Business

Mortgage Rates Falls to a new Lower Territory as Investors Rush into Bond Market

Published

6 years ago

March 25, 2019

WASHINGTON – The average mortgage rates on a 30-year fixed mortgage have fallen again due to the rushing of investors into the bond market. This is expected to continue for a period of 3 months. Mortgages rates approximately follow the yield on the 10-year treasury. The average lenders offer an interest rate between 4.125 and 4.25 percent. However, the more aggressive lender charge a lower interest rate of 3.875% for some borrowers with pristine applications.

Before the announcement of Federal Reserve to not to raise the interest rates this year, the average rate stood at 4.40 percent. Federal Reserve also revealed in an announcement that it would jump into buying bonds again which is why interest rates would not rise. Mortgage rates underwent fluctuations in the last few months. In the month of November, there was an increase of over 5% in the mortgage rates which fell in December. Post this fall, there was a monthly spike of 12% in the sale of existing homes in the months of December and January. Not only in the US, but Toronto second mortgages rates were also showed a similar trend.

Due to decent economic growth in the US and the shrinking economic growth all over the world, the mortgage rates were kept at as low as 3.5 % and this trend is expected to continue in the future as well. Also, in the year 2016 and 2017, mortgage rates were lower and there was an increase in the sale of homes during this period of time.

Mike Fratantoni, Chief Economist for the Mortgage Bankers Association said their forecast hints that mortgage rates are expected to get higher later in the year to an average value of 4.6 percent. But during this period of time, the drop in mortgage rates has given an opportunity to the prospective buyers to go for their home. Due to low mortgage rates and moderating home-price growth, the purchasing power of people has improved. It is expected that this would result in an increase in the sale of homes than the previous time.

Business

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke: A New Approach to Fine Real Estate

Published

4 days ago

December 16, 2024

Matthew Wiles

Photo credit: Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke.

Byline: Andi Stark

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke, a real estate platform operating across Hawaii, is rewriting how properties are bought and sold in the region. Unlike larger firms reliant on public listings and mass marketing, Private Listings’ strategy prioritizes personalization, privacy, and meticulous curation of ultra-high-end, off-market properties, including oceanfront estates, gated community residences, and architectural masterpieces.

Harold Clarke, founder of Private Listings, describes their method as one that rejects “cookie-cutter solutions in favor of understanding the nuances of both buyers and sellers.” This approach has resonated with ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) seeking refined and discreet real estate transactions.

The Hawaiian real estate market remains a hub for global investors, with the median price for a single-family home in the state reaching $900,000 in 2024, according to the Hawaii Association of Realtors. Within this competitive landscape, Private Listings is building up to be a trusted name for properties that extend beyond luxury into generational investments.

Challenging the Industry Norms

Private Listings deliberately avoids the conventions of large-scale real estate firms. By focusing on fewer, higher-value properties, the company ensures that each transaction is treated with the same level of care and confidentiality.

Public listing platforms, while effective for broader markets, often expose sellers to unnecessary attention or unqualified inquiries. For Clarke, this model is misaligned with the needs of UHNWIs. “Privacy isn’t a luxury for our clients—it’s a necessity,” Clarke explains.

This philosophy has led Private Listings to handle some of Hawaii’s most significant real estate transactions, including off-market properties valued at over $40 million. Its success is not measured by the volume of listings but by the depth of trust built with clients, many of whom return for subsequent transactions.

Adapting to Changing Client Demands

While Private Listings maintains a foundation of traditional practices, the firm also recognizes the evolving needs of its clientele. The global real estate market is increasingly influenced by concerns over digital security, with a 15% rise in data breaches targeting high-net-worth individuals in the past three years, according to cybersecurity firm NortonLifeLock.

To address these risks, Private Listings employs rigorous screening for potential buyers and uses secure platforms for communication and transactions. The firm’s “by invitation only” model ensures that clients remain protected from the pitfalls of public exposure. Clarke notes, “Our goal is not just to sell homes but to create an environment where clients feel safe and confident during every step of the process.”

The Human Element in Real Estate Transactions

Despite advancements in technology, Private Listings firmly believes that real estate transactions cannot be reduced to algorithms or automation. Unlike firms that depend heavily on online data aggregation, Private Listings emphasizes human connection and insight.

The company’s sales strategy integrates personalized client interactions, in-depth market analysis, and years of experience navigating Hawaii’s unique real estate ecosystem. Clarke’s background in managing family assets and his global perspective is significant in shaping this essence.

Future Directions for Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke

As Hawaii continues to attract global attention, Private Listings aims to expand its influence within the state while maintaining its core principles. The company is currently developing a new platform to streamline services for UHNWIs, blending their demand for discretion with seamless access to Hawaii’s finest off-market properties.

Additionally, Private Listings is strengthening its ties with local communities, recognizing that sustainable growth benefits both the company and the islands’ ecosystems.

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke has set itself apart in Hawaii’s real estate scene by moving away from the typical mass-market approach. Through a mix of traditional values and modern sensibilities, the firm continues to define what it means to transact ultra-high-value properties with integrity and care.