With the job market strong, mortgage rates low, and buyer demand up, the housing market seems ready for a boom. But because there's been fewer homes for sale than normal, it hasn't happened. Now, according to a new forecast from the National Association of Realtors, things may be starting to change. That's because, the number of single-family homes expected to be built next year should total 1 million, which is the highest number since 2007. And, with more new homes being built and put on the market, buyers will … [Read more...]

Though spring and summer are the housing market's busiest time, winter may be the best time for buyers. In fact, according to a new analysis from ATTOM Data Solutions, winter buyers have the best chance of buying a home at a price below its estimated market value. The analysis found that December is the best month for buyers and the day after Christmas and New Year's Eve are the days offering the biggest discounts. Todd Teta, chief product officer with ATTOM, says buyers willing to make a deal during the busy … [Read more...]

According to the Mortgage Bankers Association's Weekly Applications Survey, average mortgage rates fell again last week, with rates dropping 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. The decline follows a long-term downward trend that has pushed rates 115 basis points lower than they were at the same time last year. That's led to a significant bump in mortgage demand. Joel Kan, MBA's associate vice … [Read more...]

In October, sales of newly built, single-family homes were relatively flat from the month before, according to a new report from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. But, despite a flat month, they're now up 32 percent from last year at the same time. That's because September's sales estimate was revised upward and, combined with October's results, the two months were the best for new home sales since 2007. So what's driving the sales surge? Well, a couple of things. One is … [Read more...]

The economy has many parts. And, naturally, the housing market plays a role. When its strong, it can add to economic growth. When it isn't, it can drag the economy down. According to the latest forecast from Fannie Mae's Economic and Strategic Research Group, it's currently strong and adding to growth for the first time in a year and a half. Doug Duncan, Fannie Mae's senior vice president and chief economist, says buyer demand is responsible and, if not for inventory issues, the market might even be stronger. “As … [Read more...]

Owning a rental property can seem like a great investment and a good way to make additional income. But, if you aren't a professional real estate investor with experience managing properties, it can be more difficult than it looks. You can also quickly find yourself paying multiple mortgages, if you have homes to rent but no interested tenants. Obviously, there are a lot of factors that play into how successful a rental property is but location probably tops the list. After all, some areas are more desirable than … [Read more...]

According to the Mortgage Bankers Association's Weekly Applications Survey, average mortgage rates fell last week 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. The decline keeps rates favorable and just above historic lows. It's one of many current housing trends good for prospective home shoppers. Joel Kan, MBA's associate vice president and economic and industry forecasting, … [Read more...]

Each month, the National Association of Home Builders surveys builders to gauge their confidence in the market for newly built homes. The NAHB's Housing Market Index scores responses on a scale where any number above 50 indicates that more builders view conditions as good than poor. In November, the index fell one point to 70 but remains near its 2019 peak of 71. Greg Ugalde, NAHB's chairman, says builders are reporting positive conditions. “Single-family builders are currently reporting ongoing positive … [Read more...]

No one buys a house without first asking themselves some questions. The most important of those questions is usually whether or not they can afford it. After all, none of the other factors that play a part in a decision to buy matter a whole lot if it isn't going to work financially. That's why a new report from the National Association of Home Builders is encouraging news. Their most recent Housing Opportunity Index found that affordability is now at its highest level in three years. In fact, the quarterly report … [Read more...]

According to the Mortgage Bankers Association's Weekly Applications Survey, demand for loans to buy homes is now 15 percent higher than it was last year at the same time. The improvement follows a 5 percent week-over-week increase in the MBA's Purchase Index. Joel Kan, associate vice president of economic and industry forecasting, says the gains are positive but mostly concentrated on the high-end of the housing market. “Last week was a solid week for home buyers,” Kan said. “Purchase applications increased 2 … [Read more...]