Market Outlook – Page 3 – Rita Kerins-Neighborhood Expert Chicago Real Estate Broker

Federal Reserve Raises Short-Term Interest Rates

After prolonged speculation by economic analysts and news media, the Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve raised short-term interest rates for the first time in seven years. Committee members voted to raise the target federal funds rate to a range of 0.25 to 0.50 percent from a range of 0.00 to 0.25 percent to be effective December 17.

Existing Home Sales Fall More Than Expected

Sales of previously owned homes reached 5.36 million sales on a seasonally adjusted annual basis and fell by 3.40 percent in October according to the National Association of Realtors. Rising home prices and a shortage of available homes strained housing markets. Concerns over potentially higher mortgage rates may have sidelined home buyers as concerns over an anticipated rate hike by the Federal Reserve persisted.

Case-Shiller: 20-City Home Price Index Hits 6 Month High

According to the Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index for February, month-to-month home prices increased by 0.50 percent from Januaryâs reading and achieved the highest year-over-year gain in six months. Analysts expected February home prices to increase by 4.80 percent.

S&P Case-Shiller: Home Price Growth Slows in 2015

According to the S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Index report for January, home prices grew by 4.50 percent year-over-year as compared to January 2014âs year-over-year price growth rate of 10.50 percent. This was the lowest rate of home price growth since 2012.

Case-Shiller: Rising Home Prices Boost Inflation

December home prices rose by 0.10 percent according to the Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index. The composite report tracks home prices in 20 U.S. cities. December’s results boosted home prices by 4.50 percent year-over-year, which is approximately double the inflation rate for 2014.

NAHB: Home Builder Confidence Nears 2005 High

The National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) Wells Fargo Housing Market Index reported that homebuilder confidence in sales conditions for single-family homes declined one point to a reading of 57. The NAHB Housing Market Index measures home builder confidence based on builder opinions of current market conditions, future market conditions and buyer foot traffic in new homes.

FOMC Minutes: Low Inflation Rates Won’t Delay Rate Hikes

The minutes of the Fed’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) indicate that Fed policymakers aren’t concerned about low inflation rates as an obstacle to raising the target federal funds rate.

FOMC Statement: No Year-End Surprises

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) said in its last statement for 2014 that although economic conditions have improved at a moderate pace, the Fed believes that the target federal funds rate of between 0.00 and 0.25 percent remains “appropriate.” While labor markets show expanding job growth and lower unemployment rates, FOMC members noted that housing markets are recovering slowly.

Contact Rita
773-807-2387
rita@ritaestate.com

Rita Kerins
Real Estate Advisor

A Chicago Native, Rita Kerins is a realtor who balances her tech-savvy skills, with the personal connection of seeing her clients from the start of their journey, all the way to the closing table.

“We truly enjoyed working with Rita. She really understands the Chicago real estate market and helped us reach our end goal of selling. She was very friendly, straightforward, attended every showing in person and constantly provided immediate feedback on every showing.” - Robert and Tanya Eckl

Rita approaches each client with a personal touch. She takes her time to understand their needs and communicates with them every step of the way. Rita truly enjoys the close interactions she has with her clients. Being with her clients when they find the perfect home or sharing the news that their home has sold are the moments that make her truly passionate about her job.

“Rita Kerins is what every buyer and seller needs. She is always there for her clients. At no step of the process did I have to wonder what was next, or feel terrified that I didn’t know what to do, because Rita explained what was going on and what to expect. I’ll always recommend Rita Kerins to all of my friends and co-workers and will ask her to be my agent whenever I go to sell my property and buy my next place. She’s that good!” - Johanna Gonzalez

Let her help you find your perfect home. Contact Rita today!

Designations and Awards

- Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI)
- Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLMHS)
- Certified Social Media Marketer (CSM)
- Chicago Association of Realtors Top Producer Award Winner