Midwest Home Sales Continue to Gain Ground: BMO Harris

CHICAGO, Jan. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the industry figures released, U.S. pending home sales in December dipped 3.5 percent, representing a slight setback from four straight gains and the highest sales levels in over a year and a half. However, the Midwest provided a silver lining, posting a 4 percent increase in December.

According to Jack Ablin, Chief Investment Officer, Harris Private Bank, the slight decline in December does not reflect a larger negative trend in the US housing market.

"Improved job growth, consumer confidence and the best affordability on record are contributing to a stabilizing housing market across the US," said Ablin.

Randy Raup, Senior Vice President, Retail Lending, BMO Harris Bank, noted that while the busy spring home buying season will likely present opportunities, potential home buyers in the Midwest should consult with a licensed Mortgage Loan Originator ahead of time to ensure they're prepared financially.

"Potential homebuyers should always look to get preapproved before starting their home search," says Raup.  "Buyer's that are preapproved will have the security of knowing what they can afford which will aid them in their home search.  Preapproved buyers will also be in stronger negotiating position with sellers once they do find a home." 

https://www4.harrisbank.com/Personal+Financial+Services/Mortgages/Mortgage+Solutions

About BMO Harris Bank

Based in Chicago, BMO Harris Bank N.A. provides a broad range of personal banking products and solutions through approximately 700 branches and approximately 1,350 ATMs in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Nevada, Arizona and Florida. BMO Harris Bank's commercial banking team provides a combination of sector expertise, local knowledge and mid-market focus throughout the U.S.  Deposit and loan products and services provided by BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. BMO Harris Bank(SM) is a trade name used by BMO Harris Bank N.A. BMO Harris Bank is part of BMO Financial Group, a North American financial organization with 1,600 branches, and a retail deposit base of approximately $180 billion.

BMO Harris Bank is a trade name used by BMO Harris Bank N.A. Banking deposit and loan products and services are provided by BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. Brokerage products are offered through Harris Investor Services, Inc. (HIS), a registered broker/dealer, member FINRA/SIPC, and SEC-registered investment advisor. Insurance products are offered through Harris Bancorp Insurance Services, Inc. (HBIS). Investment banking services are provided by BMO Capital Markets Corp. (BMOCMC) and BMO Capital Markets GKST, Inc. (GKST), a Municipal Bond Dealer and member FINRA and SIPC. Financial planning and investment advisory services are provided by Sullivan, Bruyette, Speros & Blayney, Inc. (Harris SBSB), an SEC registered investment advisor. Family Office Services are provided by Harris myCFO, Inc. Investment advisory services are offered by Harris myCFO Investment Advisory Services LLC (Harris myCFO), an SEC-registered investment advisor and wholly-owned subsidiary of Harris myCFO, Inc. Stoker Ostler Wealth Advisors (Stoker Ostler) is an SEC-registered investment advisor. Investment advisory services to institutional clients are provided by Harris Investment Management (HIM) or its wholly-owned subsidiary HIM Monegy (Monegy), SEC-registered investment advisors. Products offered by HIS, HBIS, BMOCM, Harris SBSB, Harris myCFO, Stoker Ostler, HIM, and Monegy, which are affiliated companies and wholly owned subsidiaries of BMO Financial Corp.,: Are not insured by the FDIC or any Federal Government Agency, not a deposit of or guaranteed by any Bank or Bank Affiliate, may lose value. The purchase of insurance or an annuity is not a condition to any bank loan or service. Not all products and services are offered in every state and/or location.

NMLS# 401025

SOURCE BMO Harris Bank