Good morning! Today is Monday, December 21. Members of Congress struck a deal on a nearly $900 billion virus relief package. A CDC advisory group recommends that the next COVID-19 vaccinations be given to older adults and front-line essential workers, like fire, EMT, food manufacturers, grocery and public transit employees, teachers, postal workers. Jupiter and Saturn will appear closer in the night sky tonight than they have in nearly 400 years.
And in mortgage and housing news …
MORTGAGE RATES: Mortgage rates have tumbled to a new all-time low, falling to a 2.67 percent, according to the weekly Primary Mortgage Market Survey released by Freddie Mac.
GSE SAGA: Without appropriate oversight, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could easily repeat the mistakesthat put them in conservatorship in the first place.
CREDIT REGISTRY: President-elect Joe Biden wants to change how credit scores work in America.
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE: CFOs worldwide have dire message for real-estate investors.
FOOT TRAFFIC: Nationally, Sentrilock home showings were up 16 percent year-over-year. Showings rose in the West and Northeast regions, but declined in the Midwest and South regions.
OVERPAYING: Thirteen percent of homebuyers are at risk of paying too much for their home loan.
BANK STOCKS: With the usual rules upended this year, the banks that did the best offered something competitors couldn’t match.
STATED INCOME LOANS: Stated income loans were a primary cause of the collapse of the U.S. housing market and subsequent Great Recession. They are making a comeback, but with major changes.
MORTGAGE SAVINGS: Consider giving yourself the gift of mortgage savings this year.
PUBLIC HOUSING: In public housing, a small debt can get poor tenants evicted.
NEW MORTGAGE: Four signs it is time for a new mortgage in the New Year.
AMAZON EXPLORE: Amazon Explore allows you to connect with locals and people who are relocating while virtually showcasing your community.