Happy December!
As 2022 comes to a close, it’s time to indulge in the festive spirit. Whether you’re spending time with friends and family, strolling snow-covered streets, or popping sparklers, we hope you have a great December!
Read on for seasonal tips and discover lifestyle trends to enjoy through the rest of the year.
Real Estate in the News
Looking ahead to the new year, the annual report from PwC highlights the top factors that will drive changes to real estate. Macro forces of today will result in changes for real estate in 2023—from the sales pace and buyer preferences to city infrastructure and investor demand. Check out the article to read about it all, and get an inside peek at the top markets to watch.
Courtesy of PwC
Local & Team Events
Be sure to check out our Team events. Might win a prize!
Carmel Christkindlmarkt
NOW – DEC 30 | Carmel, IN
Experience the magic of German Christmas Markets, right here in Carmel, Indiana! This festive event is fun for all ages and presents a great opportunity to shop authentic German-made gifts for your loved ones this holiday season.
More information click here
Christmas at the Zoo
NOW – DEC 30 | Downtown, IN
This beloved local event is back for its 54th year and features a variety of activities that are sure to make your night merry and bright! Featuring new decor, extra opportunities to visit Santa, the Snowflakery Mirror Maze, and More!
Click here for more information
Market Update
Financial Corner
Mortgage rates are the talk of the town. They’ve risen at the fastest pace in 40 years to levels not seen for 20 years. Despite being downtrodden, market participants knew that the bad times couldn’t last forever.
To understand why rates went as high as they did and why there’s renewed hope for a reversal, we need to remember that inflation has been the driving force. Every time inflation surprised to the upside, rates ratcheted abruptly higher. Most recently though, inflation surprised the downside when the most recent Consumer Price Index (CPI) data came out on November 10th. The result was the single best day for mortgage rates on record (in terms of day-over-day movement). The next inflation report (CPI) comes out on December 13th–not quite Christmas, but close enough to ensure lower rates through the end of the year if it shows inflation continues to cool. Of course, there’s a risk that rates move in the opposite direction if inflation bounces back up. Either way, the swings in underlying bond markets could be especially large as the Fed releases its next policy announcement on December 14th.
We know the Fed will hike rates, but they’ll almost certainly be hiking by a smaller amount than last time (unless inflation comes in hot). How can we be so sure? Many Fed speakers said so last week. Now this week, the notion was confirmed by Fed Chair Powell on Wednesday. Friday morning marked a strong jobs report. Officially called “The Employment Situation,” the government’s big jobs report is one of the only economic reports other than CPI that consistently registers a big response in the bond market. We know the Fed cares about inflation first and foremost, but they’ve also pointed to the tight labor market as allowing them to hike rates aggressively with lower risk of adverse economic outcomes. In other words, if job creation is still so strong, they figure they might as well hike rates even more in order to defeat inflation. We know the market was reacting to the announcement by the Fed and the jobs report.
The above chart shows how those expectations shifted after Powell’s speech on Wednesday and then after the jobs report on Friday. The jobs report continues to be supporting factor to the Fed’s decision, but inflation is the main driver. Assuming the CPI report that comes out on December 13th continues to fall, we should see long term rates tick down heading into 2023.
Source: MBS Live Monthly Newsletter
Lifestyle Tips and Tricks
15 Dazzling Winter Door Decorations to Welcome the Season
Bring winter to your doorstep with festive and fun decorations. Create a coastal scene, opt for a winter village look, or adorn a simple farmhouse DIY wreath. Whatever your style, there’s a way to add color, texture, and foliage that fits your home’s seasonal vibe.
Courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens
7 Best National Parks to Visit in Winter
Many people consider a National Park visit an essential summer trip—but don’t sleep on the same parks in the winter. Break out your winter gear and journey to these winter wonderlands.
How to Make Holiday Dinner Cleanup a Breeze
Do you ever feel like you spend more time cleaning up after a holiday meal than you do enjoying it? You’re not alone. Set yourself up for an efficient clean up and spend more time with friends and family. Try out these tips during the holiday season, and even use them for parties all year long.
Courtesy of HGTV
25 New Year’s Eve Desserts to Ring in 2023
Celebrate the start of the new year with something sweet! Whether you’re looking for a decadent showstopper or an easy treat, end your meal—and the year—on a delicious note.
Courtesy of Southern Living
How to Get Your Home Ready for Winter
It’s time to winterize your home to keep it safe. Follow my top tips in the accompanying video to stay cozy in your home all season.
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