
The CPI and PPI have yet to reveal the impacts of the tariff policies that were placed temporarily, which gives some potential insight that there might be a path forward for the Federal Reserve to look at potential rate cuts. However, economists across many industries are expecting inflation to increase temporarily as an impact for the policies that were put in place.
Significant uncertainty remains across many import and export markets, with major players opting to err on the side of caution while awaiting a final decision from the administration regarding its policies. Consumer sentiment has shown a slight improvement for the first time in six months, offsetting the largely negative outlook that has dominated the market since the onset of the trade wars.
Consumer Price Index
Top Federal Reserve officials and Wall Street economists still think higher U.S. tariffs will cause prices to increase over the summer, however. The evidence was thin in May. The consumer-price index rose a mere 0.1% last month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said Wednesday. That was a tick below Wall Street’s forecast. The 12-month increase in consumer prices edged up to 2.4% from a four-year low of 2.3%.
Producer Price Index
Americans have yet to feel any sting of inflation from the Trump tariffs when they go shopping. Now, a new look at wholesale prices suggests the coast might be clear for at least a little while longer. The producer-price index rose a scant 0.1% in May, the government said Thursday, coming in below the Wall Street forecast.
Consumer Sentiment
The University of Michigan’s closely watched gauge of U.S. consumer sentiment rose to 60.5 in a preliminary June reading from 52.2 in the prior month. This was the first improvement in six months. The gain was larger than forecast. Economists polled by the Wall Street Journal had expected sentiment to rise to 54 from the month-earlier reading of 52.2.
Primary Mortgage Market Survey Index
o 15-Yr FRM rates saw a decrease of -0.02% for this week, with the current rate at 5.97%
o 30-Yr FRM rates saw a decrease of -0.01% for this week, with the current rate at 6.84%
MND Rate Index
o 30-Yr FHA rates saw a decrease of -0.02% for this week. Current rates at 6.45%
o 30-Yr VA rates saw a decrease of -0.03% for this week. Current rates at 6.47%
Jobless Claims
Initial Claims were reported to be 248,000 compared to the expected claims of 246,000. The prior week landed at 248,000.
What’s Ahead
The next FOMC Rate Decision is up ahead next week. Nothing is expected from this rate decision, as the Federal Reserve has stated repeatedly they have no plans to change things until policies are settled. Leading indicators have also been a significant player in the latest releases with many things being very uncertain.
Touring homes is one of the most exciting parts of the homebuying process. But it’s easy to get caught up in the moment, beautiful staging, new finishes, or fresh paint can sometimes distract from more important details. That’s why having a checklist is essential.
When your house hunting, you are likely focused on the big things like: location, price, layout, and condition. But there is one small detail that can have a surprising impact on your homeownership experience, the street name. While it may seem insignificant at first, the name of your street can affect everything from resale value and first impressions to daily convenience and even safety.
Walk into an open house and you might expect fresh flowers, cozy furnishings, and soft lighting. But occasionally, you will also spot something more unexpected family portraits in frames that do not match the owner. That’s because some sellers purposely leave behind staged or even fake family photos. While it may sound odd at first, this tactic is rooted in buyer psychology and strategic marketing.
When a home sits on the market longer than expected, the price is often the first thing blamed. While overpricing can be a major factor, it’s far from the only one. One of the most common culprits is poor presentation. Buyers today form opinions within seconds, often based on online photos before they even step foot inside. 
A pocket listing is a property that is for sale, but not publicly advertised. It is not listed on major real estate websites or even MLS. Instead, the agent keeps the listing “in their pocket,” only sharing it with trusted colleagues, buyers, or clients they know are serious.
When you are buying a home, you are likely thinking about how it fits your life. Is the kitchen big enough? Does it have a home office? Is the backyard right for pets or kids? But what if I told you that thinking like a seller can make you a smarter buyer?
When you are scrolling through homes online, it’s easy to get swept away by beautiful photos, catchy descriptions, and enticing phrases like “charming fixer-upper” or “cozy starter home.” But as a real estate agent, let me tell you, there is often more to the story than meets the eye. Learning to read between the lines of a real estate listing can save you time, prevent disappointment, and help you find the right home faster.
If you are struggling to make your mortgage payments and facing the possibility of foreclosure, you’re not alone and you are not out of options. One path worth considering is a short sale, which can help you avoid the long-term impact of a foreclosure on your credit report.