My New Blog

The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate by a quarter percentage point Wednesday, but the central bank's statement signaled it may be the last rate cut for at least a while.

The cut took the federal funds rate, the key overnight rate at which banks loan money to one another, to 2%. It had been at 5.25% as recently as September, when the Fed started slashing rates in an effort to spur the economy and keep the nation out of recession.

The fed funds rate, as it is more commonly known, is a benchmark for home equity lines of credit, credit cards and other consumer loans as well as the prime rate used for short-term business loans.

I guess you could say what goes up must come down!

We know that many local homeowners bought their homes with little or no money down and that appreciation (increase in the value of the home) has slowed somewhat. I’ve wondered about this, and would like to hear from those of you who may be selling or buying soon.

· Do you have enough equity in your home to hire a Realtor?

· Do you think a Realtor earns the commission they charge?

· Would you consider buying from a For Sale By Owner?

· Why?

There’s no right or wrong answer, but please post your opinion.

Hal