GREENWAY BLOG

25 April 2025

MarketMinute | Home builders are going small

The Fed's Beige Book said trade uncertainty, especially around tariffs, dragged down outlooks across several U.S. regions. Durable goods orders surged 9.2% in March, driven by a rush to buy big-ticket items like autos and appliances ahead of impending tariffs. Jobless claims rose slightly to 222K. The labor market remained steady as businesses avoided layoffs despite economic and tariff uncertainties.   Existing home sales fell 5.9% in March, the largest monthly drop since November 2022. The median...

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18 April 2025

MarketMinute | Rates create a call to ARMs

Retail sales saw their biggest jump in more than 2 years last month as consumers rushed to buy ahead of tariffs. Fed Chair Powell reiterated this week that the Fed must ensure tariffs don’t trigger a persistent rise in inflation, making rate cuts unlikely. Unemployment claims fell to a 2-month low last week, evidence companies weren't turning to large-scale layoffs as tariffs hit.  Builder sentiment stayed negative in April. Tariff worries and high material costs outweighed a slight boost from...

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11 April 2025

MarketMinute | How are home prices faring?

Last week's tariff announcement, followed by this week's news of a 90-day pause on some of those tariffs, sent markets into a tailspin. The Consumer Price Index showed cooling inflation in February. Many economists remain concerned about a tariff-induced increase. Minutes from the Fed's last meeting showed concerns about stagflation, a period of slowing economic growth paired with rising inflation.  ICE reports more than 1/4 of major housing markets have pre-pandemic inventories, with 18...

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8 April 2025

What is a Loan Estimate?

  What is a Loan Estimate? When you apply for a mortgage, one of the most important documents you’ll receive is your Loan Estimate . This government-mandated form is designed to help you understand the costs associated with your home loan, making it easier to compare offers from different lenders. Knowing how to read and interpret your Loan Estimate can empower you to make informed decisions as you move forward in the homebuying process. What’s Included in a Loan Estimate? Your Loan Estimate provides a breakdown of key financial details, ensuring transparency in the lending process. The form highlights four areas: Loan Terms...

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1 April 2025

Renovate or Relocate? Deciding What's Right For You

  The house that once felt like your dream home may not always meet your needs as life evolves. A growing family, a new job, or simply outgrowing your space can make you question whether it’s time for a change. When faced with this decision, the big question is: should you relocate or renovate? It all depends on what’s driving the change. Let’s explore the factors that can help you determine the best path forward. When Relocating Makes the Most Sense Moving might be the best choice if your current home no longer aligns with your lifestyle, and renovations won't solve the core issues. Here are some key reasons to consider relocating:...

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