Producer prices fell for the first time in nearly 1-1/2 years in December. This could temper expectations that inflation will accelerate in 2018.

By: Fred Arnold | American Family Funding

Unemployment benefit claims increased for the 4th straight week, to a 3-month high. Likely due to weather, the change doesn’t signal weakness in the labor market.

The implemented tax reform is already being credited for increased economic growth. Multiple companies are reported to be passing savings on to workers.

CORRECTION FROM LAST WEEK: The final tax reform plan does not allow taxpayers to deduct interest for either new or existing home equity loans. We apologize for the error.

Mortgage applications on newly constructed homes rose 18% in December from the previous month. The applications were 7.8% higher than December 2016.

The seller of a 9,000-sq-ft mansion in Malibu is willing to accept bitcoin as part of the payment. The volatile cryptocurrency is not usually used for home purchases.

Home equity has hit a new record high, reported to be $5.5 trillion. Remodeling spending topped $152 billion in 2017 and is forecast to increase in 2018.

Next week’s potential market moving reports are:

Monday, January 15th: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Tuesday, January 16th: Empire State Manufacturing Survey

Wednesday, January 17th: MBA Mortgage Applications, Housing Market Index

Thursday, January 18th: First Time Jobless Claims, Housing Starts

Friday, January 19th: Consumer Sentiment

Santa Clarita mortgages lender American Family Funding can help you fulfill your dream of home ownership. A highly rated Santa Clarita mortgages lender, American Family Funding maintains a focus on community involvement and a commitment to giving back whenever possible. Friendly mortgage brokers make the first time homebuyer experience an easy and stress-free experience — even with bad credit or a low down payment. The Santa Clarita home loan officers at American Family Funding also specialize in VA loans, reverse mortgages, refinancing and the STAR Loan Program.

American Family Funding

28368 Constellation Road

Suite 398

Valencia, CA 91355

(661) 284-1150

info@affloans.com

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