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Rates on 30-year mortgages exceed 4%
WASHINGTON — The average U.S. rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage rose above 4 percent for the first time in five months. The sharp increase suggests the window to buy […]
Bernanke says community banks strengthening
WASHINGTON — U.S. community banks are gaining strength even though the economy is improving only moderately, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Wednesday. The Fed chief delivered prerecorded remarks on […]
Students seek to stop loan interest rate hike
WASHINGTON — Millions of college students could be in for a shock this summer when the interest rate on a popular federally subsidized student loan doubles unless Congress acts. College […]
U.S. proposes new, tougher rules for big banks
NEW YORK — The Federal Reserve on Tuesday said the largest U.S. banks and financial companies should hold extra cash on their balance sheets to cushion themselves against financial crises. […]
Robert Nusgart: New refinancing programs finally have begun
A couple of programs designed to help borrowers and those seeking to refinance have finally gotten underway. Lenders started rolling out Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac‘s Home Affordable Refinance Program […]
FDIC: Bank earnings hit highest level in 4 years
WASHINGTON — Bank earnings rose over the summer to their highest level in more than four years, while the number of troubled banks fell for the second straight quarter, federal […]
Community banks fight to keep their niche
So far this month, BlueRidge Bank has opened a new location in Towson — its first outside of Frederick — and named an executive to make inroads into Washington County […]
Realities of Real Estate: I think I’ll wait until spring
Just about any real estate agent will tell you that for almost four years now, buyers and sellers have had one trait in common — procrastination. Although the desire to […]
Rate on 30-year mortgage below 4 pct. for second time
WASHINGTON — The average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage fell below 4 percent for just the second time in history. Freddie Mac said Thursday the rate on the 30-year […]
Jack L.B. Gohn: Time to rationalize back?
Union Trust. Signet. First Union. Wachovia. Wells Fargo. These are the banks that have held the stakes to the same trio of banking, checking, and charge accounts I’ve used since […]
Robert Nusgart: Fannie, Freddie tweaks don’t go far enough
In the midst of another mini-refinance boom (thanks to the Greek government — again), Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have announced that they have extended their Home Affordable Refinance Program […]
Squeezed out of the loan game
It looks like the lender who provided me with the financial opportunity to complete law school has been squeezed out of the game. Access Group Inc. said last month it […]
