Loan rates were falling to their lowest level since the first of the year as November drew to a close.

According to Freddie Mac's latest weekly survey, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was 6.18 percent, down from 6.24 percent during the previous week. Last year at this time, the average was 6.28.

This is the lowest rate for long-term mortgages since the week ending Jan. 26, when the average was 6.12 percent.

The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.91 percent, down from 5.94 percent the week before. At this time last year, the average for a fixed-rate, intermediate-term home loan was 5.81. And it hasn't been any lower since March 2, when the average was 5.89 percent.

Both the 30 and 15-year fixed loan cost an average of 0.5 points. A point is 1 percent of the loan amount, and should be considered along with other fees to come up with the total cost of obtaining financing.

Five-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages averaged 5.99 percent as November ended, down from last week when it averaged 6.04 percent. A year ago, the five-year ARM averaged 5.75 percent, and it hasn't been any lower since March 16, when it averaged 5.93 percent.

One-year Treasury-indexed ARMs ended the month at an averaged of 5.49. At the time last year, the average was 5.14 percent. The week before, the average was 5.53 percent.

In the case of both ARMs, lenders were charging an average of 0.6 points.

Frank Nothaft, chief economist at Freddie Mac, said rates are falling because it is becoming evident that the slowing housing market will be more of a drag on the economy than had previously been thought.

"Slower growth usually means less inflation and less inflation means lower interest rates." he said. "Hence, the drop in mortgage rates."

Year-End Tax Savings

As the end of the year draws near, many folks look for last minute deductions and shelters to avoid big tax bills. Why not take advantage of a tax break that pays you at tax time and keeps paying you every month?

In 2005, Congress passed the Energy Policy Act, which provides homeowners a tax credit of up to $500 for improving the energy efficiency of their homes in 2006 and 2007. Improving the energy efficiency of a home pays at tax time and continues putting money back in your pocket every month in the form of lower energy bills. The tax credit is in effect for improvements made between Jan. 1, 2006 through Dec. 31, 2007.

One of the easiest ways to save money on your utility bills and qualify for the tax credit is to improve the level of your home's insulation. You'll need to add between an R-19 and R-30 insulation to your attic to qualify for the tax credit. You also may want to consider adding insulation to your unfinished basement and crawlspace, which often are often under-insulated or not insulated at all.

The tax credit for existing homes is for 10 percent of the final cost of qualified home improvement products for a maximum of $500. Make sure you keep your receipts when purchasing energy efficient products that qualify for the tax credit. You'll also need a certification statement from the manufacturer stating that the product installed qualifies for the tax credit. It usually can be found on or inside the package.

Uniform Licensing

The Conference of State Bank Supervisors has created a limited-liability company to run a national mortgage-licensing system that will enhance regulators' ability to protect consumers.

CSBS and the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators have been working for nearly two years to develop an online licensing system using uniform mortgage license applications. In addition, the system will have a central repository of licensing and publicly adjudicated enforcement actions.

The system will be used by state residential mortgage regulators to process licenses by mortgage lenders, brokers and/or other housing finance professionals. And it will offer consumers an online public database disclosing the licensing status of firms and individuals, including any state enforcement history. The system is scheduled to go operational in January 2008.

"The national licensing system and repository will enhance state regulators' ability to protect consumers by increasing their ability to hold industry professionals accountable for their actions," said Bill Matthews, who will run the new company.

Currently 49 states license or register mortgage lenders or brokers. Some states have multiple agencies that regulate the industry.

Curb Appeal

Curb appeal, the first impression your home conveys to prospective buyers, should create an emotional desire to own the home and enjoy the lifestyle and status it represents. Putting the best face on your home also should give a lasting impression that motivates buyers to cross the threshold and take that first step toward closing the deal.

Curb appeal that sings is particularly crucial now that more and more buyers are calling the shots. So how do you put a new face on your old home? With lots of attention to detail, in not one, but all the components that make your home stand out on the block.

Paint: There's nothing like a fresh coat of paint to begin giving a home that "newly built" look. Choose a contemporary color scheme that doesn't clash with the neighborhood, but sets your home apart.

Landscaping: Well-manicured landscaping is the frame for your home's curb appeal. The approach should be tidy, simple, healthy landscaping that's proportional to your home.

Roof: Some real estate agents advise against adding a new roof when sales are brisk, but topping off a complete curb appeal remodeling job, mandates a new roof, gutters and downspouts. Today's roofs can add contrasting color and textures to your home's look.

Paving: New sidewalks, driveways and other non-landscaped surfaces help pave the way to curb appeal. The choices are endless and inexpensive -- concrete stamped with the impressions of cobblestones, interlocking concrete paving bricks, and more.

Doors and Windows: Purposeful portals should make visitors feel welcome. New double doors, new energy-efficient windows framed with shutters, sectional garage doors with half moon or other interesting windows, all add the final curb appeal touches.

Mail Early

Some 20 billion letters, packages and cards were delivered by the U.S. Postal Service between Thanksgiving and Christmas last year. And the same is expected this year. So do you mailing early to make sure your messages and gifts arrive on time.

The busiest mailing day last year was Dec. 19, with more than twice as many cards and letters being canceled as on an average day, according to the postal service. The busiest day for packages was two days later, Dec. 21.