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Showing posts from January, 2025

Unlock Your Path to Homeownership with the "First Home Program" in Tulsa County

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In December 2024, the Tulsa County Home Finance Authority (TCHFA) introduced the First Home Program , a groundbreaking initiative aimed at helping first-time homebuyers in Tulsa County achieve their dreams of owning a home. As a proud participating lender, we are thrilled to bring you this incredible opportunity, complete with financial assistance, favorable loan terms, and a below-market interest rate. Program Highlights The First Home Program is designed with first-time homebuyers in mind, offering the tools and resources needed to make homeownership more accessible and affordable. Here are the key features of this exciting program: Eligible Area : Tulsa County, Oklahoma. Eligible Borrowers : Buyers and their spouses (even if not purchasing) must be first-time homebuyers. Loan Types : FHA, VA, and USDA-RD loans are accepted. Down Payment Assistance (DPA) : A 3.5% forgivable second mortgage at 0% interest, forgivable after five years of compliance. Interest Rate (as of 1/3/2025) : 5....

Why Mortgage Rates Remain Elevated: Understanding the Connection Between Jobless Claims and Treasury Yields

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If you’ve been wondering why mortgage rates remain stubbornly high, the answer lies in the strength of the U.S. job market and its impact on key financial indicators like the 10-year Treasury yield. Let’s break it down: Mortgage rates often follow the 10-year Treasury yield, which reflects investor sentiment about the economy. As of early 2025, the 10-year Treasury yield is holding near 4.6%, a level that continues to support elevated mortgage rates. But why is the yield so high? The resilience of the labor market plays a significant role. Recent data shows that jobless claims—an indicator of layoffs—remain low, with seasonally adjusted claims at just 211,000 in December 2024. This signals a strong job market, which reassures investors that the economy can withstand higher interest rates. As a result, the Federal Reserve has less incentive to cut rates, and bond yields stay elevated. This dynamic has a direct impact on mortgage rates. For prospective homebuyers, it means rates may not ...