First-time home buyers are important to the health of the housing market, since they typically account for around 40 percent of the homes sold. And though that number has fallen in recent years, a stronger economy and job market has led to increasing demand among younger buyers. In fact, according to one recent survey, an overwhelming majority of Americans between the ages of 18 and 34 say they want to own a home, if they don't already. And while that's not that surprising, the fact that the youngest respondents … [Read more...]

According to the Mortgage Bankers Association's Weekly Applications Survey, average mortgage rates were mostly flat last week from one week earlier. There was little change across all loan categories, including 30-year fixed-rate loans with both conforming and jumbo balances, loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration, and 15-year fixed-rate loans. However, though rates were virtually unchanged, demand for mortgage applications moved lower, with both purchase and refinance activity posting declines. Joel … [Read more...]

Typically, spring and summer are thought of as the prime times to buy or sell a home. There are a number of reasons for this, including weather and the end of the school year. But whatever the reason, there are usually more homes for sale and more active buyers during what is typically the busiest sales season. Fall and winter, on the other hand, are the time of the year when the housing market slows down. The approaching holidays and colder temperatures across much of the country mean fewer Americans are in the … [Read more...]

Generally speaking, there are two types of homes available to buyers. There are previously owned homes and there are new homes. Which one you choose comes down to a couple of factors. The first is personal preference. Some people prefer the quirks and character of an older home, while others like the comfort of knowing everything in their house is brand new. But though it'd be nice if it was, preference isn't usually the deciding factor. Ultimately, your decision will come down to budget and affordability. New … [Read more...]

When an offer on a home has been accepted, that home's sale is considered pending. It isn't final until closing, which typically takes place a few weeks later. But, because most accepted offers result in completed sales, the National Association of Realtors tracks contract signings as an indicator of what sales should look like in the near future. In September, the NAR's Pending Home Sales Index showed a slight increase from the month before, though it's still below where it was at the same time last year. Lawrence … [Read more...]

Among all the factors that can help prospective home buyers get an idea of what a particular property will cost them, price is perhaps the easiest to gauge. Things like mortgage rates, potential maintenance and upkeep, property taxes, and insurance are all part of the equation but not as simple to measure as a home's listed price. So it's no shock that Americans who are thinking about buying a house in the near future are also thinking about where home prices are headed. That's why new numbers from ATTOM Data … [Read more...]

According to the Mortgage Bankers Association's Weekly Application Survey, demand for mortgage loans rose 4.9 percent last week from one week earlier. Refinance activity led the way, increasing 10 percent from the previous week. Demand for loans to buy homes was also higher, however, posting a 2 percent increase. But though demand was up, the rebound follows a holiday week that saw sharp declines. “Mortgage application activity rebounded the week following the Columbus Day holiday, but both purchase and refinance … [Read more...]

When asked, most Americans who don't own a home say they'd like to become homeowners someday. Regardless of current market conditions or the state of the economy, the desire to own a home endures. Part of this is because it helps to build wealth. The other part is homeownership's long-cemented status as a key element of the American dream. So what's keeping aspiring homeowners from pursuing their dream? Well, one main factor is coming up with a down payment. The down payment is among the biggest obstacles that keep … [Read more...]

Buying your first home is different than buying your second. For one, first-time buyers have never been through the process before and face a lot of unknowns. They also have to build a down payment from scratch, since they don't have a house to sell. And without the benefit of home equity to help fund a home purchase, buying prospects can look a little different. In short, first-time buyers face some challenges other home buyers may not. So what can they expect from today's market? Well, according to Fannie Mae's … [Read more...]

During the spring and summer, homes for sale were selling fast. So fast that the typical home was on the market less than a month. And while home buyers should still expect desirable homes to go quickly, there may be some relief in sight. That's because, new numbers from the National Association of Realtors show that the majority of homes are now on the market more than a month. In fact, properties typically sold in 32 days in September, an improvement over August when homes moved in just 29 days. Lawrence Yun, … [Read more...]