The Weekly Wrap Up - Annual Sea Witch & Fiddler's Festival

The European Central Bank left rates unchanged, hoping to fuel more economic growth overseas. Global economic weakness has helped keep mortgage rates low.

Unemployment claims were up slightly but still remain at healthy levels. Signs of a strong labor market could help the Fed decide to raise policy rates this year.

The Fed votes on rate policy next week. Despite the labor market, other economic predictions suggest policy may remain unchanged until December or later.

The 26th Annual Sea Witch Halloween & Fiddler's Festival
at Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach

Come Enjoy the fun Friday Oct. 23rd - Sunday Oct. 25th 10:00 am - 8:00 pm  daily!

There is no admission fee although some activities may have a small fee.  Activities include a 5K/10K, a costume parade, pony rides, 50/50 raffles, sea witch hunt, fiddler's festival, live music, pumpkin seed spitting contests, and much much more! Fun for the whole family or a day out with friends in the Rehoboth and Dewey beach resort areas!  For 26 years this festival has been bringing people in Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania a lot of fun and excitement! Be sure to check out more details here.

More homeowners are renovating their homes, with renovations running 2.8% higher than 2005 levels. Renovating is more popular now due to tight inventory.

Building permits were down slightly, but new housing starts were up 6.5% in September. New home construction may help resolve tight inventory concerns.

Builders are more optimistic about the housing market than they have been in 10 years. The NAHB homebuilders index rose to 64, 10 points higher year-over-year.