November Sees the Largest Drop In Mortgage Rates Since 1981

According to reports, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was down 7.8% from the beginning of November 2022. Freddie Mac says this is the largest drop since 1981.“While the decline in mortgage rates is welcome news, there is still a long road ahead for the housing market,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “Inflation remains elevated, the Federal Reserve is likely to keep interest rates high and consumers will continue to feel the impact.”

Inflation does appear to be easing up according to the Consumer Price Index and Producer Price Index which reported that prices rose slower than predicted in October 2022. Even though interest rates are not directly changed by inflation, it does play a part. Mortgage rates are based on the track of the yield on 10-year US Treasury bonds.

“The 10-year Treasury dropped from 4.15% last Wednesday to 3.68%, as capital markets seemed to cheer the slowdown in inflation as a sign that the Federal Reserve’s monetary tightening is having its intended effect,” said George Ratiu, Realtor.com’s manager of economic research.

“Signs of slowing inflation pushed mortgage rates below 7% for the first time since mid-October, but with rates still relatively high and affordability correspondingly reduced, the average loan amount is now at its lowest level in nearly two years,” said Bob Broeksmit, president and CEO of the MBA.

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Ways to Upgrade Your Bathroom

When it comes to bathrooms, they are one of the most popular spaces to update in your home. A bathroom can be renovated within all budgets. They say renovating a bathroom is one of the most cost-effective ways to update your home. Here are some remodeling ideas for most any budget.

Maximize Natural Light

An open and bright space is always in style. Letting in the natural light will not only give you free lightning, it will also lower your electric bill. How do you do this in a bathroom without compromising privacy? A perfect way is to install a skylight or use tempered or stained glass in place of regular window panes.

Improve Bathroom Ventilation

Bathroom ventilation is very important as it will help reduce water vapor in the space. Proper ventilation will ensure the water goes away quickly after a hot shower. If water stays in the space for too long, it will cause water damage and mold issues. If your bathroom does not have one, install a bathroom exhaust fan. A bathroom exhaust fan will take care of excess moisture and import indoor air quality.

Swap Out Old Flooring

Depending on your budget great flooring for a bathroom can be marble in a high-end remodel or mosaic bathroom tiles in a more budget-friendly remodel. If you are redoing your floors, maybe add heated floors as a good way to stay warm on cold winter days. Be mindful that installing heated floors is not for DIY but should be installed by a professional.

Freshen Up Your Bathroom Walls

This is a simple yet dramatic way to give your bathroom a new look. A current way to create a striking look is by using geometric wall tiles, adding an oversized painted mural or using patterned wallpaper. Changing the bathroom wall color simply by repainting is another good option.

Incorporate Built-In Shelves

Including built-in storage in a bathroom is a no-brainer! Add things like a recessed medicine cabinet or built-in shower shelves. These will give a great option for storage in this small space.

Update Shower Walls & Floors

Tile has always been a popular choice for flooring and shower walls. To make a bathroom more modern, many are choosing to remove fiberglass shower enclosures. If you have a shower with a shower curtain, changing to a nice glass door is also a way to spruce up the space.

Include a Shower Bench

A custom built-in shower bench can give your walk-in shower an awesome focal point. This is a great way to make sure your bathroom has that luxury touch.

Put in Low-Flow Fixtures

These are a great way to make sure your bathroom is environmentally friendly. Installing a low-flow faucet, shower head, and toilet means you will use a lot less water than you would with traditional fixtures.

Repurpose a Dresser Into A Vanity

This is a good way to save money but looks like you spent a lot on a renovation. There are many DIY remodeling ideas online such as upcycling an old dresser to make a nice bathroom vanity. You can personalize the item with a certain color and your choice of hardware. For a bonus, create a double vanity for extra space.

All these tips are perfect to make your bathroom look and run efficiently. If you are worried about any effect it will have on the resale of your home, contact a local Realtor who can help you determine the best ways to create your dream bathroom.

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2023 Krewe of Titans Mardi Gas Ball, January 14, 2023

This is a celebration for Mardi Gras in Slidell.

Krewe of Antheia Ball


January 14, 2023
7pm

The Harbor Center
100 Harbor Center Blvd.
Slidell, LA 70461

$75

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2023 Krewe of Antheia Ball, January 7, 2023

There will be live music by Sugar Bomb at the event in Slidell.

Krewe of Antheia Ball


January 7, 2023
6pm

The Harbor Center
100 Harbor Center Blvd.
Slidell, LA 70461

$75

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Pearl River Ducks Unlimited Banquet, January 26, 2023

This is the newest chapter of Ducks Unlimited and is located in Pearl River.

Pearl River Ducks Unlimited Banquet


The Barn at Pearl River
Pearl River, Louisiana

January 26 – 29, 2023
6:00 PM 

Price $40 – $1,250

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Winter Camellia Festival, January 26 – 29, 2023

An annual event in Folsom.

Winter Camellia Festival


Mizell’s Camellia Hill Nursery
12497 Josephs Rd.
Folsom, LA 70447

January 26 – 29, 2023

 10am – 3pm

Free event!

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