
Are rate cuts on the Horizon?
If they are then now is a great time to apply so you are ready to lock on your approved application, if they're not its a good indication that the economy is still doing very well and you should probably lock in a rate while they are still low and get ahead of any adverse market announcements that could send rates higher. Applications are up for June and July so if you've been thinking about renewing your loan now is a good time no matter which way the fed goes, below is wha


Glimmers of Hope for Housing as Pending Sales Tick Up
After an August stalling, pending home sales in September ticked up 0.5 percent, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI). Activity on an annual basis dipped 1 percent. According to the Index, activity broke through in the Midwest and West, where, from August to September, the Index tracked up 1.2 percent and 4.5 percent, respectively. Compared to September 2017, however, the Index was lower, down 1.1 percent in the Midwest and


Mortgage Affordability: Homebuyers in Suburban Metros Spread Thin
Amid market challenges like rising interest rates and inventory shortages lies another top concern for today’s homebuyer: affordability. Location can have a significant impact on budgeting and how much buyers are able to afford. A recent analysis by Zillow considers financial constraints related to mortgage payments across urban, suburban and rural areas of the U.S. Which environment brings more financial strain in comparison to others? According to Zillow, the urban setting.


Inventory Watch: Is ‘Big Change’ on the Horizon?
The grip on inventory is loosening, with fresh listings sprouting up and the severity of the shortage starting to unwind, according to findings by realtor.com®. On an annual basis, there were 8 percent more listings on the market in September, according to data from the site, or over 465,000 new properties. The biggest boosts were out West, in San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose and Seattle, as well as in Jacksonville, Fla. “After years of record-breaking inventory declines, S

Market Report: Flatter Rents and Slowing Values
According to the August Zillow® Real Estate Market Report, home prices and rents slowed as summer wound down, with prices up 6.5 percent year-over-year—a departure from 8.2 percent this spring—and rents unchanged. Based on the Zillow Home Value Index and the Zillow Rent Index, the median price is $216,700, and the median rent is $1,440. In August 2017, home prices were rising 7.4 percent, according to Zillow. On the rental side, appreciation has not exceeded 3 percent for mor


No Gain, No Loss: Existing-Home Sales Stabilize
August existing-home sales stabilized, ending a regressive streak, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) reports. At 5.34 million, activity neither decreased nor increased from July, but was down 1.5 percent from the prior year. Inventory month-over-month also steadied, at 1.92 million—a jump from 1.87 million the prior year. Activity was carried by the Midwest and Northeast, rising 2.4 percent to 1.28 million and 7.6 percent to 710,000 in the regions, respectively. The


Affordability Aside, Housing Optimism Picks Up
The confidence consumers have in housing is picking up steam—but not because of the market outright, according to the August Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index® (HPSI). At 88, the gauge grew 1.5 percentage points month-over-month; however, the confidence consumers have is on par with the prior year, and they are more keen on macro movements than real estate. In fact, 21 percent of homebuyers were optimistic about purchasing, and 38 percent of homeowners were optimistic

Infographic: July 2018 Existing-Home Sales
Total existing-home sales decreased 0.7% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.34M in July from 5.38M in June. With last month’s decline, sales are now 1.5% below a year ago. #selling #housingmarket #housing #infographic


August 2018 Housing Minute
#housingmarket


Pending Home Sales Stumble as Housing Market Momentum Wanes
Pending home sales stepped back in July and have now fallen on an annual basis for seven straight months, according to the National Association of Realtors®. The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, decreased 0.7 percent to 106.2 in July from 107.0 in June. With last month’s decline, contract signings are now down 2.3 percent year-over-year. Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, says the housing market’s summer slowdown continued in J