New research reports that the United States economy is continuing to shape up, and experts expect brighter days to come. Private-sector employment has increased by 200,000 for the last 3 consecutive months, and the trade deficit has decreased to levels that have not been experienced in approximately four years. The chief investment officer at Morgan Stanley’s wealth management arm, Michael Wilson said, “growth appears to be accelerating, we are now five years into the recovery from the financial crisis and the economy may finally be achieving some self-sustaining momentum.” More here

Experts have named 2014 the year of the boomerang buyer. Revised guidelines and updates have made room for many former homebuyers, some of whom foreclosed as recently as one year ago, to be able to buy again. In the past, the wait-period to buy after foreclosure was seven years. Many experts expect the change to help accelerate the housing market and help homeowners previously foreclosed upon once again attain home ownership. More here

Experts largely agree that the recent changes made to the Federal Housing Administration-insured reverse mortgage program should be considered positive for those considering, or about to enter into the HECM process. The modifications made to the program will help protect both the federal government and borrowers, and should also offer a better experience for consumers. Experts have suggested that the HECM changes were necessary to address retirees’ growing needs. Many say that the updates will aid in borrowers feeling better prepared and safer in the face of possible future financial hardships. More here

New data from Freddie Mac states that mortgage rates stayed around the same this week. The 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage for last week averaged 4.51%, up from 3.40% last year, and down 0.2% from the week prior, while the average 15-year, fixed-rate mortgage came in at 3.56% up 0.1% from last week. The chief economist and vice president of Freddie Mac, Frank Nothaft said, “mortgage rates were little changed amid a week of light economic reports.” Additionally, job reports showed a slight improvement, growing by 238,000 from November to December, up from 229,000 in November. More here

Jumbo loans, loans that exceed $417,000, are on the rise as significant changes have been introduced. The new rules contain both negative and positive aspects, according to many experts. Changes to the program are expected to make credit access more expensive for jumbo borrowers. Experts also suggest that jumbo loan rates will not increase as fast as other home loans, and down payments will be more affordable than in the past. More here