The proposed housing stimulus package is moving it's way to the White House. But what does it mean for consumers?

There are many ways to celebrate the 4th of July while staying environmentally friendly - go green on the 4th!

This morning the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) announced that overall mortgage activity, which includes applications for a mortgage to both purchase and refinance a home, increased 3.6 percent last week compared to the week prior.

Congress has lifted the conforming loan limits in thousands of counties across the country. The government is allowing mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to buy more -- and larger – loans. And the FHA has rolled out its jumbo loan. So what does it all mean for you? Well, if you’re a homeowner, or even thinking about becoming one, you may just find it’s easier to get approved for a loan.

Sometimes, it's the extra personal touches to your home that motivate buyers to make an offer.

The pause was widely anticipated by financial markets, which were focused more on the language of the announcement to see what degree of concern the Fed has over rising inflation versus a struggling economy.

FHA loan limits were raised by Congress and now include some loans that previously were labeled as Jumbo Loans. Folks looking to refinance or buy a home should take advantage of low housing prices and higher FHA loan values.

In today's economy, chances are you know someone, even a loved one, who may be struggling financially. If staying in the home they love is important, exploring the option of a reverse mortgage could be the key to making it all work.

In an effort to boost the struggling economy, Congress voted some months ago to raise the conventional home loan limits. In the past few weeks, the rates on the new "jumbo loans" have dropped considerably.

The Mortgage Bankers Association announced this morning that applications for mortgages dropped 8.7% last week compared to the week prior. This should come as no surprise, as last week saw rates climb to their highest levels in some time. FHA loans remain strong and are helping consumers.