Bringing good news for the US Economy, reports indicate that the current low mortgage rates continue to be the trend since consumer confidence has increased higher than what was expected. According to S&P/Case-Shiller Indices, home prices for the last month decreased more than expected, low mortgage rates have made it more affordable to purchase a home today. At the moment, 30 year fixed mortgage interest rates are at 3.750% and 15 year fixed mortgage rates are at 3.125%. 5/1 ARM loan rates are at 2.500%. These low mortgage rates are available with 0.7 to 1% for well qualified borrowers who have maintained a good credit rating. In order to receive approval for conforming mortgages, borrowers need to have stable employment and assets for reserves, both of which must be documented and verified.

There are some places where long-term cost analysis-with only the bottom line in mind–shows that to rent a property is better than to buy. This was the case with San Francisco, for example, when I was considering moving there several years ago. Of course, as economic factors change, revisiting the question may eventually be warranted. If temporary rental is necessary-even for a period of years-or if buying simply isn't an option, then it goes without saying–thank goodness–that it's possible to rent! However, if there is in fact a decision to be made, then it's interesting to see what comes up for consideration besides the monetary concerns. For example, generally, it's a social norm to aspire to home ownership, but this may not be truly the best case for everybody…so how would it feel not to ever own one's own home? For some that wouldn't feel secure or stable or accomplished, while for others that may feel liberating. It's important for one to know all the factors of home ownership–monetary and otherwise–and then proceed with seeking the best options.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Kevin Gross stated that he would would sign an order allowing NewPage Corp to borrow as much as $600 million to keep operating as it tries to recover at least $2.6 billion in bonds after the bankruptcy it has faced for the next several weeks once attorneys for NewPage, its bondholders and JPMorgan Chase & Co., which is the company arranging the loan, work out a final plan. NewPage, which a company based in Miamisburg, Ohio, filed the biggest bankruptcy of 2011 by assets, citing $3.4 billion in assets and $4.2 billion in debt as of June 30. The bankruptcy stricken company has been asked to return to court on Oct. 4 to seek final approval of the loan for funding it's operations. CreditSights Inc., a debt-research firm reportedly stated that NewPage's bankruptcy may lead to a power struggle among four of the biggest debt-investment for acquiring a controlling stake in the company.