Homegrown Evolution published a very interesting real estate related story on one of the surprising benefits of the housing meltdown: fresh fruit. That’s right. The blog thanks Mr. Mozilo for creating our very own ‘Banana Republic’ as rundown homes and unmanned irrigation systems create the perfect environment for the growth of amazing tropical delights

Last week, U.S. mortgage rates were mixed, in terms of rise / fall. The average rate on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages rose still further above 5%, according to Freddie Mac's weekly survey of mortgage rates, while other rates dropped, or rose, unevenly.

The percent of mortgages 30 days or more overdue rose to 8.49% in May according to LPS Applied Analytics, setting a new record. Rising unemployment rates are fueling these delinquencies, and complicating the problem of preventing foreclosures.

With well over a third of marriages ending in divorce, marriage break-ups affect a wide range of Canadians. For those dealing with the breakdown of their marriage, financial issues can be just as trying as the emotional ones. What to do with mortgage payment?

Mortgage rates moved back after a sturdy run-up that had 30-year fixed mortgage rates threatening to reach the 6 percent mark. However, there was little change in Mortgage rates this week. Freddie Mac's chief economist attributes this to the current mixed economic reports on the state of the housing market.

The first stop for most people in house hunting process is the mortgage pre-approval which accomplishes two things for homebuyers. First, it let’s them know exactly how much they can afford so they don’t waste their time or their Realtor’s time looking at houses out of their price range.

The purchase of a home is a major financial commitment, and how best to safeguard your investment is something you have to consider. There are a range of insurance products currently available to make sure that your home and your family’s lifestyle are protected. However, before you can make an informed choice, it is important to take the time to look at all the possibilities of mortgage insurance options.

While some mortgage rates have been increasing in recent weeks, overall, interest rates are the lowest we have seen in a generation. Homeowners and first-time buyers getting a mortgage in the months ahead will likely enjoy a rate that will keep their borrowing costs low for the next few years.

If you are monitoring the current mortgage rates grab your mortgage calculator and be ready for another volatile week. With a record supply of Treasury auctions it should very interesting.

Current mortgage rates are higher than just weeks and months ago. Actions taken by the Federal Reserve that started in the fourth quarter of last year helped push down mortgage rates during spring. The Fed's announcement to buy up mortgage-backed securities and long-term Treasury bonds helped keep these borrowing rates down, only to see them climb back quickly beginning in May.

Though today's mortgage rates are slightly lower than earlier this month, the spike in rates since spring pushed the nation's mortgage applications index down 16% for the week ending June 12. The drop in the index comes after a spike of 30% this past March when mortgage rates for a 30-year fixed loan averaged as low as 4.63%. The index, a measure of mortgage refinance and new home applicants, indicates consumers are discouraged by higher borrowing costs not yet offset by a drop in home prices.

Today's rising mortgage rates do worry economists and markets analysts. Most real estate brokers thing that the current mortgage rates may stall the economic growth that has just showed some positive signs of increase as Dow is in the win in 2009.