April 2025 Mortgage Rate Trends and New Jersey Real Estate Market Outlook

Latest Mortgage Rate Trends According to the most recent Freddie Mac data, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage recorded 6.83% last week representing a 0.21 percentage point increase from the previous survey. While this is a slight uptick, it's noteworthy that rates continue to remain below the 7% threshold. In fact, this marks the thirteenth consecutive week below 7%, suggesting some stability in the rate environment. At this time last year, rates reached 7.1%, and mortgage applications were 13% lower than they are today which indicates this year's spring homebuying season is showing more activity despite similar rate levels. New Jersey Housing Market Conditions The New Jersey housing market, like many regions across the country, continues to face inventory challenges. Particularly in Bergen County and Palisades Park areas, many homeowners who refinanced at lower rates in previous years feel significant financial disincentives to sell their current homes and purchase new ones. Nevertheless, the New Jersey housing market maintains steady interest, especially in areas…

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April 2025 Mortgage Rate Trends and New Jersey Real Estate Market Outlook
New Jersey Best Realtor Richard Choi

No, Trump Can’t Order the Fed to Cut Rates — Here’s Why That Matters

President Donald Trump is once again turning up the heat on the Federal Reserve, urging Chair Jerome Powell to cut interest rates more aggressively. His promise? To bring back the ultra-low mortgage rates that defined earlier eras. But there’s a catch: the president can’t actually control the Fed. 🔑 Key Points: Trump publicly criticized Powell for not lowering rates fast enough, citing rate cuts by the European Central Bank. He declared he would “demand” rate reductions—but the Fed’s independence means his demands have no legal weight. Even if rates are cut, mortgage rates may not follow in kind. In a recent Truth Social post, Trump said the Fed should have acted “long ago.” He pointed to seven ECB rate cuts over the past year, contrasting them with the Fed’s three in 2024. And with inflation concerns fueled by tariffs, Powell’s latest comments suggest more caution than haste. 🧩 Tariffs, Inflation, and the Fed’s Dilemma During a speech at The Economic Club…

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No, Trump Can’t Order the Fed to Cut Rates — Here’s Why That Matters
New Jersey Best Realtor Richard Choi

Why More Homeowners Are Investing in Wood Floors — A Timeless Upgrade That Pays Off

In the world of interior design, every surface counts—and today, floors are taking center stage. While ceilings were once called the "fifth wall," floors have now earned the nickname of the "sixth wall," offering homeowners a canvas for style, texture, and timeless elegance. Among the many flooring options available, wood continues to dominate the wish lists of homeowners and buyers alike. It’s not just a matter of aesthetics—wood floors offer flexibility in design, excellent return on investment, and long-term durability that few other materials can match. The Appeal of Wood Flooring Wood flooring remains a symbol of quality and value in today’s housing market. Its versatility is one of its greatest strengths. Homeowners can choose from a wide variety of wood species, colors, construction types, plank widths, and finishes. Whether renovating a historic property or building new, wood fits effortlessly into a variety of architectural styles. Beyond its beauty, wood flooring continues to deliver strong financial value. Recent remodeling reports show…

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Why More Homeowners Are Investing in Wood Floors — A Timeless Upgrade That Pays Off
New Jersey Best Realtor Richard Choi