Tiffany and Alan's Austin bungalow is chic and playful, inspired by Tiffany's background in fashion and the couple's travels. Most impressive is that the couple has only been in the space for nine months. You can easily get this warm, beautiful look in your home using the links below. Shop the style!
Posted To: MBS Commentary
Bonds have rallied moderately since last Thursday. Incidentally, that's also when stocks topped out after their run to all-time highs (for most indices). Indeed, stocks and bonds have been a bit more correlated than normal recently as financial markets wait to see where the chips fall for 2017. Said chips include things like fiscal policy, monetary policy, economic data, and general trading momentum. It will take time for the fiscal and monetary policy pictures to become clearer. Econ data and tradeflows , on the other hand, provide a constant stream of information. Tradeflows remained supportive out of the gate as European bond yields moved higher, but failed to break above yesterday's highs. That encouraged similar ground-holding for US bond markets in the overnight session. As such...(read more)
Posted To: MBS Commentary
Bonds have rallied moderately since last Thursday. Incidentally, that's also when stocks topped out after their run to all-time highs (for most indices). Indeed, stocks and bonds have been a bit more correlated than normal recently as financial markets wait to see where the chips fall for 2017. Said chips include things like fiscal policy, monetary policy, economic data, and general trading momentum. It will take time for the fiscal and monetary policy pictures to become clearer. Econ data and tradeflows , on the other hand, provide a constant stream of information. Tradeflows remained supportive out of the gate as European bond yields moved higher, but failed to break above yesterday's highs. That encouraged similar ground-holding for US bond markets in the overnight session. As such...(read more)Scrolling through Instagram is a fun little escape from the everyday. While we love looking at beautiful things, the habit can be dangerous for our wallets. You're just double tapping along and out of the blue pops up something cute that you just HAVE. TO. HAVE. And I know I'm not alone in my Insta-shopping guilty pleasures. Check out the things we have actually bought because we saw them on the 'gram.
Heavy is the head that decorates for the crown. The gilded, expansive interiors of television shows about the monarchy are sometimes the best part of discovering a new series. With cozy fireplaces in almost every bedroom, libraries walled with thick, leather-bound books, and plenty of crystal arranged atop never-ending dining room tables, these interiors are sure to inspire. Can you guess which shows these scenes are from?
Posted To: Mortgage Rate Watch
Mortgage rates moved just a bit lower today, bringing them to their best levels in exactly 1 week. Most borrowers will see little-to-no difference between yesterday and today's loan quotes with the exception, perhaps, of a modest reduction in upfront costs. That means 4.25% remains intact as the most prevalent conventional 30yr fixed rate on top tier scenarios. Bond markets (and thus, rates) responded favorably today to a series of weaker economic reports. In general, weaker economic data tends to help bonds and hurt stocks. Some of the positivity was also motivated by the calendar as certain traders are required to hold a certain mix of bonds by the end of any given month. In other words, some investors were buying bonds because they wanted to and other were buying because they had to. From...(read more)
Posted To: MND NewsWire
The Urban Institute releases a regular report, Housing Finance at a Glance , a "chartbook" loaded with charts and commentary on mortgage activity. The current edition is primarily for the period ending with the third quarter of 2016. Much of the material, credit access, residential construction data, home prices indices, etc., has been covered by MND from original sources, but we have cherry-picked a few items that may have otherwise escaped notice. Overview of Housing and Mortgage Market Value The total value of the housing market, as reported by the Federal Reserve's Flow of Funds report has been steadily increasing since 2012, driven by growing household equity. In the third quarter of 2016 total debt and mortgages rose to 10.2 trillion and household equity grew to 13.7 trillion, a total...(read more)
Posted To: Mortgage Rate Watch
Mortgage rates moved just a bit lower today, bringing them to their best levels in exactly 1 week. Most borrowers will see little-to-no difference between yesterday and today's loan quotes with the exception, perhaps, of a modest reduction in upfront costs. That means 4.25% remains intact as the most prevalent conventional 30yr fixed rate on top tier scenarios. Bond markets (and thus, rates) responded favorably today to a series of weaker economic reports. In general, weaker economic data tends to help bonds and hurt stocks. Some of the positivity was also motivated by the calendar as certain traders are required to hold a certain mix of bonds by the end of any given month. In other words, some investors were buying bonds because they wanted to and other were buying because they had to. From...(read more)Posted To: MND NewsWire
The Urban Institute releases a regular report, Housing Finance at a Glance , a "chartbook" loaded with charts and commentary on mortgage activity. The current edition is primarily for the period ending with the third quarter of 2016. Much of the material, credit access, residential construction data, home prices indices, etc., has been covered by MND from original sources, but we have cherry-picked a few items that may have otherwise escaped notice. Overview of Housing and Mortgage Market Value The total value of the housing market, as reported by the Federal Reserve's Flow of Funds report has been steadily increasing since 2012, driven by growing household equity. In the third quarter of 2016 total debt and mortgages rose to 10.2 trillion and household equity grew to 13.7 trillion, a total...(read more)
From Kitchn → 4 Ways to Get Your Fire Fix Without a Fireplace
Moving into a new place symbolizes a fresh start—an exciting opportunity to find a blank page and start penning a brand new chapter in your life. But, let's face it, moving can also be an emotionally, physically, and mentally exhausting experience. It's enough to stress out even the most laid-back among us.
While everyone was ogling at the new PS 2017 collection that debuted last week, IKEA also released another line, a collaboration with fashion designer Kit Neale. SPRIDD is full of bright colors and bold patterns, and is inspired by youth culture and music.
The apron-front, or farmhouse, sink has been a popular fixture in all kinds of kitchens for some time now, and with the rise in popularity of kitchens that mix traditional and modern elements, it feels more appropriate than ever. If you're considering adding one of these big beauties to your space, here's everything you need to know.
One of the perks of having a mother who was very into both garage sales and interior design was growing up in a house filled with wacky old design books from the 1960s and '70s. In their pages, I was exposed to many strange and wonderful things, not least among them supergraphics, the crazy stripes and arcs and rainbows that covered every surface of a room, irrespective of walls or floors or furniture. As part of a series about strange old design trends (perhaps unjustly) relegated to the dustbin of history, we're going to take a closer look at supergraphics—and some of the ways in which they might be coming back.
After my roommate moved out and took almost everything (save many candle stubs and decorative dish rags), I was left table-less. And since there's nothing more depressing than eating a microwaved dinner in bed, hunting down an appropriate kitchen table became my number one priority. The point of this sad tale is that for something as important as eating and entertaining, you need to find the right dining setup. ASAP.
Caroline Biggs is one of six people tracking their resolutions with Apartment Therapy in real time. You can read her earlier installments here and here.
According to a recent study, there are a whopping 2.3 billion active social media users worldwide. That's nearly one-third of the entire human population that, per another staggering study, spends around an hour of every day on Facebook alone. This means the average social media user spends more time on Facebook every day than they do practicing any other leisurely activity, like reading, exercising, or socializing with friends. Social media seems to be our universal pastime.
Name: Farida
Location: IJburg — Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Size: 968 square feet
Years lived in: 11 years; owned
A twenty-minute ride by streetcar will take you from the bustling Amsterdam center to IJburg, a cluster of six artificial islands in the IJ lake. Surrounded by water, it feels like being on an island holiday. Even though it's still a part of the Amsterdam-Oost (Amsterdam East) borough! City life and a relaxing beach are close to this uncluttered modern apartment Farida calls home.
The kitchen is first and foremost a functional space, but that doesn't mean it can't also be unforgettable. These twelve kitchens each have a single element that sets them apart from the ordinary — one eye-catching design feature that makes these spaces totally unique.
When you're on the hunt for affordable art, some of the best sources to scout are the galleries and thrift stores right in your neighborhood. But if you don't live near a thriving art scene, or just prefer armchair shopping to gallery hopping, these online photo-focused print shops make buying art a snap.
Kacie's kitchen lacked personality, especially this corner nook which she found drab and dingy. Armed with paint and plywood, she and her husband created a bright, cheerful spot for family dinners and game night with friends.
Posted To: MND NewsWire
The headline of the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Indices press release for the last three months has been exactly the same: NATIONAL INDEX HITS NEW PEAK AS HOME PRICE GAINS CONTINUE. The actual numbers haven't changed much either. The newest results, released on Tuesday, show the National Index, which covers the nine U.S. Census divisions, up 5.6 percent for the 12 months ended in November. The October to October gain was revised to 5.5 percent from the 5.6 percent originally reported. On a month-over-month basis the National Index rose 0.2 percent on a non-seasonally adjusted basis and 0.8 percent after adjustment. The 10-City Composite increased by 4.5 percent on an annual basis compared to 4.3 percent in October and the 20-City Composite gained 5.3 percent, up from 5.2 percent a month...(read more)
Posted To: MND NewsWire
The headline of the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Indices press release for the last three months has been exactly the same: NATIONAL INDEX HITS NEW PEAK AS HOME PRICE GAINS CONTINUE. The actual numbers haven't changed much either. The newest results, released on Tuesday, show the National Index, which covers the nine U.S. Census divisions, up 5.6 percent for the 12 months ended in November. The October to October gain was revised to 5.5 percent from the 5.6 percent originally reported. On a month-over-month basis the National Index rose 0.2 percent on a non-seasonally adjusted basis and 0.8 percent after adjustment. The 10-City Composite increased by 4.5 percent on an annual basis compared to 4.3 percent in October and the 20-City Composite gained 5.3 percent, up from 5.2 percent a month...(read more)Last week, we introduced a new series in which we put cult classic beauty products to the test to find out whether they're worth the hype. First, we set our gaze on the best-selling Maybelline Great Lash mascara; now, we're tackling Baby Foot, an exfoliating peel for the feet made internet famous thanks to the many shudder-inflicting photos of molting skin posted by users. Bravely up to the task to see what all the fuss is about are Alex and Colleen, contributing writers with polar opposite views on all things beauty.
Posted To: Pipeline Press
As the old adage goes, “Women spend more time wondering what men are thinking than men spend thinking.” But certainly women spend a good deal of time thinking about other things, like…thinking about the global economy. Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen says blockchain "could make a big difference to the way in which transactions are cleared and settled in the global economy" and notes the central bank is exploring possible use of the technology . "We are looking at it in terms of its promise in some of the technologies that we use ourselves," Yellen said. And if there's an industry that cries out for the efficiencies and data integrity that blockchain tech promises, it's undoubtedly the US residential mortgage biz, also heading down the blockchain path . Company-specific...(read more)
Posted To: Pipeline Press
As the old adage goes, "Women spend more time wondering what men are thinking than men spend thinking." But certainly women spend a good deal of time thinking about other things, like…thinking about the global economy. Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen says blockchain "could make a big difference to the way in which transactions are cleared and settled in the global economy" and notes the central bank is exploring possible use of the technology . "We are looking at it in terms of its promise in some of the technologies that we use ourselves," Yellen said. And if there's an industry that cries out for the efficiencies and data integrity that blockchain tech promises, it's undoubtedly the US residential mortgage biz, also heading down the blockchain path . Company-specific...(read more)This is the final post in my mini-series on capsule wardrobes. If you've been following along, you've seen why I decided to give this a go and how I created my first capsule, and now it's time for the results. Read on for my thoughts (warning: I've got a lot of 'em) on living with a 37-piece wardrobe for three months.
Posted To: MBS Commentary
Yesterday was a bit of a puzzler for bond markets. Volumes were decent, but movement was contained in a very narrow range (seen in the chart below). On one hand, that could be seen as a victory considering bond markets absorbed a huge corporate deal from Microsoft ($17 bln) without breaking through yield ceilings. On the other hand, bonds ignored the big losses in stocks, refusing to break through the floor of the range. As you can see in the chart, the range was briefly broken early in today's overnight session, it has since rematerialized. If yields break higher today, that would be a slightly more informative outcome considering month-end bond buying should be providing a constant support, albeit modest. Breaking through the floor would be a bit easier to conceive, for the same "month...(read more)
Posted To: MBS Commentary
Yesterday was a bit of a puzzler for bond markets. Volumes were decent, but movement was contained in a very narrow range (seen in the chart below). On one hand, that could be seen as a victory considering bond markets absorbed a huge corporate deal from Microsoft ($17 bln) without breaking through yield ceilings. On the other hand, bonds ignored the big losses in stocks, refusing to break through the floor of the range. As you can see in the chart, the range was briefly broken early in today's overnight session, it has since rematerialized. If yields break higher today, that would be a slightly more informative outcome considering month-end bond buying should be providing a constant support, albeit modest. Breaking through the floor would be a bit easier to conceive, for the same "month...(read more)
From Kitchn → 7 Things You Can Clean with Salt
Sarah likes a visually interesting home, as shown by the eight patterns in her living room. "I like each room to have pops of color and pattern to keep things fun and eclectic as you move from room to room," writes Sarah. "I like to mix and match patterns so they relate, but also contrast for visual interest." Sarah shared her pointers for mixing patterns in her fearless living room.
Having grown up in an old farmhouse miles from... well, anything, I know firsthand how unfortunate it can be when your car breaks down or you get stranded with no one nearby to lend a hand. My only saving grace has been that I live somewhere warm enough to walk the miles that stood between my car and civilization. If I lived in a colder state, I'd probably already be a goner.
Posted To: MBS Commentary
It was an uneventful day for bond markets from most points of view. After opening slightly stronger in Asia, Treasuries sold-off modestly during the first part of the European session. The key consideration at the time was stronger German inflation data. Logically, this was a bigger deal for Germany and the EU than it was for US bond markets. 10yr Treasuries found a ceiling at 2.496 and held it almost exclusively through the domestic session. On the other hand, they also found a floor just over 2.46 and looked similarly determined to avoid breaking it. The latter is probably more significant in light of the fact that stocks made a strong move lower today (in other words, recent levels of correlation with stocks suggest bonds should have taken a stab at breaking below 2.46). So what are we to...(read more)
Posted To: MBS Commentary
It was an uneventful day for bond markets from most points of view. After opening slightly stronger in Asia, Treasuries sold-off modestly during the first part of the European session. The key consideration at the time was stronger German inflation data. Logically, this was a bigger deal for Germany and the EU than it was for US bond markets. 10yr Treasuries found a ceiling at 2.496 and held it almost exclusively through the domestic session. On the other hand, they also found a floor just over 2.46 and looked similarly determined to avoid breaking it. The latter is probably more significant in light of the fact that stocks made a strong move lower today (in other words, recent levels of correlation with stocks suggest bonds should have taken a stab at breaking below 2.46). So what are we to...(read more)Sarah has executed the perfect mix of traditional, rustic, Chinoiserie, and mid-century styles in her family's Massachusetts home. With easy-to-source furniture and decor you can shop Sarah's style and achieve this bright mix of styles, too!
Posted To: Mortgage Rate Watch
Mortgage rates fell modestly today , keeping rates near the lower end of the range seen since January 18th. The catch is that rates moved sharply higher on the 18th, and from there, you'd have to go back to late December to see anything higher. Simply put, we're at the lower end of the recently higher range. Combine that with the potential volatility this week from several important economic reports and there's a good case to be made for "playing it safe" with respect to locking vs floating. 4.25% remains the most prevalent quote on top tier conventional 30yr fixed scenarios. Loan Originator Perspective As of midday Monday we find interest rates not willing to commit in either direction until the major data of Wednesday-Friday. We may get a hint here and there of the consensus, but until the...(read more)
Posted To: Mortgage Rate Watch
Mortgage rates fell modestly today , keeping rates near the lower end of the range seen since January 18th. The catch is that rates moved sharply higher on the 18th, and from there, you'd have to go back to late December to see anything higher. Simply put, we're at the lower end of the recently higher range. Combine that with the potential volatility this week from several important economic reports and there's a good case to be made for "playing it safe" with respect to locking vs floating. 4.25% remains the most prevalent quote on top tier conventional 30yr fixed scenarios. Loan Originator Perspective As of midday Monday we find interest rates not willing to commit in either direction until the major data of Wednesday-Friday. We may get a hint here and there of the consensus, but until the...(read more)
Buying a home is a big financial (and life!) step, and if you've never done it before, it can feel overwhelming. Diving straight into the murky waters of mortgage rates and median home prices can be scary, so doing a few little steps can help you rack up some easy wins and put you in a positive homebuyer headspace. Here are four super simple tasks that you can easily check off your list.
We're still mourning the loss of an icon. Mary Tyler Moore turned the world on with her smile, as did the Minneapolis Victorian that served as her apartment's exterior on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. The Queen Anne home that's been on and off the market is currently for sale, and at quite the price reduction.
From Kitchn → Discover the Most Popular Recipe from the Decade You Were Born In
A few coats of nail lacquer can polish off your personal style, but aside from adorning your fingers, nail polish can actually come in really handy around the house. You probably already know that a little dab of clear polish can stop a run in a pair of stockings, but did you know it can fix broken tile and keep screws from coming loose?
Lately we've been seeing a trend towards more textured, storied finishes in the home, things that look like they've been there for years, whether made from reclaimed materials or new materials made to look old. Terracotta tile, with its beautiful texture and intriguing color variation, fits the bill perfectly. And it comes in all kind of finishes and shapes — not just earth tones and squares or hexagons. Here are 24 of our favorite terracotta tiles.
I've always been a huge fan of pink and green together, and the current trend towards more somber, desaturated colors has put a fresh new spin on this classic combo. Hunter green and dusty pink are beautiful on their own, of course, but they're even better together.
All Mondays are tough, with the last Monday of January even more so. Who can remember those resolutions we made weeks ago or even what warm weather feels like? Don't allow the mundane routine of start of the week get to you; let your imagination run wild as you browse the Apartment Therapy Marketplace. Scoring one of these new listings is a surefire way to make your Monday just marvelous.
Candace Bryan is one of six people tracking their resolutions with Apartment Therapy in real time. You can read her earlier installments here and here.
Three weeks into my month-long no-coffee challenge, something unimaginably horrific happened: I drank a latte.
When I first met my husband and would visit him at his apartment, it felt like I was hanging out in a college dorm room. He was very neat and tidy and everything had its place (thank goodness), but we were surrounded by "Kill Bill" movie posters and the bedspread reminded me of Zack Morris' from "Saved By The Bell" circa 1992. When we decided to move in together, I wondered how this worked. As a diehard design enthusiast who cared greatly about the aesthetics of my home, was I going to be able to live with his "stuff," and, more importantly, how was I going to manage to convince him to (ha!) get rid of most of it?
