Fed Rate Hike Likely Today-12/19/2018

The Federal Reserve is expected to announce that they will raise the rate at which they lend to banks from 2.25% to 2.5%.  There is a lot of politically charged talk about the move, but the Fed has been consistent with making their decisions based on market data.  The unemployment rate is at a low 3.7%, a key marker that our economy is healthy.  Not everyone is happy about the decision to raise rates:

• ·         President Trump says the move is based on meaningless numbers and that the Fed should “feel the market”.   In Great Britain there would be a pause and they’d say, “Right then, in Zimbabwe today…”.

·         Bruce Bittles of Baird says, "First, I'm concerned that if the Fed does not raise rates, they look to be bending top political will," and added. "And no. 2, they'd be admitting that economy doesn't look too great."

Not everyone is upset with the Fed’s moves – the stock market jumped up 50 points today on the anticipated announcement.

The Easterbrook Team for Your Home Loan Needs!

3 Trends in Real Estate Market

A new report by RE/MAX sampled MLS data from 53 metropolitan areas in the US and found that the number of home for sale in November declined 6.9% from October.  The report shows that inventory has declined over the last 4 consecutive months.  The report also compares the first 11 months of 2017 to 2018, showing home prices have risen 6%.

3 trends are emerging in the current market:

1.    Buyers are grappling with affordability issues and tight inventory.  Interest rates are expected to increase, edging some out of the market (we have solutions – CALL US).

2.    Sellers are unsure how to react with the prospect of a cooling market fueled by rising rates and over-heated home prices.

3.    Listings that are priced properly are still selling quickly.

History tells us that we cannot sustain rising home prices, lowering inventory, and rising interest rates – look for new trends to develop soon. All three trends underscore the importance of a professional real estate agent that can navigate an ever-changing market.

The Easterbrook Team "Makes the Loan Process Easy!"

Porch Pirates Foiled by NASA Engineer

We’re all in the housing business.  There is a current phenomenon affecting people that have packages delivered to their front doors.  YouTube sensation, Mark Rober, a NASA engineer that helped put the rover on Mars, was plagued by “porch pirates” stealing packages off his front door.  Here’s how he got his revenge – this is classic! CLICK HERE

The Easterbrook Team is Your Local Lender!

Market Now for a Strong Spring Tomorrow!

What You Do Today Will Echo 4 Months from Now

On the Easterbrook Team, we firmly believe that “getting the word out” is critical to any business.  Timing, however, is also critical to nail your sales goals.   For inspiration, we turn to our friends at Forbes Magazine:

·         23 Bulletproof Marketing Ideas for Real Estate

·         Inexpensive Marketing Ideas for Small Businesses

·         Must-Know Media Strategies for Real Estate Agents

·         4 Types of Content Real Estate Marketers Need to Be Using

·         Many More Ideas to Spark Your Marketing Genius

Here are 11 more current marketing ideas for real estate agents – CLICK HERE.

On the Easterbrook Team, we would love to partner in your success.  We have many resources for you, including a marketing team to provide custom marketing pieces.

Office Christmas Party!

Statistics show that 1 in 3 people will do something that they will regret at an office Christmas Party.  The average attendee will hear 7 pieces of gossip throughout the evening – CLICK HERE for Article