GREENWAY BLOG

21 March 2025

MarketMinute | The housing market has some unexpected increases

The Fed kept its policy rate unchanged at the March meeting. Fed members expect to cut policy rates twice in 2025. Retail sales were up by less than forecast in February, and January was revised downward to mark the biggest drop since July 2021. Initial jobless claims rose slightly last week. Continuing claims also rose, with more people remaining jobless longer than a year ago.  Existing home sales unexpectedly increased in February, as rising supply and falling mortgage rates pulled buyers back into...

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20 March 2025

How Your Credit Score Shapes Your Mortgage—and How to Improve It

  How much do you know about credit scores, how they’re calculated, and what they’re used for? Ramp up your knowledge with this helpful guide so you know what to expect next time you apply for credit. What’s the Score? Your credit score is a part of the package of information lenders use to decide whether or not they will lend you money or extend credit. Other factors include things like your employment history and income and their own internal scoring systems. There are two primary credit scoring models you need to know about: FICO®and VantageScore. Each may be used to determine your creditworthiness: that is, how likely you are to...

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14 March 2025

MarketMinute | Is there a market for 3D-printed homes?

After rising in January, wholesale prices remained unchanged in February. Markets are concerned tariffs may lead to future increases. The CPI showed slowing inflation in February. The drop-off is not expected to trigger policy rate cuts at next week's Fed meeting. Job openings rose to 7.74 million in January, signaling employer optimism amid ongoing labor market concerns.  Lennar and Icon, a 3D technology company, partnered to 3D print 100 homes in Georgetown, Texas. About 75% of them have already...

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7 March 2025

MarketMinute | Mortgage apps jumped this week!

The Fed’s most recent Beige Book showed a mixed employment picture and a slight rise in economic activity since mid-January. Unemployment applications fell more than expected last week, indicating the labor market remained stable in February. Payroll processing firm ADP reported private companies added just 77K new workers in January, well below the 148K consensus estimate.  Single-family construction spending rose 0.6% in January. Overall spending, including for multifamily and home improvements,...

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4 March 2025

Homeowners Insurance 101: Protecting Your Home and Possessions

  Confused by Homeowners Insurance? Here’s what you need to know. Just as you have health insurance to protect yourself and auto insurance for your car, you need the same kind of financial protection when it comes to your home. After all, your home is probably the largest asset you will ever own. Protecting it — and what’s inside — makes sense, but there’s a lot you should know before taking out a new homeowners insurance policy or updating your current coverage. The Basics of Homeowners Insurance: Sometimes called hazard insurance, homeowners insurance protects you financially in the event of damage to your home. You can...

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