REACH YOUR GOALS
The Return of the Buyer’s Market?
After years of sparse property listings, would-be consumers are lastly seeing extra FOR SALE indicators. This is translating into extra alternatives, particularly in some warm-weather states.
Arizona consumers are starting to realize an edge, as brokers report that stock numbers are rising in Phoenix and Tuscon.
Texas has seven metro areas with extra stock than in 2019.
Florida is in an analogous state of affairs to Texas, with rising numbers of houses on the market in six metro areas.
Colorado can also be seeing the beginning of a purchaser’s market, though it is restricted to 2 metro areas.
Median sale costs throughout March 2025 fell in lots of areas. They have been down 1.3% in Tucson, 1.4% in Dallas, and seven.4% in Cape Coral. Buyers focused on apartment items may discover a deal this spring. Condos within the south, particularly Florida, are promoting for costs 4.5% decrease than final yr.
Even new development is turning into extra reasonably priced. Last month, 29% of house builders lower costs for smaller, lower-priced items, whereas 61% supplied consumers gross sales incentives to sweeten the deal.
Source: marketwatch.com
MORTGAGE IQ
Can’t Afford Your Dream Home? Consider Rentvesting.
For most of us, shopping for that first house is our first funding in actual property. We additionally contemplate house possession as a serious step to monetary success. But what if that dream house’s out of attain, otherwise you’re not able to cool down? You might wish to contemplate an funding property first.
Buying and renting an funding property has its personal nickname, “rentvesting”. It can assist the proprietor construct fairness and wealth whereas their tenants cowl most, or the entire mortgage funds. It additionally helps many Americans attain their objectives of elevated money movement and long-term appreciation. In addition, in case you already personal a house, a second property can fast-track your fairness if skillfully managed.
If this appears like a pretty funding, you should definitely contemplate the duties. Choosing the fitting property is significant, because it helps forestall lengthy waits between tenants. Whether you handle tenants by yourself or with the assistance of an agent, there shall be bills reminiscent of sustaining the property and paying taxes and insurance coverage.
If you are focused on rentvesting, contact your native APM Loan Advisor to talk about your financing choices.
Source: empower.com
FINANCIAL NEWS
The Latest on Interest Rates and The Fed
In 2025, the Federal Reserve (additionally referred to as the Fed) determined to not decrease rates of interest simply but. This alternative exhibits they’re being cautious because the financial system faces some uncertainty, particularly round rising costs (inflation) and adjustments in commerce with different international locations like China. The Fed saved its key rate of interest between 4.25% and 4.50% to assist combat inflation and help jobs.
One massive cause for the pause is the back-and-forth in commerce talks with China, together with doable new taxes (referred to as tariffs) on items. These points have made the financial system more durable to foretell. For instance, some companies and consumers rushed to purchase gadgets earlier than tariffs took impact, which made the numbers for early 2025 look unusual and more durable to grasp.
Because the U.S. delayed among the deliberate tariffs, the Fed noticed much less urgency to decrease charges now. With issues extra steady for the second, specialists assume the primary price lower would possibly occur round September—and even then, solely a small one.
Some Fed leaders, like Tom Barkin, say they’re seeing indicators the financial system could also be slowing, partly because of the confusion round tariffs. Some corporations have stopped hiring or reduce on spending, however we have not seen massive job losses but. Barkin in contrast the state of affairs to driving in thick fog—it is onerous to see what’s coming subsequent.
Overall, the Fed is selecting to attend and see. They wish to preserve issues regular whereas staying able to act if the financial system adjustments.
Source: Reuters.com
DID YOU KNOW?
Travel Advisories for This Summer
This yr, extra Americans are planning to move abroad for a trip. Most are headed to well-liked big-city locations in Europe, with others headed to tropical venues.
However, it is a sensible thought to examine for journey advisories. While Americans are warned to not go to international locations with ongoing conflicts, others have less-publicized dangers.
The Department of State publishes info for dozens of locations, together with danger ranges for guests. While Level 1 international locations are thought-about secure, vacationers to Level 2 and three international locations will wish to analysis their locations. (Don’t even take into consideration visiting Level 4 international locations.)
These are a number of of the international locations rated Level 2 “Exercise Increased Caution”:
Belgium, Denmark, France and Germany: doable terrorist assaults and civil unrest.
Costa Rica: rising crime, each petty and violent.
Hong Kong and Macau: arbitrary enforcement of native legal guidelines, which implies that vacationers could also be unfairly detained.
India: some areas have crime charges that make them dangerous for non-locals.
These and 20 extra international locations are thought-about Level 3 “Reconsider Travel”:
Egypt: the US Embassy might not have the ability to help twin nationals who’re detained.
Jamaica: excessive crime in some areas; poor medical and emergency companies.
Mozambique: civil unrest, crime and well being points.
Want to analysis doable locations earlier than shopping for tickets? Visit the US Department of State’s Travel Advisories web site. You can search by nation title to take a look at regional security ranges and extra particulars.
Source: journey.state.gov
PERSONAL FINANCES
Municipal Bond Basics
Investors who want to diversify or wish to help a neighborhood public undertaking might add municipal bonds to their portfolio. Also referred to as “muni bonds”, these are issued by native governments to finance public tasks like faculties, hospitals and even roads. Bond consumers are lending cash to assist construct these.
Bonds reward consumers with common, fastened curiosity funds, and full return of principal once they mature. Some supply each federal and state tax advantages. The two commonest varieties are:
General obligation bonds issued by states, cities or counties and never secured by any belongings. Instead, they’re backed by the “full religion and credit score” of the issuer.
Revenue bonds aren’t backed by the federal government’s taxing energy however by revenues from a selected undertaking or supply, reminiscent of freeway tolls or lease charges.
Investors have a number of choices for looking for muni bonds, together with:
Bond market platforms
Municipal bond funds
Over-the counter (OTC)
Unit funding trusts (UITs)
Banks and credit score unions
Even although muni bonds are thought-about low danger, they don’t seem to be no danger. As with every other funding, you will wish to analysis before you purchase.
Source: public.com
FOOD
Jalapeno Cornbread with Blueberries
Since berries are coming into season, extra cooks are getting inventive. This Jalapeno Cornbread with Blueberry Jam mixes two very completely different flavors for a well-liked facet dish, and even takes cornbread from the iron skillet to a bundt pan.
AROUND THE HOUSE
How Long Parts of a Home Should Last
Whether you are already a home-owner or looking for an current house, it is useful to have estimates of how lengthy sure elements of a house will final. Here are estimates for some high-dollar gadgets, plus some family home equipment.
A roof’s life expectancy depends upon the supplies used, the place you reside and the way properly it is maintained. A tile, copper or slate roof can final over 50 years, whereas wooden shake and fiber cement roofs final round 25 to 30 years. Asphalt solely lasts for about 20 years.
Heating and air con techniques final for at the very least 15 years and might go as much as 25 years with correct upkeep. However, since these are ceaselessly up to date for greater effectivity, it typically pays to exchange them earlier than they fail.
Genuine wooden flooring can last as long as 100 years, which makes it a well-liked alternative, particularly as carpets solely final round 10 years on common. A tile flooring’s life expectancy is sort of so long as wooden, relying on its supplies.
Kitchen home equipment which might be well-cared for can final for a decade or longer. Refrigerators often final from six to fifteen years. Dishwasher producers declare that 10 years is the norm. Gas ranges have a barely longer life expectancy than electrical: as much as 17 years for gasoline, in comparison with 15 for electrical.
Source: familyhandyman.com
