Info, observations, and other random stuff about San Luis Obispo County
It’s satsuma tangerine season and these tasty treats can be found at your local Farmers’ Market.
Wednesday: Arroyo Grande 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Courtland & Grand Ave and Pismo Beach 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. – South Promenade
Saturday: Arroyo Grande 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. – City Hall Parking Lot
Sunday: Nipomo 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Monarch Dunes Country Club
Mortgage interest rates have jumped, responding as weekly unemployment claims neared a five-year low and the S&P 500 hit its highest point since December 2007. The strength of the market has pushed money out of bonds and into stocks, something that correlates to upward pressure on mortgage rates.
Of the conforming products, the 30-year fixed jumped 7/8 of a point in cost, the 15-year rose 5/8 of a point, and the 30-year high balance rate rose 6/8 of a point.
Central Coast Lending owner Daniel Podesto weighed in on the price change.
“This is a pretty big move for interest rates. It happened after the jobs report last week showed continuing strength, and also in anticipation of the unemployment number to be released later this week.”
The employment numbers for January will be released on Friday, February 1.
The immediate future of mortgage rates, will depend somewhat on the strength of this report. According to Podesto, “If there is not a significant drop in the Unemployment Rate, I would expect rates to move back down.”
With the adjustments, we are publishing the 30-year fixed at 3.250 percent (3.361 percent APR) and the 15-year fixed at 2.500 percent (3.685 percent APR). To see all loan programs on our 10-program rate tracker, see HERE.
I saw this on a T-shirt today…
“I may be old but I got to see all the cool bands”
The price to mail a letter or postcard goes up Sunday.
First class – 46 cents (was 45 cents)
Postcard – 33 cents (was 32 cents)
Charming 3 bedroom/2 bathroom single-story home in the heart of Rolling Hills Estates. Backyard adorned with an enclosed vegetable garden, a greenhouse, several fruit trees, two small sheds, and a hand-built stone creek which sweeps between outdoor fountains. Natural light streams through the double paned Pella windows into the living room overlooking the outdoor garden. The Bose system and TV, (included), makes this expansive living room, covered with hard wood floors, ideal for entertaining as it opens up to the back patio and spa. Located centermost to downtown SLO and Edna Valley wineries, this welcoming home is a must see!!!!
With the recent sunny weather, Ranger Doug temporarily opened the NEW trail that connects Johnson Ranch to Froom Creek/Irish Hills, allowing us ‘trail blazers’ to experience a glimpse of this wonderful open space. Many thanks to the CCCMB for their hard work! The trail has been roughed in but is not officially open yet. The list of items to be completed include cattle guards, fences, gates and … finishing the actual trail before it is open for use. Projected opening will be following the winter rains!
Markets were closed on Monday, January 21 and we begin the short week with stocks continuing to rise from multi-year highs.
We wrote this in our CCL Rate Tracker update last Thursday: “rates move up as stocks have rallied, pushing the S&P 500 to a five-year high during the middle of the trading day. The market moved on good news from construction and employment – housing starts hit their highest pace since mid-2008 and weekly unemployment claims reached a five-year low.”
Mortgage interest rates have continued to moved up to begin the January 22 week. This comes after strength in stocks pushed major indexes (S&P 500) to multi-year highs. With the exception of the USDA loan program, each rate in the 10-program CCL Tracker gained at least 1/8 point in price – or more.
Prior to the increase today, rates had continued with the slide down that began last week (after the New Years rate increase). The 10-year Treasury yield is down to 1.86% from a recent high of 1.95%.
We have published the 30-year fixed at 3.125 percent (3.226 percent APR), the 15-year fixed at 2.375 percent (2.560 percent APR), the 30-year high balance 3.375 percent (3.460 percent), and the 30-year FHA at 3.000 percent (4.022 percent APR). (See the entire 10-loan tracker HERE).
So what is the current value of your home? Over the last few years, we’ve heard endless stories about the number of homeowners across the country that are underwater, or owe more on their mortgages than their homes are worth. Through out San Luis Obispo county we experienced this first hand by the quantity of Short Sales at the low and high end of the market, and in every city. The issue is significant when we talk about housing recovery because underwater owners often can’t sell – they don’t have the hardship for debt forgiveness. With home values underwater, we’re seeing problems with lack of available inventory to new buyers. The good news is that we’re seeing home values stabilize and slight increases in certain cities. A good place to watch the trends is by visiting the slocountyhomes.com dashboards, by city, by home style.
Location! Location! Location! Just a short jaunt to downtown San Luis Obispo this condo offers a quiet location that provides both a front courtyard and private back yard for your serene outdoor enjoyment. The home boasts two master suites, two fireplaces, spacious living area, two car garage and great light throughout. Home is move-in ready and is extremely clean and well maintained.
Click Here to view more details.
North County’s rural nature lends itself to some pretty interesting neighbors. Zoo to You in Paso Robles is a wonderful non-profit rescue zoo. This big hearted organization is houses ‘permanently injured, abandoned and abused wild and exotic animals get a second chance at life as ambassadors for their species through conservation education’. They give tours of the facility on Saturdays and Sundays but do call ahead. These special ‘ambassadors’ make public teaching appearances so they are used to human presence. Those so inclined can also donate time……the ever popular cash donations are always welcomed and very much needed to keep their fabulous work going. For more info go to: http://the-zoo-paso-robles.com. 