SEATTLE — U.S. home values have risen four consecutive months, Zillow.com said on Tuesday, a trend that led the housing website to declare that the market has turned the corner from its five-year slump. “After four months with rising home ...

Tagged with: Economy foreclosure home low Real Estate Recession recovery standard & poor's/case-shiller index united states value zillow

WASHINGTON — Average U.S. rates for 30-year and 15-year fixed mortgages fell to record lows for the third straight week. The steady decline has made home-buying and refinancing more affordable than ever for those who can qualify. Mortgage buyer Freddie ...

Tagged with: fannie mae freddie mac interest rate low mortgage rate record

WASHINGTON — The job market’s gains may endure. Record-low interest rates will, too. Those signals emerged Tuesday from the Federal Reserve after its latest policy meeting. The Fed sketched a slightly sunnier view than it did in January, when it ...

Tagged with: Economy federal reserve interest rates jobs low Retail spending united states washington

With the exception of those fortunate few who can pay cash, the ups and downs of the mortgage industry are an integral part of buying a home. Sometimes qualification standards are low, but interest rates are high; and other times, ...

Tagged with: bob and donna mcwilliams foreclosure housing low mortgage rates realities of real estate

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development said Monday the interest rate for the state’s flagship mortgage financing program, the Maryland Mortgage Program, has dropped to 3.5 percent, the lowest level in its history. The program is primarily targeted ...

Tagged with: Business Economy housing low Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development mortgage rate record

NEW YORK — Bank of America shares hit a two-year low Monday. The stock fell 3.6 percent in midday trading, hitting a low of $9.53. It is the only large bank with a share price in the single digits. Most ...

Tagged with: Bank of America Banks debt dow jones low New York Stock Exchange shares trading u.s. treasury

WASHINGTON — U.S. manufacturing activity expanded in May at the slowest pace in 20 months, the latest sign that a sharp rise in energy prices is hampering economic growth. The Institute for Supply Management, a trade group of purchasing executives, ...

Tagged with: decline Economy industry low Manufacturing may Recession united states

WASHINGTON — The U.S. trade deficit fell to its lowest level in nine months, as growing demand for American goods overseas and a falling dollar pushed exports to their highest level in more than two years. The trade deficit narrowed ...

Tagged with: commerce department deficit dollar low trade trade deficit washington