According to the Mortgage Bankers Association's Weekly Applications Survey, average mortgage rates increased last week across all loan categories. Rates were up for 30-year fixed-rate loans with both conforming and jumbo balances, loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration, and 15-year fixed-rate loans. Joel Kan, an MBA economist, told CNBC higher rates are the result of improved economic data. “Treasury rates increased 10 basis points last week, driven largely by favorable news on retail sales data and … [Read more...]

Prosperous is defined as “successful in material terms; flourishing financially.” And, while money isn't everything, it's safe to say we all want to be successful and wouldn't mind flourishing financially. So where in the country is the best place to live if you want some prosperity? Well, the answer might surprise you. That's because a new study – looking at factors such as population, median income, home values, share of inhabitants holding higher education degrees, poverty rate, and unemployment – determined … [Read more...]

The housing market has been in a bit of a holding pattern lately. While there is a high level of home buyer demand, there are a lower-than-normal number of homes for sale. That means, though sales should be booming right now, they are only making modest gains. But things can change. And, if more houses become available for sale, it could begin to reverse home price trends, making it easier for interested buyers to find and buy homes. So what is likely to happen in the coming months? Well, according to Fannie Mae's … [Read more...]

Generation Z – which is defined as people born between the mid-1990s and early 2000s – is quickly approaching adulthood and will soon face the decision of where to live and whether to rent or buy. But, according to a recent analysis, they may be facing challenges past generations didn't. For example, the results of one study show that they will spend less time renting but will pay more than young people have in the past. With current median rent at $1,418 per month and rising, generation Z is expected to spend … [Read more...]

The high end of the real estate market has followed a different path since the financial crisis and housing crash. But while the luxury home market was able to avoid some of the ups-and-downs the rest of the market has endured, things are beginning to change. In fact, one recent analysis shows the number of homes for sale priced at or above $1 million dollars fell significantly during the first quarter of this year, as compared to the year before. And, if inventory continues to drop, the luxury home market could … [Read more...]

According to the Mortgage Bankers Association's Weekly Applications Survey, mortgage rates showed little movement last week and were virtually unchanged from the week before. Rates for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with conforming loan balances and FHA loans fell slightly, while rates for 15-year loans were flat from the previous week. Jumbo loans saw an increase from one week earlier. But though rates were steady, demand for mortgage applications fell. In fact, both refinance and purchase activity were down from … [Read more...]

If you're considering becoming a buyer in today's housing market, you're likely wondering what's happening with home prices. Well, the primary factor driving values upward is a lack of available homes for sale. Simply put, there are more buyers than homes in many markets. This, of course, means home sellers can get a higher price for their house but it also means buyers can expect competition for the best available properties. So will this dynamic ever change? Well, one good indicator of where home prices are … [Read more...]

Saving money is hard. It takes discipline and means sacrificing some things. It's also kind of a requirement, if you're looking to buy a house any time soon. That's because, you need to have a down payment, if you're going to buy. So it's only natural that potential home buyers might fantasize about being able to trade something they already have for a chunk of money to put down on a house. And, according to a recent survey, you might be surprised by what they'd give up in exchange for some no-strings attached … [Read more...]

After the financial crisis and housing crash, there were plenty of homes for sale but very few interested buyers. Americans were financially unstable and worried about keeping their jobs. And while they may've liked to buy a home, it wasn't the right time. Gradually, though, Americans became more secure in their jobs and more interested in buying a home. But, at the same time, the housing market also began bouncing back. And with prices higher and mortgage rates beginning to rise, Americans wanted to buy but began … [Read more...]

Unless you're having a house built to your exact specifications, the house you end up buying will likely be a feature or two short of what you'd been fantasizing about. That's because, you're going to be choosing only from the homes that are on the market during the time you're shopping. So the odds of finding each and every thing on your wish list in one home are pretty slim. In other words, you're going to have to compromise. But how willing you are to compromise may have something to do with your age. In fact, … [Read more...]