U.S. home prices posted a 0.8 percent gain in July, a price increase that was spread across nearly all parts of the nation.

It’s the fifth consecutive monthly gain reported by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), which released the seasonally adjusted figures today. However, today’s report also downgraded a 0.9 percent gain initially estimated for June to a 0.7 percent gain instead.   Despite the rising trend over the spring and summer, the current figures still represent an annual decline of 3.3 percent from July 2010. On a national basis, the U.S. home price index is now at roughly the same level it was in March 2004 and is 18.4 percent down from its peak in April 2007. During the current rise, the U.S. home Read full post…

Many of us view Labor Day as the end of summer, but the historical significance is quite interesting. The first Labor Day in the US was observed on September 5, 1882 and it became an official holiday in 1894. The Labor movement initiated the day to pay tribute to the contributions of American workers.

With continuing concerns about the job losses, a record number of people looking for employment and the overall weak economy its certainly not easy being an American worker these days.  A weekend to forget about our problems might be just what the doctor ordered.

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The Freep reported today that Mark Wahlberg has put his home up for sale.

And you can live in it for a cool 14 million. Add in todays record low mortgage rates, and you might have a pretty good deal.

Looks like a nice place from the picture.

Frankly, I think Wahlberg is an amazing actor and I hope this works out for him.

He, hands down, should have won an Oscar for best supporting actor for his role in the movie Departed.

Who am I? Im the guy who does his job. You must be the other guy! One of my favorite move lines in history. I try to use it every chance I get during meetings.

I didnt like him much as a rapper.

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The stringent economic situations have forced more and more individuals to take out debts in order to fulfill their financial needs. Many of these individuals have successfully managed to get out of debts while others have got trapped into a cycle of debts.

The latter group of people seeks financial assistance from reputable financial institutions to get control over their outstanding debts. A great number of financial companies are serving financially burdened individuals and enabling them to achieve a debt free life.

Debt Pay 1 is a debt consolidation/settlement organization that is specialized in dealing issues related with pay day loan.

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Those looking to refinance may get a surprise if they bank with Chase.

The NYC-based bank and mortgage lender is currently advertising mortgage rates well above the national average.

The WSJ first reported on the “issue,” speculating that Chase is trying to pump the brakes on new loan origination because they’re “flooded with demand.”

For example, today’s refinance rates for a 30-year fixed are set at 5.00%, while a 15-year fixed is going for 4.375%.

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The 7/1 adjustable-rate mortgage is pricing at 3.000%, while the 5/1 ARM is coming in at 2.625%.

These compare to rates of 4.375% for a 30-year, 3.375% for a 15-year, and 2.625% for a 5-year ARM seen over at top mortgage lender Wells Fargo.

That’s right, the 15-year fixed is somehow pricing an entire percentage point higher at Chase, while the 30-year is more than a half point higher. Hmm…

Pe

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