Mortgage Rates
California braces for new electric plan: Make more, pay more
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Fox News senior national correspondent William La Jeunesse reports on proposed changes to California’s electric bills on ‘Special Report.’
How to go green without going broke? That’s the latest challenge in the alternative energy capital of California, where Democrats propose taxing the rich to make energy more equitable and affordable. To do so, lawmakers mandated utilities statewide begin billing ratepayers based not on how much electricity they use, but on how much money they make.
“This would be the first state to charge people based on their income rather than what they actually just use,” said Shon Hiatt, director of the USC Business of Energy Transition initiative.
“The problem here has been affordability. While California has focused almost completely on clean energy, it has disregarded reliability and affordability, and costs have continued to escalate. So, one of the (ways) they thought to address affordability (was), ‘Let’s just consider a tax and begin taxing people based on their income to address electricity rates.'”
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has until July 1 to impose the new rate structure. The state’s three main utilities — Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas and Electric — proposed a tiered rate plan.
EVS MAY MAKE AIR DIRTIER THAN GAS-POWERED CARS AS CALIFORNIA PUSHES NEW MANDATES: STUDY
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Gov. Gavin Newsom has been heavily criticized for California’s new energy mandate. (Fox News / Fox News)
Households earning $28,000-$69,000 would be charged an extra $20 to $34 per month. Those earning $69,000-$180,000 would pay $51 to $73 per month, and those earning more than $180,000 would pay a $85-to-$128 monthly surcharge.
That’s a lot considering California’s electricity rates are already among the highest in the nation. People living in California have been paying 32 cents per kilowatt-hour compared to the national average of 18 cents, according to Energy Sage, which has monitored energy prices nationwide. It claimed California residents have been paying $273 per month on average for electricity, or $3,276 per year.
The proposal is creating havoc for Sacramento Democrats, especially among higher-earning Californians along the coast. More than a dozen state Democrats have been trying to unwind their votes, echoing some Republicans who opposed the “graduated income fixed charge rule.”
“Our constituents have had enough and so have we,” said Thousand Oaks Democrat Jacqui Irwin. “It’s time to put some reasoning back into how we charge for electricity in California. At a time when energy conservation is badly needed to avoid rolling blackouts, this dramatic policy shift could actually result in increased usage by some Californians.”
Irwin voted for the bill last year but changed her mind after constituents complained that middle-income residents who conserve energy may be paying more than neighbors who use more energy.
There’s also the issue of privacy and income verification. It’s unclear who or which agency would be required to obtain ratepayers’ tax information to determine their electric bills.
“It would be nearly impossible to implement given the many legal and privacy challenges that there would undoubtedly be to accurately determine every taxpayer in the state’s income,” Irwin said.
“The assumption is, ‘Well, if you’re making $100,000 in the state, you must be super-wealthy,'” Hiatt remarked. “But what if you have five or six kids? Will they be treated the same as a single head of household?”
Truck driver Dee Sova explains her decision to move her business out of California following the statewide ban of independent truck drivers on ‘Varney & Co.’
Why did California entertain this bureaucratic nightmare? Many critics have blamed Gov. Gavin Newsom and his strict energy mandate that the state be carbon-free by 2035, along with the Democrat’s insistence that lawmakers fast-track the bill with no discussion.
Terrie Prosper, a CPUC spokeswoman, told a local TV station that implementation of the bill marked a critical step toward California’s climate goals because a lower usage rate would lower costs for consumers to charge an electric vehicle or run an electric heat pump.
Underscoring all of this is California’s rush to embrace clean energy, which, contrary to what Californians were told, has not proven cheaper than fossil fuels.
“This electricity will be clean electricity,” Vice President Kamala Harris said in January 2023 while dedicating a power line to carry green energy into California, “and the energy delivered by these lines will not just be cleaner, it will also be cheaper.”
A year earlier in Carlsbad, while dedicating a solar plant, President Biden said, “It’s also now cheaper to generate electricity from wind and solar than it is from coal and oil, literally cheaper.”
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Oil drilling equipment on federal land near Fellows, Calif., April 15, 2023. (REUTERS/Nichola Groom/File Photo / Reuters Photos)
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That is not proving true in California, where electric rates have been higher than in virtually every other state.
“Renewable energy is not cheaper than natural gas or coal or other types of baseload energy,” said Hiatt. “The problem with intermittent renewables is that they’re not on all the time. You still need natural gas or battery backup.”
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Mortgage Rates
Top Mistakes to Avoid When Refinancing Your Mortgage
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Refinancing your mortgage can be a smart financial move that can save you money in the long run. However, there are some common mistakes that homeowners make when refinancing that can end up costing them more than they save. In this post, we’ll discuss some of the top mistakes to avoid when refinancing your mortgage, with a focus on specific cities and local mortgage companies.
One of the biggest mistakes that homeowners make when refinancing their mortgage is not shopping around for the best rate. Many people assume that their current lender will offer them the best deal, but this is not always the case. It’s important to compare rates from multiple lenders to ensure that you’re getting the best possible deal. In cities like New York, there are many local mortgage companies that offer competitive rates, such as Wells Fargo and Quicken Loans. By taking the time to shop around, you can potentially save thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.
Another common mistake that homeowners make when refinancing is not considering the closing costs associated with the loan. Refinancing your mortgage can involve significant costs, such as appraisal fees, title insurance, and origination fees. These costs can add up quickly, so it’s important to factor them into your decision-making process. Some local mortgage companies in cities like Los Angeles, such as Bank of America and Chase Bank, may offer lower closing costs than others. By comparing these costs upfront, you can avoid any surprises later on in the refinancing process.
One mistake that homeowners often make is not considering the length of the loan term when refinancing. While a shorter loan term may result in higher monthly payments, it can save you money in the long run by reducing the amount of interest that you pay over the life of the loan. Conversely, a longer loan term can result in lower monthly payments, but may end up costing you more in interest over time. It’s important to carefully consider your financial goals and priorities when choosing a loan term. Local mortgage companies in cities like Chicago, such as Citibank and PNC Bank, may offer a variety of loan term options to suit your needs.
Finally, one of the biggest mistakes that homeowners make when refinancing is not considering their credit score. Your credit score plays a significant role in determining the interest rate that you qualify for when refinancing your mortgage. If your credit score has improved since you initially took out your mortgage, you may be eligible for a lower interest rate, which can save you money over the life of the loan. It’s important to check your credit score before applying for a refinance and take steps to improve it if necessary. Local mortgage companies in cities like Houston, such as BBVA and Fifth Third Bank, may offer special programs for borrowers with high credit scores.
In conclusion, refinancing your mortgage can be a great way to save money and lower your monthly payments, but it’s important to avoid common mistakes that can end up costing you more in the long run. By shopping around for the best rate, considering closing costs, choosing the right loan term, and improving your credit score, you can ensure that you’re getting the best possible deal on your mortgage refinance. Local mortgage companies in cities like Miami, such as SunTrust and TD Bank, can help you navigate the refinancing process and find the best loan option for your needs.
Mortgage Rates
How to Navigate the Home Loan Refinancing Process Like a Pro
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Navigating the home loan refinancing process can be a daunting task, but with the right information and guidance, you can handle it like a pro. Whether you are looking to lower your interest rate, reduce your monthly payments, or cash out some equity in your home, refinancing can be a great financial move if done correctly.
One of the first steps in the refinancing process is to assess your current financial situation and goals. Take a look at your current mortgage terms, interest rate, and monthly payments to determine if refinancing makes sense for you. It’s always a good idea to consult with a financial advisor or mortgage professional to get personalized advice based on your specific circumstances.
Once you’ve decided to move forward with refinancing, the next step is to shop around for the best mortgage rates and terms. In cities like Los Angeles, California, where real estate prices can be high, it’s important to find a mortgage lender that offers competitive rates and excellent customer service. Some local mortgage companies in Los Angeles that you may want to consider include Sierra Pacific Mortgage, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo. These companies have a strong presence in the Los Angeles area and can provide the expertise and guidance you need to navigate the refinancing process successfully.
When researching mortgage companies, be sure to compare rates, fees, and customer reviews to ensure you are getting the best deal possible. You can easily search for the contact information of these local mortgage companies on Google to get in touch with their loan officers and start the refinancing process.
Once you’ve chosen a mortgage lender and submitted your application, the refinancing process will involve gathering documents, completing paperwork, and attending a closing. Make sure to stay organized and responsive throughout the process to ensure a smooth and efficient transaction.
As you navigate the home loan refinancing process, it’s important to keep in mind your long-term financial goals and objectives. Refinancing can be a powerful tool to help you achieve your financial goals, whether that’s saving money on interest, reducing your monthly payments, or accessing cash for home improvements or other expenses.
In conclusion, navigating the home loan refinancing process like a pro requires careful planning, research, and attention to detail. By working with a trusted mortgage lender and staying informed throughout the process, you can successfully refinance your home loan and achieve your financial goals. Remember to consult with a financial advisor or mortgage professional for personalized advice and guidance tailored to your specific circumstances. Good luck on your refinancing journey!
Mortgage Rates
Is Now the Right Time to Refinance Your Home Loan? Expert Advice
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As the mortgage rates continue to hover near historic lows, many homeowners are considering whether now is the right time to refinance their home loans. With potential savings on monthly payments and long-term interest costs, refinancing can be a great financial move for many homeowners. However, it’s important to weigh the potential benefits against the costs and consider your individual financial situation before making a decision.
One of the key factors to consider when determining if now is the right time to refinance your home loan is the current interest rate environment. With interest rates at or near record lows, refinancing could potentially allow you to secure a lower rate than what you originally agreed to when you obtained your mortgage. By refinancing at a lower rate, you could save money on both your monthly payments and overall interest costs over the life of the loan.
Another factor to consider is how long you plan to stay in your home. If you anticipate staying in your current home for the long term, refinancing could be a smart move as you will have more time to recoup the costs associated with the refinance. However, if you anticipate moving in the near future, it may not make financial sense to refinance as you may not be able to recoup the costs before you sell the home.
In cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York where home prices are high, refinancing could be particularly advantageous as it could help lower your monthly payments and make homeownership more affordable. Local mortgage companies such as Wells Fargo, Chase, and Quicken Loans offer refinancing options for homeowners in these areas. It’s always a good idea to shop around and compare rates from multiple lenders to ensure you are getting the best deal possible.
Before making a decision to refinance, it’s important to crunch the numbers and consider all the costs involved. These costs can include things like closing costs, application fees, and potentially a higher interest rate if you are extending the term of your loan. By carefully considering these costs and working with a trusted mortgage professional, you can determine if refinancing is the right move for you.
Ultimately, the decision to refinance your home loan is a personal one that depends on your individual financial situation and goals. By weighing the potential benefits against the costs, considering the current interest rate environment, and looking at your long-term plans for your home, you can determine if now is the right time to refinance. If you are unsure, consider reaching out to a local mortgage company in your area for expert advice on whether refinancing is a good option for you.
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