According to the Tribune, county employment numbers have gradually improved over the past three months. Since July, about 2,800 jobs have been added, which is an increase of 3 percent off the bottom.  County employment peaked in 2007 at 104,600 nonfarm jobs. After October’s gains, the number of jobs ticked up to 96,700, which is still down 8.2 percent from the top. Despite the slight increase in jobs, unemployment actually increased to 9.7 percent from 9.6 percent in September.

Rates are favorable this week. We have the 30 year fixed at 3.75 percent (3.884 percent APR) and the 15 year fixed at 3.250 percent (3.489 percent APR).  FHA and VA 30-years look extremely favorable as well, at 3.5 percent (4.543 percent APR) and 3.5 percent (3.736 percent APR) respectively.