If your considering purchasing in the Florida Keys this is great news!
Freddie Mac: Mortgage rates hit low for year
Mortgage Rate Trend Index
No experts polled by Bankrate.com expect mortgage rates to go lower, but a majority (56%) doesn’t expect much change over the short term. The remaining 44%, however, predict an increase.
WASHINGTON – June 11, 2010 – Rates on 30-year fixed mortgages fell this week to the lowest level of the year and barely shy of the all-time low.
Mortgage finance company Freddie Mac says the average rate sank to 4.72 percent, down from 4.79 percent last week. It was just above the record of 4.71 set last December.
The average rate on a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage hit 4.17 percent, down from 4.2 percent last week and the lowest on records dating back to August 1991.
Rob Skeel , Realtor- e-Pro - Cell --305-393-6300 Email--rob@robskeel.com
Century 21 Keysearch Realty--877-660-4637
Web Site-- www.RobSkeel.com
Friday, June 11, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Q&A Regarding the Florida Keys and the Gulf Oil Spill
The following is information regarding the Gulf oil spill and questions and answers addressing the spill's potential impact on the Florida Keys.
KEYS TOURISM ADVISORY 26 June 8, 2010 • 9 AM EDT
News and Information From the Monroe County Tourist Development Council
Q&A Regarding the Florida Keys and the Gulf Oil Spill (Revision 4)
Because developments regarding the Transocean/BP (British Petroleum) oil spill and its relationship to the Florida Keys continue to evolve, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council has updated this Question and Answer document originally published May 4 and revised several times since then. This should be
helpful to answer questions from current or potential visitors. It is also published on the www.fla-keys.com website in a home page-linked spill-related section, or go directly to www.fla-keys.com/oilspill.
I heard the Keys are in imminent danger of being affected by the oil spill. Is that true?
According to officials at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, semitransparent, noncontiguous sheens of oil and tar balls from the Transocean/BP oil spill have been seen near the Loop Current, while others are being entrained into a counterclockwise current eddy northeast of the Loop Current. NOAA insists in the time it would take for any oil to travel to the vicinity of the Keys, it would be highly weathered and both the natural process of evaporation and application of dispersants would reduce the oil volume significantly. It is still unclear whether the weathered oil would actually arrive in the Keys region or bypass the area and remain either in the Loop Current or enter the Gulf Stream (see explanation of Loop Current below). The bulk of the spill should remain away from the Loop Current, NOAA said.
What is the Loop Current?
The Gulf Loop Current is a dynamic, clockwise warm-water current that carries water from the Yucatan Channel north to the Gulf of Mexico, then eastward and looping back down south off Florida’s west coast, past the Dry Tortugas and into the Gulf Stream, also known as the Florida Current.
I have heard that oil will definitely hit the Keys and impacts will be devastating. Is that true?
NOAA, Coast Guard and other officials say the kinds of impacts the Keys and areas on the east coast might experience would be much different than what is transpiring in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Most experts say any oil that is moving south would be more dispersed and highly weathered by the time it reaches the Keys, which is some 500 miles from the spill site. That means it is highly unlikely that large “rivers” of heavy, aqueous oil — the kind of horrific impacts currently affecting some northern Gulf shorelines — would encroach on the Keys. The weathered and diluted oil would likely appear in isolated locations in the form of tar balls. While arrival of oil in any form is unacceptable, tar balls are “significantly less toxic to the
environment,” according to NOAA and Florida Department of Environmental Protection officials. It is possible one area of the Keys could be affected and others not, or that oil residues could remain in currents and completely miss the Keys.
What about the oil tar balls that have already been found in different parts of the Keys?
There has been much news coverage and I heard they were from the Gulf oil spill.
Since May 19, the U.S. Coast Guard has tested more than 40 tar ball samples and none were from the Gulf spill. Finding tar balls in Keys waters or on area beaches is not an unusual occurrence. The Keys are located along a busy commercial shipping route, with some 24,000 vessels passing by annually. Commercial vessels sometimes discharge bilge water that has oil in it. Unfortunately, even though it is illegal, officials believe some vessels are now using the Gulf oil spill as an “opportunity” to empty oily bilge water into the sea. Tar balls also can drift into Keys waters from many other areas, not just the Gulf region.
What is a tar ball?
A tar ball is a blob of oil that has been weathered after floating in the ocean. Tar ball concentration and features have been used to assess the extent of oil spills, and their composition can help identify their sources of origin. They are slowly decomposed by microorganisms. While not dangerous to most people, tar balls can cause allergic reactions and should only be retrieved by trained personnel. Tar balls can occur naturally and so are not always associated with oil spills. All tar ball or other oil-related sightings should be
reported to the Coast Guard at 1-800-424-8802.
Can you guarantee me that oil residues will not make their way into the Keys during my vacation?
Nobody can make a long-term guarantee that residues from the Gulf Coast oil spill will or will not reach the Keys. However, currently, expected impacts, if any, do not seem to be a serious issue for travelers. Each property has its own cancellation policy. It is prudent to check with the hotel as well as any other travelrelated
operator in advance to determine cancellation policies and if management will offer refunds or credits in the event oil adversely affects Keys waters. Some Keys resorts are offerring “oil-free vacation guarantees,” with written and web-published compensation policies.
I hear authorities have shut down fishing in the Keys.
That is not true. A large area in the Gulf of Mexico, west of the Keys, has been closed by NOAA Fisheries to protect the public. But no area in the Keys is under the order at this time. That means Keys-caught seafood has not been affected and is safe to consume.
Is it safe to dive, swim and participate in other water sports in the Keys?
Currently, there are no advisories in the Keys in effect due to the Gulf oil spill.
The Monroe County Health Department is monitoring the situation and would issue an advisory in the event of any health-related risk.
I hear the Florida Keys and much of Florida are under a state of emergency.
Twenty-six of the state’s 67 counties are under a state of emergency, even though moderate impacts have only been seen on northwest Florida beaches. A state of emergency is declared in advance of a potential emergency so the region can qualify for federal reimbursement funding and small business loans, if needed.
Visitors continue to be welcomed to all Florida areas that are under a state of emergency.
Are there protective actions being taken to safeguard the environment, if needed?
The U.S. Coast Guard is the lead government agency responsible for oversight of any necessary cleanup and remediation activities. The Coast Guard works in conjunction with other local, state and federal authorities to enact a 725-page area contingency plan that includes oil spill response actions. Some other agencies involved are NOAA’s Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the Department of the Interior, Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Monroe County Emergency Management. All are operating under the recently established Florida Peninsula Command Center. Assessment and cleanup crews have been mobilized to mitigate tar balls, or any other unexpected effects. Currently, no protective actions are interrupting water- or land-related visitor activities in the Florida Keys.
When will this be over?
Officials don’t know for sure. The outcome and timing depend on when the leak at the Transocean/BP well site can be plugged or fully contained and how effective current mitigation efforts are in containing oil already in the northern Gulf of Mexico.
Where can I get more information on the oil spill?
The Keys tourism council is posting information — including official NOAA oil slick trajectory maps — on its website at www.fla-keys.com/oilspill as well as on Twitter and Facebook:
http://twitter.com/KeysNewsBPspill • http://www.facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest
Spill-related websites includes:
http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com • http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/default.htm
Florida Oil Spill Information Line (8 a.m.-6 p.m. ET daily): 1-888-337-3569
###
KEYS TOURISM ADVISORY 26 June 8, 2010 • 9 AM EDT
News and Information From the Monroe County Tourist Development Council
Q&A Regarding the Florida Keys and the Gulf Oil Spill (Revision 4)
Because developments regarding the Transocean/BP (British Petroleum) oil spill and its relationship to the Florida Keys continue to evolve, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council has updated this Question and Answer document originally published May 4 and revised several times since then. This should be
helpful to answer questions from current or potential visitors. It is also published on the www.fla-keys.com website in a home page-linked spill-related section, or go directly to www.fla-keys.com/oilspill.
I heard the Keys are in imminent danger of being affected by the oil spill. Is that true?
According to officials at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, semitransparent, noncontiguous sheens of oil and tar balls from the Transocean/BP oil spill have been seen near the Loop Current, while others are being entrained into a counterclockwise current eddy northeast of the Loop Current. NOAA insists in the time it would take for any oil to travel to the vicinity of the Keys, it would be highly weathered and both the natural process of evaporation and application of dispersants would reduce the oil volume significantly. It is still unclear whether the weathered oil would actually arrive in the Keys region or bypass the area and remain either in the Loop Current or enter the Gulf Stream (see explanation of Loop Current below). The bulk of the spill should remain away from the Loop Current, NOAA said.
What is the Loop Current?
The Gulf Loop Current is a dynamic, clockwise warm-water current that carries water from the Yucatan Channel north to the Gulf of Mexico, then eastward and looping back down south off Florida’s west coast, past the Dry Tortugas and into the Gulf Stream, also known as the Florida Current.
I have heard that oil will definitely hit the Keys and impacts will be devastating. Is that true?
NOAA, Coast Guard and other officials say the kinds of impacts the Keys and areas on the east coast might experience would be much different than what is transpiring in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Most experts say any oil that is moving south would be more dispersed and highly weathered by the time it reaches the Keys, which is some 500 miles from the spill site. That means it is highly unlikely that large “rivers” of heavy, aqueous oil — the kind of horrific impacts currently affecting some northern Gulf shorelines — would encroach on the Keys. The weathered and diluted oil would likely appear in isolated locations in the form of tar balls. While arrival of oil in any form is unacceptable, tar balls are “significantly less toxic to the
environment,” according to NOAA and Florida Department of Environmental Protection officials. It is possible one area of the Keys could be affected and others not, or that oil residues could remain in currents and completely miss the Keys.
What about the oil tar balls that have already been found in different parts of the Keys?
There has been much news coverage and I heard they were from the Gulf oil spill.
Since May 19, the U.S. Coast Guard has tested more than 40 tar ball samples and none were from the Gulf spill. Finding tar balls in Keys waters or on area beaches is not an unusual occurrence. The Keys are located along a busy commercial shipping route, with some 24,000 vessels passing by annually. Commercial vessels sometimes discharge bilge water that has oil in it. Unfortunately, even though it is illegal, officials believe some vessels are now using the Gulf oil spill as an “opportunity” to empty oily bilge water into the sea. Tar balls also can drift into Keys waters from many other areas, not just the Gulf region.
What is a tar ball?
A tar ball is a blob of oil that has been weathered after floating in the ocean. Tar ball concentration and features have been used to assess the extent of oil spills, and their composition can help identify their sources of origin. They are slowly decomposed by microorganisms. While not dangerous to most people, tar balls can cause allergic reactions and should only be retrieved by trained personnel. Tar balls can occur naturally and so are not always associated with oil spills. All tar ball or other oil-related sightings should be
reported to the Coast Guard at 1-800-424-8802.
Can you guarantee me that oil residues will not make their way into the Keys during my vacation?
Nobody can make a long-term guarantee that residues from the Gulf Coast oil spill will or will not reach the Keys. However, currently, expected impacts, if any, do not seem to be a serious issue for travelers. Each property has its own cancellation policy. It is prudent to check with the hotel as well as any other travelrelated
operator in advance to determine cancellation policies and if management will offer refunds or credits in the event oil adversely affects Keys waters. Some Keys resorts are offerring “oil-free vacation guarantees,” with written and web-published compensation policies.
I hear authorities have shut down fishing in the Keys.
That is not true. A large area in the Gulf of Mexico, west of the Keys, has been closed by NOAA Fisheries to protect the public. But no area in the Keys is under the order at this time. That means Keys-caught seafood has not been affected and is safe to consume.
Is it safe to dive, swim and participate in other water sports in the Keys?
Currently, there are no advisories in the Keys in effect due to the Gulf oil spill.
The Monroe County Health Department is monitoring the situation and would issue an advisory in the event of any health-related risk.
I hear the Florida Keys and much of Florida are under a state of emergency.
Twenty-six of the state’s 67 counties are under a state of emergency, even though moderate impacts have only been seen on northwest Florida beaches. A state of emergency is declared in advance of a potential emergency so the region can qualify for federal reimbursement funding and small business loans, if needed.
Visitors continue to be welcomed to all Florida areas that are under a state of emergency.
Are there protective actions being taken to safeguard the environment, if needed?
The U.S. Coast Guard is the lead government agency responsible for oversight of any necessary cleanup and remediation activities. The Coast Guard works in conjunction with other local, state and federal authorities to enact a 725-page area contingency plan that includes oil spill response actions. Some other agencies involved are NOAA’s Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the Department of the Interior, Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Monroe County Emergency Management. All are operating under the recently established Florida Peninsula Command Center. Assessment and cleanup crews have been mobilized to mitigate tar balls, or any other unexpected effects. Currently, no protective actions are interrupting water- or land-related visitor activities in the Florida Keys.
When will this be over?
Officials don’t know for sure. The outcome and timing depend on when the leak at the Transocean/BP well site can be plugged or fully contained and how effective current mitigation efforts are in containing oil already in the northern Gulf of Mexico.
Where can I get more information on the oil spill?
The Keys tourism council is posting information — including official NOAA oil slick trajectory maps — on its website at www.fla-keys.com/oilspill as well as on Twitter and Facebook:
http://twitter.com/KeysNewsBPspill • http://www.facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest
Spill-related websites includes:
http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com • http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/default.htm
Florida Oil Spill Information Line (8 a.m.-6 p.m. ET daily): 1-888-337-3569
###
Thursday, May 13, 2010
State of Florida 1st Quarter Real Estate Sales Results
ORLANDO, Fla. – May 11, 2010 — Sales of existing single-family homes in Florida rose 24 percent in first quarter 2010 compared to the same period a year earlier, according to the latest housing statistics from Florida Realtors®. A total of 38,846 existing homes sold statewide in 1Q 2010; during the same period the year before, a total of 31,410 existing homes sold. It marks the seventh consecutive quarter that Florida has seen higher existing year-to-year home sales, according to the state association.
Statewide sales of existing condominiums in the first quarter rose 67 percent compared to the same time the previous year. This marks the sixth consecutive quarter for increased statewide sales in both the existing home and condo markets compared to year-ago levels.
"The first quarter data release from the Florida Realtors paints a picture of a housing market continuing down the long road to recovery," said Dr. Sean Snaith, director for the University of Central Florida's Institute for Economic Competitiveness. "Transactions in the single family market have extended quarterly year-over-year gains for nearly two years, and condo sales have also risen sharply. Median prices in most areas of the state continue to fall; however, the rate at which they are falling has diminished significantly and this is indicative of a bottom approaching.
"How long prices stay at the bottom and when price appreciation will reappear will depend in a large part on the improving fundamentals in the economy and credit markets."
The University of Florida's Bergstrom Center for Real Estate Studies' latest quarterly survey of real estate trends also notes positive signs of recovery in the state's real estate industry. The survey polls market research economists, industry executives, real estate scholars and other experts.
"Results indicate that the real estate market in Florida has hit bottom and is in the process of stabilizing across most property types," said Timothy Becker, the center's director. Private capital – both foreign and domestic – continues to enter the state in search of quality investment deals, he added.
Seventeen of Florida's metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) reported increased sales of existing homes in 1Q 2010 compared to the same three-month-period a year earlier, while all of the MSAs showed gains in condo sales.
The statewide existing-home median sales price was $133,800 in 1Q 2010; a year earlier, it was $140,900 for a decrease of 5 percent. According to industry analysts with the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), sales of foreclosures and other distressed properties continue to downwardly distort the median price because they generally sell at a discount relative to traditional homes. The median is a typical market price where half the homes sold for more, half for less.
In the year-to-year quarterly comparison for condo sales, 16,897 units sold statewide for the quarter compared to 10,131 in 1Q 2009 for a 67 percent increase. The statewide existing-condo median sales price was $95,800 for the three-month period; in 1Q 2009, it was $110,000 for a decrease of 13 percent.
Low mortgage rates remain another favorable influence on the housing sector. According to Freddie Mac, the national commitment rate for a 30-year conventional fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5 percent in 1Q 2010; one year earlier, it averaged 5.06 percent.
© 2010 Florida Realtors®
Statewide sales of existing condominiums in the first quarter rose 67 percent compared to the same time the previous year. This marks the sixth consecutive quarter for increased statewide sales in both the existing home and condo markets compared to year-ago levels.
"The first quarter data release from the Florida Realtors paints a picture of a housing market continuing down the long road to recovery," said Dr. Sean Snaith, director for the University of Central Florida's Institute for Economic Competitiveness. "Transactions in the single family market have extended quarterly year-over-year gains for nearly two years, and condo sales have also risen sharply. Median prices in most areas of the state continue to fall; however, the rate at which they are falling has diminished significantly and this is indicative of a bottom approaching.
"How long prices stay at the bottom and when price appreciation will reappear will depend in a large part on the improving fundamentals in the economy and credit markets."
The University of Florida's Bergstrom Center for Real Estate Studies' latest quarterly survey of real estate trends also notes positive signs of recovery in the state's real estate industry. The survey polls market research economists, industry executives, real estate scholars and other experts.
"Results indicate that the real estate market in Florida has hit bottom and is in the process of stabilizing across most property types," said Timothy Becker, the center's director. Private capital – both foreign and domestic – continues to enter the state in search of quality investment deals, he added.
Seventeen of Florida's metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) reported increased sales of existing homes in 1Q 2010 compared to the same three-month-period a year earlier, while all of the MSAs showed gains in condo sales.
The statewide existing-home median sales price was $133,800 in 1Q 2010; a year earlier, it was $140,900 for a decrease of 5 percent. According to industry analysts with the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), sales of foreclosures and other distressed properties continue to downwardly distort the median price because they generally sell at a discount relative to traditional homes. The median is a typical market price where half the homes sold for more, half for less.
In the year-to-year quarterly comparison for condo sales, 16,897 units sold statewide for the quarter compared to 10,131 in 1Q 2009 for a 67 percent increase. The statewide existing-condo median sales price was $95,800 for the three-month period; in 1Q 2009, it was $110,000 for a decrease of 13 percent.
Low mortgage rates remain another favorable influence on the housing sector. According to Freddie Mac, the national commitment rate for a 30-year conventional fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5 percent in 1Q 2010; one year earlier, it averaged 5.06 percent.
© 2010 Florida Realtors®
Monday, April 19, 2010
Florida Keys 1st Quarter Real Estate Results
The first quarter result for 2010 for sold properties is 404 homes sold a 37% increase over the same period in 2009.
Short Sales and Foreclosures accounted for 150 of those sales.
Of the 404 sales Key West led the way with 156 sales, the Upper Keys had 91 and the balance were from Mile Marker 74 to Key West.
The inventory is still crowded but has dropped 16% from last year.
The difference between final list price and sales price is now 91%, up from 87% at year end. During the peak years it was 95%. Prices are getting to where there is less margin between what a seller is willing to take and the buyer is willing to spend.
Pending sales are so strong that they should continue to support positive closed sales through spring on into summer.
The average for closings is around 60 to 90 days when financing is involved. Average closings use to take about 45 days. Interest rates are still low but have begun to trend up after the Fed stopped subsidizing rates the end of March.
I hope you find this information helpful. When you need a realtor please think of me to assist you with your real estate needs.
Rob Skeel , Realtor- e-Pro - Cell --305-393-6300 Email--rob@robskeel.com
Century 21 Keysearch Realty--877-660-4637
Web Site-- www.RobSkeel.com
Short Sales and Foreclosures accounted for 150 of those sales.
Of the 404 sales Key West led the way with 156 sales, the Upper Keys had 91 and the balance were from Mile Marker 74 to Key West.
The inventory is still crowded but has dropped 16% from last year.
The difference between final list price and sales price is now 91%, up from 87% at year end. During the peak years it was 95%. Prices are getting to where there is less margin between what a seller is willing to take and the buyer is willing to spend.
Pending sales are so strong that they should continue to support positive closed sales through spring on into summer.
The average for closings is around 60 to 90 days when financing is involved. Average closings use to take about 45 days. Interest rates are still low but have begun to trend up after the Fed stopped subsidizing rates the end of March.
I hope you find this information helpful. When you need a realtor please think of me to assist you with your real estate needs.
Rob Skeel , Realtor- e-Pro - Cell --305-393-6300 Email--rob@robskeel.com
Century 21 Keysearch Realty--877-660-4637
Web Site-- www.RobSkeel.com
Monday, March 29, 2010
First Quarter 2010 Florida Key's Real Estate Update
With the lowest prices seen in years, rock bottom interest rates and federal tax breaks, Florida Keys property sales for January and February are running 40% ahead of last year and March is looking positive as well.. There are 16 percent fewer homes for sale and 60% more pending sales compared to last year.
Things to consider!
Interest rates may not be this low much longer as the Treasury's subsidy is set to expire at the end of March. Rates may head up from there.
It is a buyers market but buyers need to be realistic in their price expectations. There are many sellers who are not desperate to sell (not a short sale or forclosuer) and still want a fair value for there home.
If you are one of the buyers with either cash or who is preapproved for a loan, that can go a long way in negotiations and help get the best deal possible. Just be prepared for when the right home comes along, to move on it as the competition amongst the good deals is becoming fierce.
Rob Skeel , Realtor- e-Pro - Cell --305-393-6300
Email--rob@robskeel.com
Century 21 Keysearch Realty--877-660-4637
Web Site-- www.RobSkeel.com
Green Certified Real Estate Professional, FHA Certified, SFR
Things to consider!
Interest rates may not be this low much longer as the Treasury's subsidy is set to expire at the end of March. Rates may head up from there.
It is a buyers market but buyers need to be realistic in their price expectations. There are many sellers who are not desperate to sell (not a short sale or forclosuer) and still want a fair value for there home.
If you are one of the buyers with either cash or who is preapproved for a loan, that can go a long way in negotiations and help get the best deal possible. Just be prepared for when the right home comes along, to move on it as the competition amongst the good deals is becoming fierce.
Rob Skeel , Realtor- e-Pro - Cell --305-393-6300
Email--rob@robskeel.com
Century 21 Keysearch Realty--877-660-4637
Web Site-- www.RobSkeel.com
Green Certified Real Estate Professional, FHA Certified, SFR
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Fed weighs how and when to signal higher rates
Seriously thinking about purchasing a place in the Florida Keys? Our inventory has dropped considerably and with the possibility of higher interest rates in the future this could be the best time to make your move.
WASHINGTON (AP) – March 16, 2010 – Debate is heating up within the Federal Reserve over how and when to signal that the days of record-low interest rates are numbered.
A rate hike isn’t imminent. But at their meeting Tuesday, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and his colleagues will likely focus on how to telegraph that higher rates are coming once the economic recovery is more deeply rooted. Eventually, Fed policymakers will need to start bumping up rates to head off inflation.
It will be a challenging maneuver. Fed officials will want to signal a move to higher rates in advance so borrowers and investors aren’t jarred. And they will need to send a signal that isn’t confusing.
The Fed has held rates at a record low near zero since December 2008. Bernanke and other Fed officials have said low rates are still needed to underpin economic growth.
But they need to decide whether to keep or modify their yearlong pledge to hold rates at record lows for an “extended period.” Economists generally think “extended period” means at least six more months.
The Fed could drop that commitment altogether. Or it could pledge to keep rates low only for “some time” or vow to keep “policy accommodative.” Or it could change its language in some other way to stress that credit will be tightened when the time is right. Any such step would signal that the days of easy money are fading.
Inside the Fed, debate is intensifying.
Thomas Hoenig, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, has pushed to change the signal. At the Fed’s last meeting in late January, Hoenig dissented from the “extended period” pledge. He favored saying rates would stay low for “some time.” He thought that would give the Fed more flexibility to start raising rates.
Some economists aren’t ruling out a change in language at Tuesday’s meeting. Others don’t think a change will come until the Fed’s next meeting on April 27-28.
“During the Depression, the Fed tightened policy too soon and cut off the recovery before it was self-sufficient,” said Joel Naroff, president of Naroff Economic Advisors. “The Fed doesn’t want to make that mistake again. I think that they are willing to stay with very easy money longer than they might normally because of all the damage that has been done to the economy.”
The recession wiped out 8.4 million jobs. And with companies still wary of ramping up hiring, the unemployment rate – now at 9.7 percent – is likely to stay high.
Even though the jobless rate hasn’t budged for two months and companies aren’t cutting as many jobs as they did a year ago, hiring is tepid. Consumer and business spending is sufficient to keep the economy growing only modestly. The housing and commercial real-estate markets are wobbly. Lending remains tight.
“Cautiously optimistic is where the Fed is right now,” said William Cheney, chief economist at John Hancock. “But it is heavy on the caution and light on the optimism.”
That helps explain why the Fed is expected to keep its key rate at a record low Tuesday. It has held its target range for its bank lending rate at zero to 0.25 percent since December 2008. In response, commercial banks’ prime lending rate, used to peg rates on certain credit cards and consumer loans, has remained about 3.25 percent – its lowest in decades.
Super-low rates benefit borrowers who qualify for loans and are willing to take on more debt. But they hurt savers. Low rates are especially hard on people living on fixed incomes who are earning measly returns on savings accounts and certificates of deposit.
The Fed could start boosting rates as early as June – if economic growth accelerated. A more likely time is this fall, economists say.
Investors also will be looking to see if the Fed makes any changes to an economic-support program that’s lowered mortgage rates and bolstered the housing market. Under that program, the Fed is scheduled to end its mortgage-securities purchases from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac at the end of this month.
Some analysts fear that once the program ends, mortgage rates could rise. That could weaken the recovery in housing and the overall economy. The Fed has left the door open to extending the program if the economy weakens.
Please contact me and I will help you find just the right property and negotiate in your behalf to get the best deal. It doesn't cost you a dime and I can save you valuable time searching for that DREAM home.
Rob Skeel , Realtor- e-Pro - Cell --305-393-6300 Email--rob@robskeel.com
Century 21 Keysearch Realty--877-660-4637
Web Site-- www.RobSkeel.com
WASHINGTON (AP) – March 16, 2010 – Debate is heating up within the Federal Reserve over how and when to signal that the days of record-low interest rates are numbered.
A rate hike isn’t imminent. But at their meeting Tuesday, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and his colleagues will likely focus on how to telegraph that higher rates are coming once the economic recovery is more deeply rooted. Eventually, Fed policymakers will need to start bumping up rates to head off inflation.
It will be a challenging maneuver. Fed officials will want to signal a move to higher rates in advance so borrowers and investors aren’t jarred. And they will need to send a signal that isn’t confusing.
The Fed has held rates at a record low near zero since December 2008. Bernanke and other Fed officials have said low rates are still needed to underpin economic growth.
But they need to decide whether to keep or modify their yearlong pledge to hold rates at record lows for an “extended period.” Economists generally think “extended period” means at least six more months.
The Fed could drop that commitment altogether. Or it could pledge to keep rates low only for “some time” or vow to keep “policy accommodative.” Or it could change its language in some other way to stress that credit will be tightened when the time is right. Any such step would signal that the days of easy money are fading.
Inside the Fed, debate is intensifying.
Thomas Hoenig, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, has pushed to change the signal. At the Fed’s last meeting in late January, Hoenig dissented from the “extended period” pledge. He favored saying rates would stay low for “some time.” He thought that would give the Fed more flexibility to start raising rates.
Some economists aren’t ruling out a change in language at Tuesday’s meeting. Others don’t think a change will come until the Fed’s next meeting on April 27-28.
“During the Depression, the Fed tightened policy too soon and cut off the recovery before it was self-sufficient,” said Joel Naroff, president of Naroff Economic Advisors. “The Fed doesn’t want to make that mistake again. I think that they are willing to stay with very easy money longer than they might normally because of all the damage that has been done to the economy.”
The recession wiped out 8.4 million jobs. And with companies still wary of ramping up hiring, the unemployment rate – now at 9.7 percent – is likely to stay high.
Even though the jobless rate hasn’t budged for two months and companies aren’t cutting as many jobs as they did a year ago, hiring is tepid. Consumer and business spending is sufficient to keep the economy growing only modestly. The housing and commercial real-estate markets are wobbly. Lending remains tight.
“Cautiously optimistic is where the Fed is right now,” said William Cheney, chief economist at John Hancock. “But it is heavy on the caution and light on the optimism.”
That helps explain why the Fed is expected to keep its key rate at a record low Tuesday. It has held its target range for its bank lending rate at zero to 0.25 percent since December 2008. In response, commercial banks’ prime lending rate, used to peg rates on certain credit cards and consumer loans, has remained about 3.25 percent – its lowest in decades.
Super-low rates benefit borrowers who qualify for loans and are willing to take on more debt. But they hurt savers. Low rates are especially hard on people living on fixed incomes who are earning measly returns on savings accounts and certificates of deposit.
The Fed could start boosting rates as early as June – if economic growth accelerated. A more likely time is this fall, economists say.
Investors also will be looking to see if the Fed makes any changes to an economic-support program that’s lowered mortgage rates and bolstered the housing market. Under that program, the Fed is scheduled to end its mortgage-securities purchases from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac at the end of this month.
Some analysts fear that once the program ends, mortgage rates could rise. That could weaken the recovery in housing and the overall economy. The Fed has left the door open to extending the program if the economy weakens.
Please contact me and I will help you find just the right property and negotiate in your behalf to get the best deal. It doesn't cost you a dime and I can save you valuable time searching for that DREAM home.
Rob Skeel , Realtor- e-Pro - Cell --305-393-6300 Email--rob@robskeel.com
Century 21 Keysearch Realty--877-660-4637
Web Site-- www.RobSkeel.com
Thursday, March 4, 2010
2009 Florida Keys YE Real Estate Stats
2009 Total # of property sales was up +34% over 2008!
Months of Inventory, a measure of how many months it would take to sell the existing property inventory, is 28 months down from a peak of 55 months.
The Florida Keys real estate market showed steady improvement as 2009 progressed with the last months of the year showing the largest gains. This momentum continued into 2010 driven by attractive interest rates, home buyer credits, a continuing decline in prices and inventory and a recognition that prices are stabilizing. The 3rd and 4th quarters of the year, historically the slowest time of the year for sales in the Keys, were the best quarters in 2009. All indicators point to a much improved real estate market in 2010.
No one knows how long the great interest rates will be available or when housing prices will start to go back up.
If your considering purchasing your dream home in the Florida Keys please contact me and I will assist you with finding the property your seeking and negotiate a good price.
Rob Skeel , Realtor- e-Pro - Cell --305-393-6300 Email--rob@robskeel.com
Century 21 Keysearch Realty--877-660-4637
Web Site-- www.RobSkeel.com
Months of Inventory, a measure of how many months it would take to sell the existing property inventory, is 28 months down from a peak of 55 months.
The Florida Keys real estate market showed steady improvement as 2009 progressed with the last months of the year showing the largest gains. This momentum continued into 2010 driven by attractive interest rates, home buyer credits, a continuing decline in prices and inventory and a recognition that prices are stabilizing. The 3rd and 4th quarters of the year, historically the slowest time of the year for sales in the Keys, were the best quarters in 2009. All indicators point to a much improved real estate market in 2010.
No one knows how long the great interest rates will be available or when housing prices will start to go back up.
If your considering purchasing your dream home in the Florida Keys please contact me and I will assist you with finding the property your seeking and negotiate a good price.
Rob Skeel , Realtor- e-Pro - Cell --305-393-6300 Email--rob@robskeel.com
Century 21 Keysearch Realty--877-660-4637
Web Site-- www.RobSkeel.com
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