Will the Fed Cut Rates Again?

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said the central bank's rate cut in September has shown signs of success, but cautioned that lenders and investors must bear responsibility for financial decisions that caused the subprime mortgage meltdown.

The Fed slashed the federal funds rate, a key short-term interest rate that impacts rates on consumer loans, by a half of a percentage point on September 18. Bernanke said the rate cut, combined with an earlier cut to the symbolic discount rate in August, helped to "reduce some of the pressure in financial markets" and that "the improved functioning of financial markets is a positive development."

Investors looking for a sign that the Fed may cut rates again at the conclusion of a two-day meeting on October 31 may be disappointed though. Bernanke indicated that the Fed "was prepared to reverse the policy easing if inflation pressures proved stronger than expected."

What do you think?  Do you think the Fed will lower rates again on October 31st?  Or do you think they will sit tight for now?  Tell us what you think by clicking the Comment link below.

Staging Your Home

With the number of homes for sale out numbering the amount of home buyers, your home needs to be clearly the better choice and priced competitively with the competition.  You should think about the home for sale next door and making sure it doesn't shine brighter than yours.

Your home needs to appeal to all the senses of potential home buyers.  Proper staging will help it to stand out from the crowd and get it sold.

Staging doesn't just mean minor repairs, remodeling or getting rid of the clutter.  It means making your home appeal to visitors, feel inviting and comfortable.  Proper staging can help achieve good results.

Staging itself may cost you several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on many factors.  It is a short term investment in the sale of your home which can help it sell faster and for top dollar.  Proper staging is vital to selling your home.

The techniques for staging your home vary.  Many times it is a simple process that only takes a couple days.  Remove unnecessary items that clutter your home to create space and create an open feel.  Move furniture or replace it to create themes that are welcoming to prospective home buyers.  Open blinds, add brighter light bulbs, paint, clean the carpet, prune bushes and play soft music for showings.

Staging needs to be evaluated on an individual basis, but it's critical in selling your home in a shorter time for top dollar.

Have you ever staged a home for sale?  Leave us your comment and experience and any other things you might suggest to someone who is thinking of selling their home.  Just click the comment link below.