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On today's episode of the Townstone Financial Show, Barry and Zach dive into the hot topics shaping the mortgage market on the eve of Election Day! With the final votes being cast tomorrow, they discuss how the potential election results might impact mortgage rates, the housing market, and the financial landscape as a whole. Will new policies or economic shifts come into play? And what should homeowners, buyers, and investors expect? Barry and Zach bring their expert insight and analysis to help listeners prepare for what's to come. Don't miss this timely conversation!

On today's Halloween episode of the Townstone Financial Show, Zach and Barry tackle some of the "spookiest" misconceptions haunting the mortgage and housing markets. From fears of skyrocketing rates to concerns about an impending market “crash,” they shed light on the truth behind these eerie assumptions. Plus, they'll reveal why some “tricks” in the industry may have hidden “treats” for savvy buyers and homeowners. Grab your favorite Halloween candy and tune in for a show filled with facts, fun, and financial insight—no tricks here! www.townstone.com

Townstone is still helping our customers close on their purchases, home equity lines/loans, and refinances in 30 days or less. With our 24 hour prequalification guarantee, there is still time to purchase your dream home or condo before the end of the year! Consumer credit cards continue to hit record balances and record interest rates! If you have equity in your property, we can help you with a new home equity line of credit or home equity loan to consolidate your debt, lower your monthly payment, and put you on the best possible financial footing before we hit 2025. Call Zach at 312-896-2114 to discuss your scenario. A preliminary chat only takes 5-10 minutes and is FREE with absolutely zero commitment. We start the week with stocks showing moderate weakness while the 10 Year Treasury Yield is fighting to stay below 4.2%. With the next FED announcement still over 2 weeks away, the odds of further cuts has dropped to 85% according to the CME FedWatch, with 15% of respondents expecting no further cuts at the next meeting. www.townstone.com

The S&P 500 hits another record high along with Barry's favorite Nvidia. Gold is also trading at a record high on election and inflation uncertainty. The 10 year Treasury yield is back above 4% after better-than-expected retail sales and a drop in jobless claims. Does this impact the trajectory of future possible Fed rate cuts? FTC announces new “Click to Cancel” rule helping consumers with those pesky subscriptions that are easy to signup for but seemingly impossible to cancel. Highlights: “Important information must be truthful, clear, and easy to find. People have to know what they're agreeing to before they sign up. Sellers have to be able to show that people knew what they agreed to before they signed up. There always has to be a way to cancel that's as quick and easy as it was to sign up. Sign up online? Click to cancel. Signed up in person? Cancel online or over the phone. Violators can be liable for redress and civil penalties.” Zach likes it, Barry….? 12 million pounds of ready-to-eat chicken products recalled over listeria risk?!?! The company BrucePac is responsible, but they don't sell directly to consumers. They supply the chicken used in products sold by Trader Joe's, Wegmans, 7-Eleven, Kroger, Walmart, Aldi, Meijer, Giant Eagle, Amazon, Target, and more. Some of the recalled chicken was even distributed to schools! You can find the list of recalled products online at the USDA's website, but good luck scrolling through those 343 pages of products…. www.townstone.com

U.S. Treasurys aren't trading today, and the USPS isn't delivering mail. But the stock market and pretty much everything else is open, making this one of the least observed Federal holidays on the calendar. This week Zach and Barry do their best to stay on topic and discuss the current housing market, interest rate trends, and money saving tips as we head towards the holiday season. We'll remind you that Townstone Financial is the #1 independent mortgage company offering our clients the lowest rates and closing costs combined with the best customer service. So head to www.townstone.com for a FREE consultation. We're offering same-day prequalification for purchases, debt-consolidation refinances, home equity lines, home equity loans… You name it and we offer it or can refer you to someone who does.

Last week's payroll report showed: Nonfarm payrolls surging by 254,000 in September, up from a revised 159,000 in August and better than the 150,000 Dow Jones consensus forecast. The unemployment rate falling to 4.1%, down 0.1%, as the survey of household employment showed an even stronger picture, with a gain of 430,000. Average hourly earnings increased 0.4% on the month and were up 4% from a year ago. Both figures were ahead of respective estimates. And this weekend, Goldman Sachs lowered their odds of a recession to just 15%, meaning there's no better chance of a recession now than there is under any other normal circumstances. This might all seem like GOOD news, and it is for the country at large. But those of us in the mortgage world, see things a bit differently. Good news for jobs, payrolls, and recession risk is BAD news for those of you hoping for lower interest rates. As a result, mortgage rates are higher today vs. just a week ago and lots of people have been sitting on the sidelines watching rates drop and holding off on their purchases and refinances because they were expecting rates to drop further. Here at Townstone, we don't pretend to be fortune tellers, but we have been advising our clients to lock-in over the past few weeks knowing that rates are never guaranteed to go down. The one thing we WILL promise you: complete transparency on your next mortgage transaction. The best possible rate at any given time in the market. The lowest closing costs. The best mortgage process and customer service in the country. We've been doing this for over 22 years and our results speak for themselves. Fill out your request for a FREE consultation today at: www.townstone.com

Barry and Zach are live with the latest in mortgages, real estate, finance, and everything else! With a current Fed Funds rate of 525-550, CME FedWatch is now predicting for the 9/18/24 meeting: a 61% drop to 475-500 a 39% drop to 500-525 That's a complete reversal from last week when the market likelihood was 70% for 500-525 and only 30% for 475-500. So what has changed in the last 7 days? The 10 year treasury yield has pretty much stayed below 3.7% for the last two weeks. Are we due for a reversal or will it continue to trend downward? Finally, we are now offering higher maximum conforming loan limits! $802,650 and lower for a 1-unit residence is now considered “conforming” and not a “jumbo mortgage”. So visit www.townstone.com for a FREE 1 on 1 consultation for your next purchase, refinance, home equity loan, reverse mortgage, or home equity line of credit. We have the best rates, the lowest closing costs, and unparalleled customer service. See for yourself why we're the #1 independent mortgage company for over 20 years.

It's Barry vs. Zach every week talking mortgages, real estate, finance, and going on tangents. Actually, the tangents are probably 90% or more of the show's runtime. Inflation appears to be cooling according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. We have Apples down 14%, Gasoline down 10%, Used cars/trucks down 10% Other products don't seem to be moving much like new cars, utility gas service, and breakfast cereal (or dinner cereal depending on the time of day you eat it) Social Security recipients could be seeing a low cost-of-living adjustment this year at 2.5%, says independent analyst Mary Johnson. Compare that to a 5.9% increase in 2022, 8.7% increase in 2023, and 3.2% increase in 2024. Remember to visit www.townstone.com for a FREE mortgage consultation. We'll help you on your next purchase, refinance, home equity product, reverse mortgage... basically all of your residential real estate financing needs under one roof!

Happy Monday! Stocks are up, Bond Yields are down, Oil is still below $70 per barrel, and Zach and Barry are LIVE! The Chicago Bears edged out the Titans to start the season 1-0 while both American finalists in the U.S. Open (tennis) came in 2nd… Apple, the maker of iPhones/iPads/Etc… (not the fruit) announces new watches, AirPods, and iPhones. Zach is excited, Barry is indifferent. Fill out a FREE consultation at www.townstone.com for your next purchase, refinance, home equity product, reverse mortgage, or with tips for Zach's upcoming trip to Italy.

Payrolls, Payrolls, Payrolls! We all love Rolls. Dinner Rolls. Cinnamon Rolls. Tootsie Rolls.... But today, Barry and Zach are discussing PAYROLLS! According to ADP, private sector payrolls grew at the weakest pace in more than 3½ years in August, providing yet another sign of a deteriorating labor market. But Barry says to "hold your horses" because ADP's numbers are often wrong. What we're REALLY looking at is the upcoming jobs report from the Labor Department which may set the tone for Federal Reserve policy and possible rate cuts through the end of the year. Remember to visit townstone.com for your FREE mortgage consultation. We've been the #1 independent mortgage company since 2002 and will make sure to get you the loan and customer service that you deserve!

After Monday's mid-podcast tantrum, Barry is back talking to his best buddy Zach about mortgages, real estate, economics, and anything else that suits their fancy. Tip for anyone communicating with Zach and the English language in general: Don't use the word “literally” unless you mean it. Correct use of literally: “Barry and Zach are literally recording the Townstone Financial Show at their studio located in the City of Chicago.” Incorrect use of literally: “I'm so tired that I could LITERALLY sleep for a year.” Or “That guitar solo LITERALLY melted my face off” The guys also talk about the ongoing US Open (Zach talks, Barry rolls his eyes). Remember, FREE consultations available at townstone.com Have a great rest of your week and happy Labor Day!

Barry STORMS out of the podcast because he doesn't want to hear about the difference between "literally" and "hyperbole". But if you can't handle the heat, get out of the podcast studio! Compared to the 1968 Democratic National Convention, 2024 came and went without a hitch! Regardless, Zach was out of town because he hates traffic! A FED rate cut in September seems like a foregone conclusion at this point, so it can only have a negative impact on mortgage rates if they don't follow through. The US Open starts today and Zach will be watching his favorites: Djokovic and Alcaraz (sorry Americans, we haven't been at the top of global tennis since the days of Sampras and Agassi) As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/

AND Barry and Zach are LIVE again!!! The Olympics came to a close this weekend with Team U.S.A dominating the total medal count! That closing ceremony and subsequent “handoff” to L.A. was interesting to say the least… Mortgage rates are back in the news as the 10-Year Treasury Yield has held below 4% for the last 2 weeks or so. CME FedWatch is predicting that the Federal Reserve will ease rates at their September meeting next month, but by how much? Looking ahead to the end of the year, we're seeing predictions for everything from 3.75%-4.75%. Remember though, MORTGAGE RATES ARE NOT CONTROLLED BY THE FED! Current mortgage rates already reflect the market expectations of future Federal Reserve cuts. That means that mortgage rates won't change if the FED does everything the market already expects, mortgage rates are more likely to change if the FED (or other current events) go against the predictions that are already built-in to the market. There is still time to get prequalified and into a home before the leaves start to fall. We offer free consultations so you can be confident in your eligibility for a mortgage, compare buying vs. renting, or if it's worthwhile to take advantage of current rates to refinance. As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/

It's finally happened! The US 10-Year Treasury Yield has dropped below 4%! This is exactly what Zach and Barry have been telling our audience for months. Did you purchase or refinance between October-December 2023? NOW is the time to reach out to Barry or Zach (or fill out a FREE consultation request at Townstone.com) to see about refinancing to a lower rate so you can save money and interest! Refinancing can significantly reduce your monthly payments and the total interest paid over the life of your loan. Why pay more when you can pay less? Trick question! You shouldn't! In unrelated news, guess whose air conditioning went out yesterday during one of the hottest and most-humid days of the year? If you guessed “Zach”, you win a pat on the back from yourself. After 2 hours of troubleshooting, turns out it was the thermostat itself that went bad. Who'd imagine? So tune in to the Townstone Financial Show this week (and EVERY week) for real estate insight, mortgage tips, and occasionally comedy! Have a great rest of your week! Be sure to set up your FREE consultation at https://townstone.com/consultation-request/

Happy Monday! In today's episode, Barry and Zach dive into a mix of financial insights and pop culture fun. First up, we break down what to expect from the upcoming July Federal Reserve meeting which starts tomorrow. The CME FedWatch isn't expecting any change from the Fed until September, but we won't know for sure until the announcement on Wednesday. Next, Zach shares his thoughts on the latest Deadpool & Wolverine movie. And Robert Downey Jr. is coming back to the MCU, just not as Ironman? Whether you're a fan of the Marvel universe or just curious about the film, Zach's review offers a blend of humor and critique that you won't want to miss. Just know there might be a few spoilers, so don't say we didn't warn you! And as always, we bring you the latest updates on mortgages and the real estate market. From interest rates to housing trends, we cover everything you need to know to make informed decisions in today's market. Join us for an episode that's both informative and entertaining, blending serious financial talk with a touch of superhero excitement.

The 2024 Summer Olympic Games are upon us! Zach wonders why the “Opening Ceremony” is scheduled for 7/26, but events Soccer, Rugby, Archery, and Handball are currently ongoing. What is Handball anyways? Barry and Zach also dive into the latest economic news and its implications for the mortgage and housing markets. With the U.S. economy showing a 2.8% growth rate in the last quarter (gross domestic product as reported by the Commerce Department), Barry and Zach discuss how this unexpected economic strength, coupled with easing inflation, might influence mortgage rates and home affordability. What does it all mean for potential homebuyers, current homeowners, and renters alike? Today's housing market is filled with both challenges and opportunities, including the impact of high home prices and mortgage rates on buyer sentiment. Tune in to hear Barry and Zach's predictions for the coming months and practical advice for navigating these turbulent times. So sit back, enjoy the show, and GO TEAM USA!!! Townstone is the #1 independent mortgage company, helping people like you since 2002. Visit www.townstone.com for a FREE consultation.

Did you manage to snag any good deals? U.S. shoppers spent a record $14.2 billion online during Amazon's two-day Prime event, up 11% year over year, according to Adobe Analytics data. Remember, it's only a “deal” if you're buying something you would've already bought, not some “chazerai” that'll only be collecting dust in the garage next week. More important than saving money on your TV, vacuum, paper towels, etc… is saving money on your mortgage! Instead of saving $10, $50, or even $1,000, you could save multiple thousands of dollars with a lower mortgage rate or closing costs by working with Townstone. This week the Midwest saw a series of storms (tornadoes, rain, wind, hail, cats/dogs….) Hopefully you and your family made it out unscathed along with your property. We like to take events like these as a good reminder to review your homeowner's insurance policy to check your deductibles, premium, and possible exclusions. Housing inventory in the Chicago area seems to be picking up as many of our prequalified clients are getting properties under contract. Zach has a client paying $3,200 in monthly rent set to buy a similar condo where the total housing payment (including taxes, insurance, HOA) will be $2,800. Saving money AND building equity at the same time, it's a no-brainer! As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/

The consumer price index (CPI) rose 3% in June 2024 compared to the 9.1% pandemic-era peak in 2022. We are nearing the Federal Reserve's target of 2%, so what comes next? After years of waiting, this is the best sign yet that the Fed will enact a rate cut in September with the possibility of further cuts as we head into 2025. We continue to see lots of purchase activity as inventory increases, but let's talk about home equity products for a moment. Two big misconceptions we're seeing right now: 1. Can you refinance your 1st mortgage after opening a home equity line or loan? Yes. It simply requires what is called a “resubordination” where the 2nd mortgage holder agrees to remain in 2nd lien position. What you can't do is a cash-out refinance of a 1st mortgage without paying off the 2nd mortgage because then it weakens their 2nd lien position. 2. Will you lose your home if you default on your home equity line or loan? While you can theoretically be foreclosed on if you default on the 2nd mortgage, it's nearly unheard of. What generally happens is the 2nd mortgage (home equity line or loan) remains a lien on the house accruing fees/interest (assuming you continue not to pay it) and it gets settled/paid-in-full when the house is sold. So remember, Townstone = Mortgages We are here to help on your next purchase, refinance, home equity line/loan, or reverse mortgage. With the most products, the lowest rates/costs, and the best customer service, the choice couldn't be easier. And you can take that guarantee to heart because Barry has owned the company since its founding in 2002! www.townstone.com

Freddie Mac gets conditional approval to enter the Home Equity Market, what does that mean for you? We'll continue to watch this development, but in the meantime, it's still a GREAT time to look at a home equity line or loan. Why? You can use your equity to consolidate credit card debt, make home improvements, or even gamble on cryptocurrency! We even now have a FIXED-RATE Home Equity Line of Credit! Practically unheard of until now! Call Zach at 312-896-2114 for the details and to see if you qualify. Are you building Social Security into your retirement plans? Not so fast! According to the SSA Board of Trustees' latest estimates, released in May 2024, the OASI (Old-Age and Survivors Insurance) fund -- which covers retirement and survivors' benefits -- is expected to be depleted by 2033. That's less than 10 years for those of you who are too lazy to count. In items that grind Zach's gears: Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBOMax, Amazon Prime, Paramount+… what do they all have in common? Yes, they're all streaming services. But they have all increased their monthly subscription fees in the last 12 months. Most are now even offering plans with ads! Wasn't the whole point of streaming to watch shows and movies without ads? Pretty soon we'll be wishing for the days when all content just came with your cable subscription… As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/

Mortgage Rate Watch: With markets closed yesterday for Junteenth, we're ending the week with slightly higher mortgage rates vs. Monday/Tuesday. According to First American Data & Analytics' latest Home Price Index (HPI) report, home price appreciation appears to be “normalizing” nationwide with a few interesting tidbits: 1. Home prices are now 54.6% higher than pre-pandemic levels 2. Homes in the Starter Tier appreciated in price at a much higher rate than those in the Mid-Tier and Luxury-Tier. Lack Of Financial Knowledge Leads Borrowers To Overpay Survey data from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia revealed that a large fraction of borrowers overpay for their mortgage, varying with borrower types and with market interest rates. Researchers call this “financial sophistication” and say it is the key reason for overpayment. Townstone has been helping people secure mortgages with the lowest rates and costs, combined with the best customer service since 2002. You don't have to be sophisticated to fill out a request for a FREE consultation at Townstone.com. Stop overpaying on your mortgage!

Will that impact real estate showings? I know Zach wouldn't venture from his climate controlled environment, but what about the average homebuyer? At least you can make sure the property you want to buy has working A/C! Do you carry a balance on your credit card? Well, credit card delinquencies continue to rise according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. A year ago, just 8.2% of credit card debt was severely delinquent (90+ days overdue), but that figure is now 10.7%. Please help us stop this trend and contact us about a possible home equity loan or line of credit. Lower your monthly payments AND interest rate! Get out from under the boot of those trying to trap you in the vicious debt cycle. Looking at the larger picture: After a brief scare in April and late May, the 10 Year Treasury seems to be comfortably below the 4.5% yield threshold which is good news for future homebuyers and home sellers alike! Supply and Demand, yadda, yadda, yadaa…. As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/

Like Garfield, Zach loves lasagna and hates Mondays. Burying the lead: Mortgage rates start the week lower! Investors are digesting the latest manufacturing data, pushing the 10-Year Treasury Yield down to almost 4.4% Computex, a computer expo held annually in Taipei, Taiwan is nearly upon us! But that hasn't stopped companies like Nvidia, AMD, Intel, Microsoft, etc… from making some “pre” announcements. Looks like they are all doubling-down on AI; integrating it into their upcoming chips and software. Lots of talk about how AI will be taking people's jobs, but why stop there? Pretty soon you won't need to talk to friends, watch movies, or listen to music because the AI will handle all of that for you! We're still seeing lots of purchase activity as our prequalified buyers find properties they want to buy, some within days, others after years of searching. Credit card debt remains at all-time highs, so it might be time to take a look at one of Townstone's Home Equity products to let you consolidate your debt and save money on interest and monthly payments. Zach has jury duty next week and he's already nervous that he won't reach the right verdict. Remember, you can now buy official Townstone merch from Townstone.redbubble.com And as always: FREE mortgage consultations are available at https://townstone.com/consultation-request/

Barry vs. Zach: the Pay-Per-View you can watch for FREE! The 10-year Treasury seems befuddled: closing under 4.5% last week, spiking above 4.7% to start this week, and now trending back down to 4.5%. Pending home sales in April are down 7.4% compared to last year, but the share of sellers cutting prices this month in May has hit 6.4%. Supply and Demand at work! Zach describes his car dealership/servicing nightmare, unbelievable right? We're proud to announce: OFFICIAL TOWNSTONE MERCH! Now you can show off your support for the #1 mortgage company since 2002 by following this link https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/161479917

Barry and Zach have a beautiful feelin'! Everything's goin' their way! Memorial Day is right around the corner! Intended to be a day of honoring and mourning U.S. military personnel who died while serving, most Americans use it as a day to eat too many hotdogs and drink too many beers! And isn't that truly what America is about? While we may be stuffing our faces Monday, we truly thank the vets for their service. Townstone has been taking care of veterans with the lowest rates and costs on VA loans since 2002! Just imagine the alternate history without the brave service from these men and women; we might've been eating bratwurst and schnitzel. Barry's favorite stock Nvidia (NVDA) hits a new all-time high. The rest of the market seems pretty tame by comparison, while the yield of the US 10-YR Treasury flirts with 4.5%. Gold and Silver are down a bit for the day, but still near all-time highs as well. Conspiracy Alert: cicadas are supposedly out in the trillions, but have you seen any yet? Barry and Zach give their top tips for avoiding becoming a victim of the cicada brood! As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/

Barry and Zach have a candid session covering a variety of topics starting with Barry's gripes about bureaucracy and red tape. He sheds light on the often complex and frustrating processes that is especially burdensome for individuals and small business. With a couple of personal victories under his belt this week, Zach shares his recent experience with DIY car and HVAC repairs, offering insights into the challenges and rewards of tackling such tasks without professional help. Who doesn't love a good fixer-upper story? But mortgages and real estate remain the heart of the show, as Barry and Zach discuss the latest developments in mortgages and the real estate market. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or simply keeping an eye on market trends, we hope to provide valuable perspective on the current state of real estate and what it means for your wallet. Tune in for an episode that's hopefully as educational as it is entertaining. We promise to leave you happier and better informed to navigate the complexities of modern finance and homeownership.

After sharp increases in mortgage rates last week, we're starting the week with some much-appreciated relief from the market. But what's good for mortgage rates may not be good for the overall economy. “Stagflation” is quickly becoming the new economic buzzword, meaning an economy plagued by a combination of inflation AND slower growth. And we had our 1st official bank failure of the year Friday 4/26, as regulators seized Republic First Bancorp, a troubled Philadelphia lender. Townstone Financial NMLS#136639 is an Independent Mortgage Broker: that means offer our customers more products, better rates, lower costs, and a higher level of service when compared to the competition. If you haven't discovered this for yourself yet, set-up a FREE consultation at https://townstone.com/consultation-request/ Purchase Mortgages Refinance Mortgages Home Equity Lines/Loans Reverse Mortgages Don't settle for less!

Lions and Tigers and 10-year Treasury Yields Surpass 4.5% (Oh My!) So, what's the ACTUAL impact on the economy and consumers? As Treasury yields rise, interest rates on consumer loans, such as mortgages and car loans, often increase. This can lead to higher borrowing costs for mortgages, cars, credit cards, and more. Middle East Tensions get hotter! Escalations between Israel and Iran have already led to a selloff in Iranian currency and stocks, indicating increased market volatility and investor concern over the stability of the region. We expect this to put pressure on oil prices/outflows from emerging markets. Also, is it time to buy some defense stocks like weapon manufacturers? Real Estate Insights - Home Prices: Home prices nationwide were up 6.4% year-over-year in February. Sales Volume: The number of homes sold rose 2.8%, and the number of homes for sale rose 4.9% Market Predictions: Experts predict a slower rise in home prices this year compared to recent years, but price fluctuations will continue to vary regionally and depend strongly on local market supply. Market Size: The Residential Real Estate Market in the United States is estimated at USD 2.53 trillion in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 2.80 trillion by 2028, 2.04% estimated growth during the forecast period (2023-2028). These trends indicate a market that is still adjusting to post-pandemic conditions, with a mix of rising prices and increasing sales volume, alongside predictions of a more balanced growth in the coming years.

Just in case you didn't pay attention in class: Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun's bright face, it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing. Mortgage rates start the week higher as the 10-year Treasury yield is above 4.4% (highest YTD, but nowhere close to the 5% we saw last October) Handyman Zach! Replaces his car's wiper blades/air filter, and Nintendo Joy-Con stick drift fixed by replacing them. This or That: Barry Vs. Zach Barry's favorite: the Chicago Cubs might be finding their groove with a 6-3 record to date, how far does he think they'll go this year? Biden's new plan to reduce student loan balances for approximately 23 million borrowers, is trying to buy votes? Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday that nonfarm payrolls grew by 303,000 in March, far above expectations, but will we have another downward revision next month as is becoming the norm? Friendly Reminder: Townstone is a mortgage company NMLS#136639. Purchases, refinances, home equity lines/loans, reverse mortgages. Low rates, low costs, highest level of service. As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/

Townstone Financial has more products for home purchases, refinances, home equity line, home equity loans, reverse mortgages, down payment assistance, and more! Low rates, top-notch services, and Barry and Zach (what more could you ask for?) Don't settle for any other mortgage company when you can be working with the BEST! As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/

You should ALWAYS be vigilant when browsing the internet, but today is April Fool's, so you should probably wait until tomorrow for confirmation if you hear about something that doesn't pass the smell test. Mortgage rates start the week higher along with treasury yields while equities fall. Gold is breaking records, currently trading at over $2,200 per ounce. Announcing a NEW segment: “This or That: Barry Vs. Zach” where we'll argue opposing sides on everything from future interest rates to movies and politics. It'll be one place on the show where we'll find absolutely no common ground! As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/

Who Pays Realtor Commissions? With the National Association of Realtors agreeing to pay $418 million in damages along with other rule changes, some housing experts are saying this will drive down housing costs. But what does it actually mean? Barry and Zach are here to discuss! Who pays Realtor commissions now? Who will pay Realtor commissions in the future? How does this impact home sellers? How does this impact home buyers? As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/

Don't say we didn't tell you! Stocks are down with Treasury yields higher after the release of PPI (Producer Price Index) data reflecting hotter-than-expected U.S. inflation. As the last major piece of economic data to be released prior to the Federal Reserve's upcoming policy meeting, set for March 19-20, it's hard to argue that a “fed rate cut” is in the cards for next week. That said, we're still seeing increased activity in both purchases and refinancing. Purchases are expected this time of year as buyers and sellers come out of their winter hibernation. Refinances are up because American consumer debt continues to rise and it's simply better to pay 6%-7% on a mortgage than 20%+ on outstanding credit card debt. As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/

Winter coats are going into the closet while home buyers, and home sellers are coming out! Are you ready to pounce on your dream home? A prequalification from Townstone is FREE and completed within 24 business hours! SCAM ALERT: Fake property sellers, landlords, and squatters. Buyers and Renters - make sure the person you're sending money to (earnest money, apartment application/security deposit) is actually the owner/agent! Landlords – make sure you actively monitor any vacant property! A trespasser can be dealt with by the police, but a squatter needs to be legally evicted which takes time and money. To our Chicago-based viewers and listeners: construction on the Kennedy starts (again) next week, so plan your commutes accordingly. As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/

AT&T Celler Outage Disrupts Vital Services! In 2024, I like to say that only 3 things in life are certain: 1. Death 2. Taxes 3. Call phone Service Well, AT&T sure made me look like a fool this morning! It only goes to show how fundamental technology has become in our modern age. Millenials/Gen Z simply can't fathom a world before smartphones, Uber/direct-to-doorstep delivery, and 30 second youtube videos to explain even the most advanced concepts. At Townstone , we pride ourselves on offering the best in home financing. You get to work directly 1 on 1 with a Loan Officer who will take care of your purchase, refinance, home equity line/loan, or reverse mortgage. As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/

Friendly Reminder: Valentine's Day is on Wednesday (2/14)... Is it one of those holidays where it's only possible to "lose"? Barry and Zach react to "The Big Game" Spoiler: one watched the football, the other watched the ads and the halftime show. Are you prequalified for purchase season? If not, we might have a mortgage company to recommend. US consumer credit card debt remains at all-time highs (about $1.1 trillion) as Americans deal with lingering inflation and the ongoing rise in interest rates, which forces them to depend more heavily on credit cards. The average annual percentage rate is now more than 20% — also an all-time high. We happen to know a GREAT mortgage company you can contact to see if a home equity line or loan can save you money, three guesses which company. As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/

Don't wait until it's too late!!! The BIGGEST mistake people make when looking to consolidate debt is waiting too long before reaching out to Townstone for help. Once you're late on your mortgage there often is little we can do since an on-time mortgage is one of the biggest factors in qualifying for a new mortgage, home equity line, or home equity loan. You and your family should strive to have a 3-6 months emergency buffer of money in checking or savings to pay your mortgage and other unavoidable monthly expenses and should reach out to Townstone BEFORE you've even needed to tap these funds to make your payments. Worst-case, reach out to us immediately after that first month of dipping into your emergency funds. There is no cost or commitment when you reach out to Townstone for a consultation. We'll simply review your scenario, see what program(s) you qualify for, and present you with the mathematically-best proposal that you can then decide to proceed with or not. We understand that there is sometimes shame or embarrassment being in some of these financial situations, but we don't judge, we only want to help! So don't wait until your bills are unmanageable and you're ineligible for help! Contact Townstone Today! https://townstone.com/consultation-request/

Today is the start of the Federal Reserve Meeting! Were YOU invited? Traders are watching for updates out of the Federal Open Market Committee's two-day policy meeting that got underway Tuesday. The fed funds futures market has priced in a 97% probability that the central bank will leave rates unchanged, according to the CME FedWatch tool, so investors are instead left anticipating a shift in the policy statement that will close out the meeting. With the economic outlook and consumer confidence improving, rate-cuts seem unlikely in the months to come. But guess what? Apple is selling a $3,500 virtual reality headset that early reviewers are calling the “future of computing and entertainment”! That's one product that Barry and Zach will not be standing in line for on release day. As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/

Make sure your "Attorney" is actually an Attorney! With over 35 years of combined experience in the mortgage industry, Barry and Zach have seen a lot. But this one might take the cake... It's easy to look up to make sure your Attorney, Real Estate Agent, Loan Officer, CPA, etc... is in-fact licensed. So please do your due diligence! As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/

Townstone has the mortgage products to help you qualify! Fill out a free consultation request at https://townstone.com/consultation-request/ to see if you're eligible for an FHA mortgage or one of our many other products and programs.

Townstone has the mortgage products to help you qualify! Fill out a free consultation request at https://townstone.com/consultation-request/ to see if you're eligible for our self-employed bank statement mortgage or one of our other many products and programs.

Affordable Purchase Programs are here at Townstone! Fill out a free consultation request at https://townstone.com/consultation-request/ to see if you qualify for this or one of our other many products and programs.

Affordable Purchase Programs are here at Townstone! Fill out a free consultation at https://townstone.com/consultation-request/ to see if you qualify for this or one of our other many products and programs.

Did you complete your annual mortgage and financial check-in? If now, set up an appointment today at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/ We will help you with your home purchase, refinance, cash-out, debt-consolidation, and movie recommendations! Starting with some good news: Mortgage rates start the year at their lowest point in the last 6 months! But the bad news: Insurance for home and autos is becoming the new “pain-point” for consumers as insurance companies are increasing premiums and even canceling renewals outright! Many home and car buyers don't even consider their insurance cost when making their purchases, but that will be changing quickly. Boeing is in the news again as the Federal Aviation Administration has ordered airlines to ground dozens of Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft for urgent inspections. This order comes after a door plug blew out in the middle of a flight on Friday when the nearly brand-new aircraft was flying at around 16,000 feet. Fortunately, no person was hurt, but we can't say the same thing about the stock. Writing this before the show airs: Zach predicts Barry will see this as an opportunity to buy some Boeing stock on discount (UPDATE: he was wrong). As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/

Let's start with some facts: 1. Interest Payments - Analysis from Bloomberg last month estimated that annualized interest payments on the US government debt pile topped $1 trillion. This is consistent with the $981 billion that the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported for July 1st, 2023. 2. The 2023 budget of the United States federal government has total expenditures at around $6 trillion 3. The cost of servicing US government debt is about 16% of total US government spending That 16% could be going to fixing roads and schools, providing healthcare, or anything else you want your government to be doing. Instead, it's going towards nothing, just paying interest. If you want to look on the bright side, at least treasury debt isn't at 100% of domestic GDP… but take that with a grain of salt. The data from the Fed for 2023 isn't available yet, but as of 2022: total federal debt was 94% of the total GDP. The only other time it was this high was during WWII and the economic boom that followed allowed the government to bring that back down almost immediately following the war. Where is the next economic boom coming from? Now, the government can simply print more money to pay the increasing debt service, but how does that work when the Fed is trying to limit inflation? As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/

Yesterday (12/14/2023) was the 3rd time in a row that the Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee didn't raise rates. Did we just go from a “pause” to the official end of the tightening cycle? If Zach was a gambler, he thinks we did…. The Fed Funds rate at 5.50% is the highest level since 2001. There have been 11 rate increases during this cycle. What's notable is that this “pause” that started a few meetings ago allowed the market to develop a hypothesis that the Fed could cut rates more aggressively in 2024. In late October, the 10Y Treasury yield touched 5% but has since moved below 4%! Some further thoughts/analysis: 1. Restarting the tightening cycle could be hard for the Fed. It's likely we're done increasing rates and yesterday's statement is very “dovish.” 2. Inflation hasn't slowed to the 2% range the Fed is seeking. This will keep the market/traders/borrowers trying to interpret what “higher for longer” means in Fed-Speak. 3. Expectations of rate cuts in 2024 were already reflected by the drop in rates we've seen since November, but the FED's comments yesterday has further solidified those 2024 expectations. WATCH THIS SPACE! THINGS ARE GETTING SPICY! As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/

Purchase Program Rundown Here's just a TASTE of our purchase mortgage products: "ONE+" gives you a credit of up to 2% of the purchase price with NO PMI "Purchase Plus" gives you a credit up to $5,250 of the purchase price with discounted PMI pricing "HomeRady/Homepossible" gives you reduced PMI pricing along with a great base rate with only 3% downpayment required How do you know if you qualify? Well, you fill out a free consultation at townstone.com for a 1 on 1 where we discuss your scenario and options to make sure you get the best possible loan for your situation. With mortgage rates at their lowest levels since September, it might seem like a boon for upcoming homebuyers, but there's another side to that coin: Zach and Barry discuss those implications. As for this week's non-mortgage gripe: Did you know about 10% of US Government spending is for debt servicing/interest on the money it owes? Like many economists, we argue that this is simply unsustainable. So, what do we do? Cut spending? Increase tax rates? Default on the debt? There's no easy answer, so the best thing you can do is make sure you get the best rate and program in your personal life by working with Townstone on your next mortgage. As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/

Do you know what's better than a discounted TV this Cyber Monday? A lower rate or payment on your monthly mortgage! You could save thousands of dollars over 30 years vs. the 1-time savings you get with one of these so-called deals from Amazon or Wal-Mart. Rates continue to drop as we head towards the end of the year. If you haven't checked on market rates recently, you should absolutely fill out a free consultation request at Townstone.com to see what we can do for you. As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/

So about The Beatles… Paul, John, George, and Ringo (better known as The Beatles) released a new single. Zach is unimpressed. Mortgage rates hold steady as we start the week, but there's no telling where things will go from here. Thanksgiving is coming up, but are you more excited for the sales that come the day after on black-Friday? Let us know if there's any good ones out there! Speaking of deals though, saving on your mortgage is much more important than ANY of those deals you'll find in the weeks to come. For the best deal on your mortgage or home equity line/loan, you gotta go with Townstone. As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/

Barry and Zach do a brief rundown of the variety of mortgage and equity products Townstone can offer: 1. Purchases - 1st time or 100th time 2. Rate and Term Refinances 3. Cash Out Refinances 4. Home Equity Loans 5. Home Equity Lines of Credit 6. Reverse Mortgages 7. Business Bank Statement 8. Investor/Rental Property Or just go to townstone.com and fill out a request for a FREE consultation and you'll be speaking with one of us in no time at all!

After hitting the highest levels in 20+ years, mortgage rates are easing! But would lower rates improve affordability for buyers or could there be some unintended consequences as more buyers come off the sideline to take advantage. Artificial Intelligence is coming for your job! How to mitigate the potential damage from Skynet. Realtors are feeling the heat as a federal jury ruled that the powerful National Association of Realtors and several large brokerages had conspired to artificially inflate the commissions paid to real estate agents, a decision that could radically alter the home-buying process in the United States. The almost 2 BILLION dollar ruling might only be the first domino to fall. Townstone has the best products to fit your needs: Home Equity Loans, Home Equity Lines, 1% down payment purchases, conventional, FHA, VA, reverse mortgage, and many more! We know you're a smart person and smart people use Townstone. As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/