I have been a silent consumer of BP (I didn't feel I had anything to offer until I got started and my feet wet, and instead of asking my own questions I search for others who ask the same as I had to avoid repetition) and now I'd like to lean on the community for some input and start giving back however I can now that I'm into the process of my first investment.I just bought a property in Philly, an old house from the 40s (genrally speaking excellent condition) which has wall paper covering most of the house.

A rise in the federal funds rate (FFR) ( the rate the gov and banks lend to each other not the consumer) rate correlates to the prevailing mortgage rates, but they are not linked; even though the banks would love it if you thought that every time the FFR went up the mortgage rates went up accordingly.

With consumer confidence the highest it's been in 15 years, who are you going to connect with today to make new business deals happen?!

Correct me if I am wrong but I believe this refers to consumer loans.

If you find it time consuming, difficult, or feel you would have gotten a better deal with a realtor, then use one. 

There really is more to painting than slobbing paint on walls and it can be time consuming to fix a bad paint job. 

There are governmental consumer affairs entities and housing authorities that are good places to intitiate remediation activities.Finally, start a media blitz via the print and electronic media's consumer help units. 

@Tyler Kursh Hello Tyler, I actually work in banking and here where I work we offer something called a  Consumer First Mortgage where the closing cost are only $389, we group your current mortgage with a cash out option and then with a HELOC right now we are offering a rate lock promo for 3.99% for 10yrs, most HELOC's are variable products so if you were to go that route now would be a good time do something like that with the rate lock option.

Their true purpose seems to be as a roadblock to any interaction between consumers and the company. 

If your product is what the consumer wants then you can probably sell on your own and save a little not paying that listing agent.