02 Apr 2020
By Mortgage Blog Content

Case-Shiller: January Home Price Growth Strong; Pandemic Impact Unknown

Financial Crisis
United States home prices increased by 3.90 percent year-over-year in January as compared to December’s growth rate of 3.70 percent according to Case-Shiller’s National Home Price Index. Home prices also rose in Case-Shiller’s 20-City Home Price Index. 20-City Home Price Index: Phoenix Arizona Leads in Home Price Growth The Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index is followed closely by real estate pros and its trends are used to gauge home price growth within cities included in the index. Phoenix, Arizona led home price growth rates for the eighth consecutive month with a year-over-year growth rate of 6.90 percent. Seattle, Washington followed with year-over-year home price growth of 5.10 percent; Tampa, Florida also…
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05 Mar 2020
By Mortgage Blog Content

Most Renters Are Paying Far More Than Their Landlord’s Mortgage

Mortgage
In the overwhelming majority of the 50 largest cities across the U.S., monthly rent is more than the mortgage payment for single-family homes. In several cases, much more.  Global answering service and chat support company Moneypenny compiled data from Zillow on median rent and mortgage payments from July 2014-July 2019. In order to calculate the monthly mortgage payments, Moneypenny took the median home sale prices during the same time period and in the same major cities and then used nationally-average mortgage terms: 30-year fixed rate at 4% with approximately 6% down.  Once the two figures -- median monthly rent and median monthly mortgage -- were calculated for each city, they were compared…
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20 Feb 2020
By Mortgage Blog Content

NAHB: Home Builder Confidence Near 1999 High

Market Outlook
The National Association of Home Builders reported a housing market index reading of 74 in February; the index reading was one point lower than for January and was only two points below the highest reading of 76 reported in December. Readings over 50 indicate that most builders consider housing market conditions to be positive. Factors contributing to builder confidence included strong housing markets and low mortgage rates; job growth and higher wages also boosted builder confidence. Low Inventory Influences Home Prices Low inventories of available homes continued to drive demand and rising home prices. Homebuyers faced with low supplies of existing homes turned to new home developments for additional options. First-time…
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31 Jan 2020
By Mortgage Blog Content

FOMC Statement: Key Fed Rate Unchanged; Policymakers Monitor Impact of Asian Flu Outbreak

Market Outlook
The Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve issued its scheduled post-meeting statement Wednesday. Policymakers unanimously decided to leave the target federal funds rate range unchanged at 1.50 to 1.75 percent. FOMC members reasserted previous views that inflation was "subdued" and the economy was growing at a moderate pace. The Fed typically bases decisions about interest rates on its dual mandate of achieving maximum employment and an annual inflation rate of 2.00 percent. U.S. Economy Strong, Fed Chair Sees No Immediate Risk From China FOMC cut the target interest rate range three times in 2019 to offset higher prices associated with a trade war with China, but the Committee considered…
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29 Jan 2020
By Mortgage Blog Content

Case-Shiller Reports Growth In Home Prices In November

Market Outlook
Case-Shiller Home Price Indices reported that national growth of home prices rose by 0.30 percent in November. Analysts said that slim inventories of available homes boosted home prices. Whether or not home price growth continues gaining speed depends on variables including supplies of homes for sale, affordability and home-buyer confidence in the economy. Mr. Craig Lazzara, managing director and global head of index investment strategy at S&P Dow Jones Indices said, "It is, of course, too soon to say whether this marks an end to the deceleration [of home price growth] or is merely a pause in the longer-term trend." Phoenix Holds First Place In Home-Price Growth For 6 Consecutive Months…
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10 Jan 2020
By Mortgage Blog Content

10 US Cities With Highest Mortgage Denial Rates

Mortgage
For many, owning property is seen as a rite of passage. At the same time, for most people, accomplishing this dream is largely dependent on the approval of a mortgage. For this reason, it is important for people to think carefully when deciding who to ask for a mortgage. Some cities have a higher mortgage approval rate than others. Identifying Problems With A Mortgage Application Before applying for a mortgage, it is important to think about the most common reasons why someone might be rejected. First, if someone has a debt to income ratio that is too high, they are more likely to be turned down for a mortgage. It is…
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