Wednesday, November 30, 2016

MBS RECAP: OPEC Deal Blasts Bonds

Posted To: MBS Commentary

Today brought the long-awaited and hotly-anticipated conclusion of a deal among OPEC countries to limit oil production. Constricted supply has one intention: higher prices. For now, petroleum still fuels trade for the foreseeable future. So a widespread agreement to limit supply (read: raise prices) among OPEC countries has an immediate, quantitative impact on prices. But perhaps more insidiously , it has long-term, qualitative implications for future inflation pressures. This surely wouldn't have been as big a deal were it not for the fact that markets are already pretty stressed out over the long-term qualitative inflation implications from the inbound Trump administration. Simply put, markets were already relatively freaked out about what fiscal policies might do to inflation, so the...(read more)
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MBS RECAP: OPEC Deal Blasts Bonds

Posted To: MBS Commentary

Today brought the long-awaited and hotly-anticipated conclusion of a deal among OPEC countries to limit oil production. Constricted supply has one intention: higher prices. For now, petroleum still fuels trade for the foreseeable future. So a widespread agreement to limit supply (read: raise prices) among OPEC countries has an immediate, quantitative impact on prices. But perhaps more insidiously , it has long-term, qualitative implications for future inflation pressures. This surely wouldn't have been as big a deal were it not for the fact that markets are already pretty stressed out over the long-term qualitative inflation implications from the inbound Trump administration. Simply put, markets were already relatively freaked out about what fiscal policies might do to inflation, so the...(read more)
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An Apartment in Budapest Blending Classic and Contemporary — House Call

Name: Szilvia
Location: Budapest, Hungary

I would like to show you my very first "project". I designed every inch of the interior of this flat without professional assistance. I usually read blogs, interior design magazines and search for ideas on Pinterest. As a Hungarian lawyer and not an interior designer I am very proud of it!

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/2gJRBih

Mortgage Rates Moderately Higher

Posted To: Mortgage Rate Watch

Mortgage rates rose moderately today, bringing them roughly back in line with Monday's levels. For the record, that leaves us in slightly better shape than last week, which saw the highest rates in more than a year. Today's bond market weakness was driven primarily by the much-anticipated OPEC deal. What is the OPEC deal and why is it impacting mortgage rates? The OPEC deal essentially serves as an agreement among OPEC countries to limit oil production. The goal is to push oil prices higher. Higher oil prices imply higher inflation, and inflation is an enemy to low interest rates. With this logic, it would be easy to assume that rates would move higher any time oil prices moved higher, but that's definitely not the case. Today's OPEC deal did more damage by influencing long-term inflation fears...(read more)
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Mortgage Rates Moderately Higher

Posted To: Mortgage Rate Watch

Mortgage rates rose moderately today, bringing them roughly back in line with Monday's levels. For the record, that leaves us in slightly better shape than last week, which saw the highest rates in more than a year. Today's bond market weakness was driven primarily by the much-anticipated OPEC deal. What is the OPEC deal and why is it impacting mortgage rates? The OPEC deal essentially serves as an agreement among OPEC countries to limit oil production. The goal is to push oil prices higher. Higher oil prices imply higher inflation, and inflation is an enemy to low interest rates. With this logic, it would be easy to assume that rates would move higher any time oil prices moved higher, but that's definitely not the case. Today's OPEC deal did more damage by influencing long-term inflation fears...(read more)
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Game Night: The Most Beautiful Playing Cards — Annual Guide 2016

If you're the type who loves to be coordinated from head to toe, you might start to wish that every little detail of your home reflected your personal style—right down to the playing cards. And why shouldn't it? Treating yourself to a beautiful deck of cards is a cheap thrill you can enjoy for years to come (they also make great gifts and stocking stuffers!), whether as a playable set or just something pretty to set out on the coffee table.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/1zuL1yJ

Nine Ways To Take Paper Snowflakes To The Next Level

The thought of making paper snowflakes may remind you of childhood memories of cutting out wonky, misshapen snowflakes only a mother could love. While the concept remains the same, this time around, the look is much more sophisticated— and your improved motor skills will come in handy. Armed with a quick tutorial, some project inspiration and a pair of scissors, you're ready to snip your way to a winter wonderland.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/2glP3Zx

10 Stylish Storage Containers for Holiday Leftover Season — Kitchn

From Kitchn → 10 of Our Favorite Storage Containers for Your Leftovers

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/2fESLhN

The Thing You've Always Wished You Could Do on Netflix is Now Possible — Design News

In advance of holiday travel, Netflix has finally launched a feature subscribers have been wanting from the very beginning: the option to download movies and shows to watch offline.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/2gLfc0S

7 Things Around the House You Can Fix or Clean With Just Toothpaste

You use toothpaste several times a day to clean your teeth, but did you know it can be used for so many other household chores? It doesn't matter what your favorite brand is for minty-fresh breath, you can use toothpaste to clean your house, remove stains, fix scuffed shoes and scratched phones, and even polish your favorite jewelry. Here's how:

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/2fEB9m3

Mortgage Activity Will Be Crushed By Rising Rates -Freddie Mac

Posted To: MND NewsWire

Interest rates are, quite naturally, the focus of Freddie Mac's November Outlook. The company's Economic & Housing Research Group looked at the potential impact of the interest rate surge since the election and what it called "the near certainty" that the Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee (FOMC) will raise the fed funds rate at its December meeting. Over two weeks post-election the 10 -year Treasury note surged by over 50 basis points , closing at 2.35 percent on November 18. The increase was driven by higher than expected inflation and anticipation of the FOMC move -the probability of which the futures market was putting at 92 percent. Not only has the likelihood of a December rate hike increased, but expectations for future rate increases have shifted as well. At their last press...(read more)
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Will Trump's New Appointee End GSE Conservatorship?

Posted To: MND NewsWire

President-elect Donald J. Trump may have just handed Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae a "get out of jail free" card. Trump has picked Steven Mnuchin to be Secretary of the Treasury. Among his first pronouncements to the press was that the two government sponsored enterprises (GSEs), which have been in federal conservatorship since 2008, should no longer be owned by the government . Stock in the two companies immediately soared (although that is a relative term for assets that have been virtually worthless for over eight years). Within hours Fannie Mae's stock rose 32 percent and Freddie Mac's by 31 percent to $4.04 and $3.99 respectively. The stock prices had already been moving slowly higher in recent months, first because of lawsuits filed against the government by several hedge funds which bought...(read more)
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Mortgage Activity Will Be Crushed By Rising Rates -Freddie Mac

Posted To: MND NewsWire

Interest rates are, quite naturally, the focus of Freddie Mac's November Outlook. The company's Economic & Housing Research Group looked at the potential impact of the interest rate surge since the election and what it called "the near certainty" that the Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee (FOMC) will raise the fed funds rate at its December meeting. Over two weeks post-election the 10 -year Treasury note surged by over 50 basis points , closing at 2.35 percent on November 18. The increase was driven by higher than expected inflation and anticipation of the FOMC move -the probability of which the futures market was putting at 92 percent. Not only has the likelihood of a December rate hike increased, but expectations for future rate increases have shifted as well. At their last press...(read more)
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Will Trump's New Appointee End GSE Conservatorship?

Posted To: MND NewsWire

President-elect Donald J. Trump may have just handed Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae a "get out of jail free" card. Trump has picked Steven Mnuchin to be Secretary of the Treasury. Among his first pronouncements to the press was that the two government sponsored enterprises (GSEs), which have been in federal conservatorship since 2008, should no longer be owned by the government . Stock in the two companies immediately soared (although that is a relative term for assets that have been virtually worthless for over eight years). Within hours Fannie Mae's stock rose 32 percent and Freddie Mac's by 31 percent to $4.04 and $3.99 respectively. The stock prices had already been moving slowly higher in recent months, first because of lawsuits filed against the government by several hedge funds which bought...(read more)
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Get the Look: A Worldly Victorian Flat — Shop the Style

Frances' San Francisco Victorian apartment is filled with treasures, inspiration and art from her travels in Russia, Hungary, Poland, France and England—but you can shop the style without leaving your home.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/2dBD1M2

Getting a Roomba for the Holidays? Learn From This Family's Poopocalypse

My Facebook feed is a battleground right now, overtaken with competing post-election analyses of what happened, why it happened, what's happening next, and what should happen next. Which is why, when a friend liked this unassuming little anecdote about a late night run-in with a Roomba and some poop, I clicked over for a little respite. Fifteen minutes I was still laughing.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/2gyd1hT

Anthropologie Offers an Extra 30% Off Sale Items (Starting at Under $4)

If you still have some shopping to do (for others or for yourself), Anthropologie is making way for new merch by giving you an additional 30% off all sale items. We browsed the markdowns for our picks for home (above) and apparel (below). They won't stick around long, so snag your fave pieces before they sell out.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/2gybrwd

An "Urban Cottage" Studio in Hell's Kitchen — House Tour

Name: Amelia Nicholas
Location: Hell's Kitchen, New York City
Size: 490 square feet
Years lived in: Renting 3 years

This small studio apartment in Hell's Kitchen might look familiar...we toured it recently in its "non-holiday" state. Simultaneously moody and soothing, Amelia's talents for interior design and entertaining are apparent — and we had to visit her again to see how her small home looks for the holidays! Just the right amount of decor, a modern yet festive color palette and a warm and welcoming vibe...you can see why Amelia's friends describe her home as a "warm hug!"

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/2eUUKKH

The Cool Friend We All Want: A Fashion Stylist Shares Her Secrets — Life Stories

(Image credit: Julia Brenner)

Personal and fashion stylist Elim Chu is the cool, nice friend you hope to have because not only is she smart and hip and has amazing style—she will happily share her knowledge and secrets to help everyone around her look and feel great. She's genuine and warm and approaches styling with the belief that everyone can build a simple and beautiful less-is-more wardrobe.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/2g71JjT

Where To Buy Next-Level, Out-of-this-World Wrapping Paper

I love a roll of cheap-and-chic craft paper as much as the next budget-conscious gift giver, but sometimes, you just have to pull out the good stuff. When you're in the market for paper so pretty (or punny) it risks out-shining the gift (or out-laughing the gag gift), these seven sources have you covered.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/2gG9G3f

Pending Home Sales Rise (Sort of) to 4-Month Highs

Posted To: MND NewsWire

Pending home Sales eked out a 0.1 percent gain in October. The National Association of Realtors® said its Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI) barely managed a second straight month of gains , rising to 110.0 from a downwardly revised 109.9 in September (the previous reading was 110.0, which would have made today's reading "unchanged," officially). Even though NAR's chief economist Lawrence Yun called the increase "minuscule," it still pushed the index to its highest level since last July. The index was also 1.8 percent higher than In October 2015 when it stood at 108.1. The PHSI is a forward-looking indicator based on contracts for home purchases. Those signed contracts are generally expected to become closed transactions within two months. Yun said, "Most of the country last month saw at least...(read more)
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Pending Home Sales Rise (Sort of) to 4-Month Highs

Posted To: MND NewsWire

Pending home Sales eked out a 0.1 percent gain in October. The National Association of Realtors® said its Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI) barely managed a second straight month of gains , rising to 110.0 from a downwardly revised 109.9 in September (the previous reading was 110.0, which would have made today's reading "unchanged," officially). Even though NAR's chief economist Lawrence Yun called the increase "minuscule," it still pushed the index to its highest level since last July. The index was also 1.8 percent higher than In October 2015 when it stood at 108.1. The PHSI is a forward-looking indicator based on contracts for home purchases. Those signed contracts are generally expected to become closed transactions within two months. Yun said, "Most of the country last month saw at least...(read more)
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Before & After: A Gleaming 1950s General Electric "Wonder Kitchen"

(Image credit: Letitia Walker)

In the 50s, General Electric made the fabulous Wonder Kitchen—an entire wall unit with all the appliances built right in. The units came in amazing colors: Canary Yellow, Turquoise Green, Petal Pink, Cadet Blue and Woodbine Brown, all under one stainless steel counter surface. Letitia acquired one of these units, along with other matching cabinets, which were salvaged from another kitchen, and she renovated her dark and gloomy kitchen around this gleaming, wondrous wall unit.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/2fLB0Z6

CFPB Appraisal News; Non-Agency MBS Update

Posted To: Pipeline Press

Underwriters' hands are tied in using income from something the Federal Government considers illegal. For example, Washington State had nearly $212 million in marijuana sales in the second quarter of 2016, approaching the $249 million sold in alcoholic spirits. Some argue that someone in the weed business with an 800 FICO is a better credit risk than someone in any occupation with a 580 FICO score for a taxpayer-supported mortgage program like FHA. I love it when the press sneers at making money. One financial reporter wrote, " Steven Mnuchin , the frontrunner for Treasury secretary in the Trump administration, made millions turning around a lender that collapsed after the subprime mortgage frenzy..." What's bad, making millions? Turning around a company? Being involved, even remotely...(read more)
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CFPB Appraisal News; Non-Agency MBS Update

Posted To: Pipeline Press

Underwriters’ hands are tied in using income from something the Federal Government considers illegal. For example, Washington State had nearly $212 million in marijuana sales in the second quarter of 2016, approaching the $249 million sold in alcoholic spirits. Some argue that someone in the weed business with an 800 FICO is a better credit risk than someone in any occupation with a 580 FICO score for a taxpayer-supported mortgage program like FHA. I love it when the press sneers at making money. One financial reporter wrote, " Steven Mnuchin , the frontrunner for Treasury secretary in the Trump administration, made millions turning around a lender that collapsed after the subprime mortgage frenzy..." What's bad, making millions? Turning around a company? Being involved, even remotely...(read more)
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SPONSORED POST: Video House Tour: Joe's First Home in Santa Monica — Sponsored by Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council

Name: Joe
Location: Santa Monica, California
Size: 1,200 square feet
Years lived in: 4 years

Joe Rothstein, a speech pathologist, decided he was ready to become a homeowner in 2010. He wanted to live in a neighborhood of Los Angeles County that was close to his clients — and, oh yeah, close to the beach. He found a 1,200–square foot home in Santa Monica that didn't feel right at first, but would go on to become the home that, with a little help, he'd put up a fight for.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/2gVltLr

MBS Day Ahead: Oil Adding Fuel to Bonds' Inflationary Fire Fears

Posted To: MBS Commentary

Yesterday we discussed the positive impact of month-end bond buying . The only problem with month-end buying that occurs on the day before month-end is that it can leave an imbalance of sellers on the last day of the month. This is a bit counterintuitive because there's a tendency to view month end buying as the overall bond market needing to hold certain levels to meet month-end index values ( read the link if you're not sure what I'm talking about). In practice, that's not how it works at all. Month-end index extensions provide cues for a certain subset of traders to hold a certain mix of bonds. Once they've bought enough bonds to achieve that mix, they're out. They no longer need to buy or sell for month-end purposes. So if most of those traders get most of their...(read more)
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from Mortgage News Daily http://ift.tt/2gVjE11

MBS Day Ahead: Oil Adding Fuel to Bonds' Inflationary Fire Fears

Posted To: MBS Commentary

Yesterday we discussed the positive impact of month-end bond buying . The only problem with month-end buying that occurs on the day before month-end is that it can leave an imbalance of sellers on the last day of the month. This is a bit counterintuitive because there's a tendency to view month end buying as the overall bond market needing to hold certain levels to meet month-end index values ( read the link if you're not sure what I'm talking about). In practice, that's not how it works at all. Month-end index extensions provide cues for a certain subset of traders to hold a certain mix of bonds. Once they've bought enough bonds to achieve that mix, they're out. They no longer need to buy or sell for month-end purposes. So if most of those traders get most of their...(read more)
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15 Free Things for Art and Design Lovers to Do in NYC

If you live in New York, you don't need another reminder of how outrageously expensive this city is. But while rent, down payments on a house and living costs are undeniably high, Manhattan and its boroughs attempt to make it up to us by being rich in plenty of 100% free-to-enjoy art, culture and design. From art museums, to craft fairs, to gallery openings, this is how starving artists (and designers!) save in the city.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/2fDp4xt

Watch A Cat Tackle An Indoor Rock Wall Like a Champ — Internet Interlude

I think we've found the 2016 version of Hang In There Kitty. Check out this video of a cat in Japan that tackles an indoor rock wall like a total boss.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/2fLz8zQ

How One Frugal Shopper Created a Lovely Home on a Limited Budget — Thrift With Confidence

Tavia's inviting home doesn't sport any one specific style, and yet it perfectly shows off her personality. It's full of well-made furniture and quirky accessories. It's the kind of space you'd instantly be comfortable in.

Her home is impressive for all the reasons listed above, but it's also admirable because Tavia didn't spend a ton of money. She crafted this warm, lived-in home thanks to the frugal powers of thrifting. And she's revealed where she does her best second-hand shopping, the items she always looks for and more.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/2gJPk5r

Before & After: Real Life Renovating Tips From a Pro Who Took His House From Blighted To Beautiful

We recently featured a House Tour of Shena and George's Formerly Blighted, Beautifully Salvaged New Orleans Home; owner George Peake's transformation of this 19th century house from a decrepit property on the brink of demolition to the gorgeous home it is today is staggering. George graduated from The Tulane School of Architecture and has been renovating historic houses in New Orleans since 2005, when Hurricane Katrina forced him to rebuild his first property.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/1Mojmbb

Why One Writer is Done Traveling for the Holidays — Kitchn

From Kitchn → Why I'm Never Traveling for the Holidays Again

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/2gV5nBE

No Surprise: Rate Spike Torpedos Refi Apps

Posted To: MND NewsWire

Thanksgiving wreaked the usual holiday-related damage on the Mortgage Bankers Association's report of mortgage activity during the week ended November 25. The company's Market Composite Index, a measure of application volume, fell by 9.4 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis compared to results for the week ended November 18. On an unadjusted basis, the Index was down 38 percent. The week's results included an adjustment to account for the holiday. The Refinance Index fell 16 percent and only 55.1 percent of all applications were for refinancing. That was a decline from 58.2 percent during the previous week, and the lowest share since June. There was a decline of 0.2 percent in the seasonally adjusted Purchase Index compared to the previous week and the unadjusted index was down 34 percent...(read more)
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No Surprise: Rate Spike Torpedos Refi Apps

Posted To: MND NewsWire

Thanksgiving wreaked the usual holiday-related damage on the Mortgage Bankers Association's report of mortgage activity during the week ended November 25. The company's Market Composite Index, a measure of application volume, fell by 9.4 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis compared to results for the week ended November 18. On an unadjusted basis, the Index was down 38 percent. The week's results included an adjustment to account for the holiday. The Refinance Index fell 16 percent and only 55.1 percent of all applications were for refinancing. That was a decline from 58.2 percent during the previous week, and the lowest share since June. There was a decline of 0.2 percent in the seasonally adjusted Purchase Index compared to the previous week and the unadjusted index was down 34 percent...(read more)
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Make it Happen: 6 Places to Get Help with a Home Down Payment

Looking to buy a home in the near future? If you don't have massive savings lying around just waiting to be used on a down payment, the home-buying process can be a huge challenge. The good news is, you've got options—between special low down payment mortgages and down payment assistance programs (and other resources, if necessary) you can make your home ownership dreams a reality, even without a huge sum saved up.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/2fCOVFZ

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

MBS RECAP: Bonds Win Despite Healthy Opposition. Time to Celebrate?

Posted To: MBS Commentary

How many ways could bond market weakness have been justified today? Shall I count the ways? GDP +3.2 vs +3.0 forecast and +2.9 previously Business Inventories only added 0.49% to the GDP total (a higher amount could serve as a counterpoint to the strong GDP reading. Consumer Confidence +107.1 vs +101.2 (a big beat). Other components of Confidence numbers were strong Stocks, European bond markets, and the prevailing trend all argued for weakness Corporate bond issuance has ramped up (adds pressure to Treasuries for these reasons ). Yesterday was good, and are we even allowed to have 2 good days in a row anymore?! That laundry list of negative justification had to face off against a seemingly inferior team of positive anecdotes. Investors are fretting over tomorrow's OPEC meeting and oil...(read more)
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from Mortgage News Daily http://ift.tt/2fJcxnc

MBS RECAP: Bonds Win Despite Healthy Opposition. Time to Celebrate?

Posted To: MBS Commentary

How many ways could bond market weakness have been justified today? Shall I count the ways? GDP +3.2 vs +3.0 forecast and +2.9 previously Business Inventories only added 0.49% to the GDP total (a higher amount could serve as a counterpoint to the strong GDP reading. Consumer Confidence +107.1 vs +101.2 (a big beat). Other components of Confidence numbers were strong Stocks, European bond markets, and the prevailing trend all argued for weakness Corporate bond issuance has ramped up (adds pressure to Treasuries for these reasons ). Yesterday was good, and are we even allowed to have 2 good days in a row anymore?! That laundry list of negative justification had to face off against a seemingly inferior team of positive anecdotes. Investors are fretting over tomorrow's OPEC meeting and oil...(read more)
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Mortgage Rates Lowest in a Week

Posted To: Mortgage Rate Watch

Mortgage rate s continued lower today. While the pace of improvement was slightly slower, it was enough to get the average lender rate sheet back to levels seen last Tuesday. That makes this the first time since before the election that rates haven't been significantly higher week-over-week. It's also the first time in more than a month where rates have moved lower 2 days in a row. Normally, such accomplishments would be no big deal, but when we're backing down from the highest rates in more than a year, every little bit helps. Today's improvements translated to a little more unity among lenders. Whereas more than a few were still quoting conventional 30yr fixed rates of 4.25% on top tier scenarios yesterday, most are now back down to the 4.0%-4.125% range. From a strategy standpoint, there...(read more)
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from Mortgage News Daily http://ift.tt/2fJ3djc

Mortgage Rates Lowest in a Week

Posted To: Mortgage Rate Watch

Mortgage rate s continued lower today. While the pace of improvement was slightly slower, it was enough to get the average lender rate sheet back to levels seen last Tuesday. That makes this the first time since before the election that rates haven't been significantly higher week-over-week. It's also the first time in more than a month where rates have moved lower 2 days in a row. Normally, such accomplishments would be no big deal, but when we're backing down from the highest rates in more than a year, every little bit helps. Today's improvements translated to a little more unity among lenders. Whereas more than a few were still quoting conventional 30yr fixed rates of 4.25% on top tier scenarios yesterday, most are now back down to the 4.0%-4.125% range. From a strategy standpoint, there...(read more)
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This 19th Century Virginia Estate for Sale Is a Gorgeous Old Fixer Upper — House of the Day

The house on this 400 acre estate was built before the Civil War, and now it's looking for a buyer to fix it up.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/2g3iL2d

12 of the Best Looking Modern Chaise Lounges — Annual Guide 2016

Chaise lounge or chaise longue? Whether you go the French or American pronunciation route, these long chairs are universally adaptable and great spots for reading, napping, and of course, lounging. For the modern design lovers out there, we've gathered 12 of our favorite contemporary chaises. Check them out!

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/2gGmynn

Decorating Drama: 10 Really Big Plants You Can Grow Indoors

Any plant has the power to add a little mystery and magic to your space, but only a really really big plant can create the impression that your living room is an enchanted forest that just happens to have a little furniture in it. I've always appreciated the power of a single piece that makes a bold statement, and these larger-than-life houseplants are one of my favorite trends from the past year. They may represent a little more initial investment and subsequent care, but just one is all you need.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/2fO0Lvj

Can We Move Into This Gingerbread House? — Kitchn

(Image credit: Biscuitters )

From Kitchn → This Is the Most Extravagant Gingerbread House You've Ever Seen

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/2gu7j0l

A Luxurious "Modern Not Stuffy" Chicago Apartment — House Tour

Name: Ashley Beaumier
Location: Lakeview East — Chicago, Illinois
Size: 600 square feet
Years lived in: Rented 1 Year

Ashley Beaumier has hit the sweet spot of home design, that moment when all those one-of-kind finds that took you months of searching to find finally all come together and fit perfectly into your home. You know it's right because there is nothing to add, and nothing to take away. It took her a while to get here because the "right" pieces don't come easily, and for some special items she had to move mountains. But her slow, meticulous curation has yielded her a home that perfectly captures her style: bohemian, luxurious and modern.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/2gSIej4

Freddie Mac Names eNote Vendors

Posted To: MND NewsWire

Freddie Mac has certified six companies as meeting its requirements for creating, signing, and storing eNotes , i.e. electronic promissory notes. The company said it took this step to expedite and streamline the mortgage process by encouraging the use of digital documents. Four companies have completed Freddie Mac's full approval process, meeting the technical requirements to create, sign and / or store eNotes. They are Digital Delivery, eSign Systems, Fiserv, and Pavaso . Two additional companies -- DocMagic and eOriginal -- have provisional approvals as they go through the full review process. Freddie Mac said it has been actively purchasing eMortgages from sellers and servicers since 2005 and regularly accepts many electronic documents used in initial disclosures and electronic closings...(read more)
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