12-14-2018 SLIGHTLY SLOWER Homes are staying on the market a tad longer according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). NAR’s Realtor Confidence Index Survey shows that listings were on the market for an average of 33 days in October, up from 29 days the previous month. Responding Realtors® cited “interest rate” and “low inventory” […]
12-7-2018 UP AGAIN Home appreciation is up again, gaining 5.4% year-over-year in October according to the latest CoreLogic Home Price Insights (HPI). Prices were also up .5% month-over-month, but CoreLogic forecasts the November numbers will show negative gains. Despite higher mortgage rates and declining affordability, CoreLogic Chief Economist Frank Nothaft says, “Many renters view a home purchase […]
11-30-2018 ABOVE & BELOW The latest Real House Price Index (RHPI) from First American Financial Corporation shows some interesting ups and downs. Though home prices are up 15.3% year-over-year from August 2018, First American says U.S. home prices average 37% below the 2006 pre-recession peak. First American Chief Economist Mark Fleming puts the numbers in perspective, saying, “Without stronger […]
FIVE WAYS TO SOOTHE SEASONAL STRESSORS For many of us, winter means plummeting temps and navigating ice and sleet on the daily commute. But even if frozen roads and falling snow aren’t part of your picture, this time of year still has its own set of unique (and often stressful) challenges. Try these tips to […]
As the heat of summer mellows into the chill of fall, it’s natural to want a change of design to match the shifting seasons. Warmer colors, spicier scents and richer textures all combine to turn your home’s interior into an inviting autumn retreat. But what about the exterior? The outside of your abode sets the […]
PRICE “BRAKE” The September Home Price Insights (HPI) from CoreLogic says U.S. home prices rose .4% between August and September and 5.6% year-over-year. The HPI is not forecasting a price decline; however, the report predicts prices will grow slower from September to October at .6% below the previous month’s gain rate. UP AGAIN Mortgage interest […]
HEALTHY HOUSING The National Association of Realtors (NAR) predicts that the number of home sales will increase next year, but the rate of price appreciation will slow. Speaking at the 2018 Realtors® Conference & Expo, NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun rejected speculation about another housing bubble, saying “…people are living within their means and not […]
Whether it’s curb appeal or a custom kitchen, no two people have the same exact idea about what makes a home ideal. But most everyone can agree that having great neighbors is a good thing. With holiday spirit in the air, it’s the perfect time to connect with those around you…especially the people who live close […]
Consumer confidence in the housing market slipped slightly according to the latest Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI). Fannie Mae’s Chief Economist Doug Duncan says, “HPSI remains flat this month as perceptions of high home prices and expectations for rising mortgage rates continue to weigh on potential homebuyers. In September, the average 30-year fixed […]
HAPPY HOMEOWNERS A whopping 83% of homeowners say they love their home according to the 2018 Consumer Housing Trends Report from the Zillow Group. Additionally, 64% describe their homes as a financial investment, while 36% say they “see their home more as a reflection of their identity.” This year’s survey was conducted among 3,116 homeowners […]
Agent attitudes, rate reasoning & daunting debtDecember 14, 2018 - 8:22 amA tempered trend, possible peak & affordable add-onsDecember 7, 2018 - 7:30 amPeak perspective, rate retreat & leapin’ limitsNovember 30, 2018 - 8:38 amWinter Warmup: 5 ways to soothe seasonal stressorsNovember 29, 2018 - 8:04 amSimple Tips for a Seasonal Spruce UpNovember 19, 2018 - 11:57 am