Real estate

Barber Sami Matta, left, gives a haircut to Steve Perosino, of Dedham, Mass., right, at Chris & Sam's Barbershop, in Norwood, Mass., Monday, March 23, 2020. The Barbershop is to close by noon Tuesday, March 24, in keeping with Mass. Gov. Charlie Baker's order that all non-essential businesses close at noon Tuesday and remain closed through Tuesday, April 7, out of concern about the spread of the coronavirus. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
March 23, 2020 - 4:55 pm

Monday: Big layoffs, bigger hirings, massive markets swings

The rapid spread of the coronavirus since it was first reported in China has dealt an unprecedented shock to the global economy. Following are business developments Monday related to the outbreak as governments attempt to stabilize their economies, companies struggle to cope and millions of people...
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FILE - This Dec. 5, 2019, photo shows the Detroit skyline. Detroit Charter Commission Vice Chair Nicole Small said the city, with one of the nation’s largest African American-majorities, has been hit particularly hard by foreclosures since the height of the mortgage crisis in 2008. Small said homeowners need relief beyond what’s being offered in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)
March 20, 2020 - 6:04 pm

As virus grips nation, advocates move to halt evictions

NEW YORK (AP) — On the day after the coronavirus outbreak was declared a global pandemic, Joe Ferguson was given a batch of court-ordered evictions to carry out in his job as constable in Tucson, Arizona. He knocked on doors in the majority Hispanic community of South Tucson, told residents to...
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March 11, 2020 - 3:37 pm

Corporate debt loads a rising risk as virus hits economy

WASHINGTON (AP) — A gyrating stock market is seizing headlines as the coronavirus threatens corporate profits and economic growth. Yet it's in the normally temperate bond market, where companies go to borrow money, where the gravest dangers may lurk. Investors fear that businesses that have...
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This Feb. 18, 2020, photo shows a real estate sign in front of a home for sale in San Francisco. On Thursday, Feb. 27, Freddie Mac reports on this week’s average U.S. mortgage rates. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
March 05, 2020 - 2:26 pm

A record low on average 30-year fixed mortgage: 3.29%

The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage has hit a record low of 3.29%, driven down by investors shifting money into the safety of U.S. Treasurys as the coronavirus outbreak has deepened. This new average, down sharply from last week's 3.45%, is the lowest for a 30-year fixed mortgage since...
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FILE - In this Sept. 3, 2019, file photo a for sale sign, left, rests in front of a newly constructed home, in Norwood, Mass. On Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020, the Commerce Department reports on U.S. home construction in January. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)
AP Newsroom
February 19, 2020 - 11:56 am

US home construction dips 3.6% in January

WASHINGTON (AP) — Construction of new homes edged back slightly in January after a December surge that had pushed home construction to the highest level in 13 years. The Commerce Department reported Wednesday that builders started construction on 1.57 million homes at a seasonally adjusted annual...
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European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde addresses European Parliament lawmakers during a monetary dialogue meeting at the European Parliament in Brussels, Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
February 14, 2020 - 10:59 am

Negative interest rates turn saving, borrowing upside down

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Imagine a mortgage that pays you the interest, not the other way around. Or a savings account where it's the bank, not the saver, who collects interest. Welcome to the upside-down world of ultra-low and negative interest rates that is taking hold in many parts of the world...
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FILE - This Jan. 9, 2020, file photo shows a sold sign is posted on a real estate sign outside a home in Derry, N.H. On Thursday, Feb. 13, Freddie Mac reports on this week’s average U.S. mortgage rates. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)
AP Newsroom
February 13, 2020 - 12:27 pm

US mortgages flat to slightly higher; 30-year loan at 3.47%

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. long-term mortgage rates were flat to slightly higher this week after three straight weeks of declines, as the historically low levels continue as an incentive for potential homebuyers. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday the average rate for the 30-year fixed-rate...
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February 06, 2020 - 10:56 am

US mortgage rates decline; 30-year loan lowest in 3 years

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. long-term mortgage rates fell this week for the third straight week, as the benchmark 30-year loan marked its lowest point in three years. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday the average rate for the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage declined to 3.45% from 3.51% last week. The...
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FILE - This Jan. 9, 2020, file photo shows a sold sign is posted on a real estate sign outside a home in Derry, N.H. On Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020, the Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller 20-city home price index for November is released. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)
January 28, 2020 - 10:38 am

US home price gains accelerate amid smaller supply of homes

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. home prices rose at a faster pace in November than the previous month as lower mortgage rates and a sharp drop in available properties have pushed would-be buyers to bid up home values. The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller 20-city home price index rose 2.6% in November from a...
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FILE - In this Jan. 15, 2020, file photo specialist Scott Vasilisin, right works with trader Michael Milano on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. The U.S. stock market opens at 9:30 a.m. EST on Wednesday, Jan. 22. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)
January 22, 2020 - 5:00 pm

US stocks flat as health authorities focus on China virus

Major U.S. stock indexes ended little changed Wednesday after an early rebound rally faded in the final minutes of trading. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq composite eked out tiny gains, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average finished slightly lower. Gains in technology, financial and health care stocks...
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