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In July, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell below 3% for the first time in history.¹ And while many have rushed to take advantage of this unprecedented opportunity, others question the hype. Are today's rates truly a bargain?

While average mortgage rates have drifted between 4% and 5% in recent years, they haven't always been so low. Freddie Mac began tracking 30-year mortgage rates in 1971. At that time, the national average was 7.31%.² As the rate of inflation started to rise in the mid-1970s, mortgage rates surged. It's hard to imagine now, but the average...

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Sunday, September 27th, was World Tourism Day, and although we may not be able to travel the globe right now, we can still discover new and interesting places in our own backyards. Don't despair if you missed the actual Tourism Day! You can still spend some quality time being a tourist in Boise. Idaho's capital city has so much history and culture to explore that you may be surprised what you can stumble upon without venturing far from home.

1. Idaho Botanical Garden – 2355 Old Penitentiary Rd., Boise, ID 83712
   Grab a breath of fresh air at the Idaho Botanical Garden. As one of the oldest and original botanical gardens in the state, the Idaho Botanical Garden continues to welcome residents and visitors alike to stroll its fifteen lush acres. Located in the Boise Foothills and the Old Penitentiary Historic District, this self-guided and small group tours are available where you can learn about local conservation efforts and admire the wonderful pieces of art around the garden.
   
   

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Online Merchant "Brushing"

From Your Friends at Integrity Computer Consulting and Repair

In this day and age where many people are resorting to buying online rather than going in-store for purchases, this is becoming a rampant trend. 

What is brushing?

Simply put, it's receiving an unsolicited package from an online retailer.  You may have heard about the mysterious seed packages being sent from China (which the US and Idaho Dept. of Agriculture are requesting you do not plant and report the receipt of such packages to them), but it isn't just seeds.  Clothing, tec...

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The Fed Remains Accommodative; Retail is Bouncing Back

Neither the Federal Reserve meeting nor the economic data had much impact on mortgage markets over the past week. Rates again ended little changed, close to record-low levels.

At Wednesday's meeting, Fed officials confirmed what most investors had anticipated for quite a while. In short, to help support the economy, the Fed has no plans to raise the federal funds rate for the next few years. According to the statement, the Fed will maintain short-term rates near zero until the labor market reaches "maximum employment" and inflation has risen above 2%. Officials also r...

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Get into Outdoor Learning

The City of Trees, the valley's many parks, and the surrounding foothills are rich with learning opportunities for all ages. With most of the valley's schools in some combination of online school and after a summer of social distancing and activities that were likely far from normal, parents might feel exhausted at the possibility of coming up with something new to get their kids away from the screen.

Fortunately, there are plenty of outdoor places to explore. From area parks and the Greenbelt to foothills trails, now is one of the best times to make your own adventure.

Identify birds common in SW Idaho – visit

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