Recent Posts by FirstAm Editor

Affordability in Almost All Major Markets Continues to Improve in July

By FirstAm Editor on September 26, 2016
First American’s proprietary Real House Price Index (RHPI) looks at July 2016 data and includes analysis from First American Chief Economist Mark Fleming the explains how rising incomes and low interest rates are contributing to increased affordability in most major U.S. markets. Read More

Interest Rates Real House Price Index Income Affordability

Refinance Boom and Compliant Loan Production Processes Keeping Loan Defect Rate at Low Point

By FirstAm Editor on August 31, 2016
We’ve posted the July First American Loan Application Defect Index, which estimates the frequency of defects, fraudulence and misrepresentation in the information submitted in mortgage loan applications. The Defect Index decreased 2.8 percent in July as compared with June and decreased 16.7 percent as compared with July 2015. The Defect Index is ... Read More

Loan Application Defect Index Income

Business Insider Interview - 13 Markets Where Affordability is Declining

By FirstAm Editor on August 26, 2016
Business Insider interviewed First American Chief Economist Mark Fleming on affordability and used First American’s Real House Price Index to develop a list of the top 13 markets where affordability is declining. Read More

In The News Real House Price Index Affordability

Foreign Monetary Stimulus a Positive for U.S. Consumer House-Buying Power

By FirstAm Editor on August 26, 2016
First American’s proprietary Real House Price Index (RHPI) looks at June 2016 data and includes analysis from First American Chief Economist Mark Fleming explaining the influence of foreign monetary stimulus on U.S. mortgage rates and its impact on consumer house-buying power. Read More

Interest Rates Real House Price Index Income

HousingWire - This is Why Homeownership Hit an All-Time Low

By FirstAm Editor on August 9, 2016
First American Chief Economist Mark Fleming explains in an article on HousingWire why reaching a low point in homeownership is no reason to panic about the housing market. Read More

In The News Millennials

Loan Application Defect and Fraud Risk Declined Due to Benefits of Low Mortgage Rates

By FirstAm Editor on July 29, 2016
We’ve posted the June First American Loan Application Defect Index, which estimates the frequency of defects, fraudulence and misrepresentation in the information submitted in mortgage loan applications. The Defect Index decreased 1.4 percent in June as compared with May and decreased by 12.2 percent as compared with June 2015. The Defect Index is ... Read More

Loan Application Defect Index Income