‘The gate is beginning to open’: Big inflation drop may aid homebuyers
The once-frantic pace of consumer price growth has been slowing for months, which may bode well for buyers' budgets — and financing, according to new data from Bureau of Labor Statistics
by Daniel Houston Jan 12
Homebuyer sentiment ticks up again on signs of market top
More consumers are coming around to economists' views that home prices and mortgage rates probably peaked last year, according to a monthly survey by Fannie Mae
by Matt Carter Jan 9
Luxury holds steady despite overall Manhattan market slowdown in Q4
As prices and transaction volume both fell in Manhattan's market at large year over year, luxury properties priced at or above $10M still managed to perform well to close out 2022
The biggest mortgage, lending and housing finance stories of 2022
The industry dodged a meltdown, but skyrocketing mortgage rates fueled a rush to 'right size' and helped crown a new leader in mortgage lending
by Matt Carter Dec 28
Homes could get more affordable even if prices don't come down
Homebuyer affordability could improve by 9% by the end of next year if mortgage rates continue to fall and home prices plateau as expected, First American economist predicts
by Matt Carter Dec 27
Improved mortgage rate outlook could bode well for home sales
Fannie Mae economists not quite as gloomy about 2023 home sales outlook as mortgage rates retreat from 2022 highs and with potentially more room to ease
by Matt Carter Dec 19
A sales uptick in 2023? Zillow's senior economist thinks it's likely
During a Connect Now session on Thursday, Zillow Senior Economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy predicted affordability will 'stabilize' in 2023, setting the stage for an increase in home sales
by Andrea V. Brambila Dec 15
Fed slows rate hikes, but remains wary of entrenched inflation
50 basis points 'is still a historically large increase and we still have some ways to go,' Fed Chairman Jerome Powell warns after policymakers wrap up final meeting of the year
by Matt Carter Dec 14
Homebuyers take notice as mortgage rates continue to fall
Demand for purchase loans has increased in 5 out of the past 6 weeks, according to a weekly survey of lenders by the Mortgage Bankers Association released Wednesday
by Matt Carter Dec 14
Annual inflation drops to 7.1% even as housing woes persist
Housing remained a strain on family budgets last month, but declining prices of gas, used cars and medical insurance helped soften the blow
by Daniel Houston Dec 13
Reduced refi fears could help ease pressure on mortgage rates
Mortgage investors have been demanding higher yields because of fears of prepayment risk if the loans they're funding now are refinanced when rates fall
by Matt Carter Dec 13
Surveys show impact of mortgage 'lock-in effect' on seller psychology
Harris Poll: 71% of Americans would be hesitant to move due to economic uncertainty over concerns such as interest rates, inflation or a recession
by Matt Carter Dec 8
Mortgage rates fall — but so does demand, breaking 4-week streak
As mortgage rates continue to retreat from 2022 highs, all eyes will be on Federal Reserve as policymakers conduct their final meeting of the year next week
by Matt Carter Dec 7
Redfin economist: 'We're going to have pain' while high inflation lasts
Daryl Fairweather also said during her Yahoo Finance appearance that 'demand is very weak' as both homebuyers and sellers take a breather from the housing market
by Jim Dalrymple II Nov 30
Mortgage demand up for 3rd week in a row as rates continue to ease
Economists forecast mortgage rates will continue to fall as Federal Reserve minutes suggest policymakers are preparing to wind down an aggressive campaign to fight inflation
by Matt Carter Nov 23