truly enjoyed working with Rita. She really understands the Chicago real estate market and helped us reach our end goal of selling. She was very friendly, straightforward, attended every showing in person and constantly provided immediate feedback on every showing.” - Robert and Tanya Eckl

Rita approaches each client with a personal touch. She takes her time to understand their needs and communicates with them every step of the way. Rita truly enjoys the close interactions she has with her clients. Being with her clients when they find the perfect home or sharing the news that their home has sold are the moments that make her truly passionate about her job.

“Rita Kerins is what every buyer and seller needs. She is always there for her clients. At no step of the process did I have to wonder what was next, or feel terrified that I didn’t know what to do, because Rita explained what was going on and what to expect. I’ll always recommend Rita Kerins to all of my friends and co-workers and will ask her to be my agent whenever I go to sell my property and buy my next place. She’s that good!” - Johanna Gonzalez

Let her help you find your perfect home. Contact Rita today!

Designations and Awards

- Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI)
- Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLMHS)
- Certified Social Media Marketer (CSM)
- Chicago Association of Realtors Top Producer Award Winner