Recent Posts by FirstAm Editor

Do Rising Rates Mean Rising Defect Risk?

By FirstAm Editor on February 1, 2018
We’ve posted the December 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 remains the same as compared with the previous month, and increased 20.3 percent as compared with December 2016. The Defect ... Read More

Loan Application Defect Index

Where is Defect Risk ‘Naughty’ or ‘Nice’?

By FirstAm Editor on December 28, 2017
We’ve posted the November 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 remains the same as compared with the previous month, and increased 22.1 percent as compared with November 2016. The Defect ... Read More

Loan Application Defect Index

The Drag on Affordability Explained

By FirstAm Editor on December 21, 2017
First American’s proprietary Real House Price Index (RHPI) looks at October 2017 data and includes analysis from First American Chief Economist Mark Fleming on the market forces that are keeping a lid on affordability. Read More

Interest Rates Real House Price Index Income Affordability

Outlook for Real Estate Rises Despite Supply Constraints

By FirstAm Editor on December 12, 2017
We invite you to browse the fourth quarter 2017 First American Real Estate Sentiment Index, which is based on a quarterly survey of independent title agents and other real estate professionals, providing a unique gauge on the real estate market using the crowd-sourced wisdom and expertise of real estate experts. Read More

Real Estate Sentiment Index

Loan Defect Risk Stabilizes Nationally, But Surges in Florida and Texas

By FirstAm Editor on November 30, 2017
We’ve posted the October 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 remains the same as compared with the previous month, and increased 22.1 percent as compared with October 2016. The Defect ... Read More

Loan Application Defect Index

What’s Behind September’s Surprise Increase in Affordability?

By FirstAm Editor on November 27, 2017
First American’s proprietary Real House Price Index (RHPI) looks at September 2017 data and includes analysis from First American Chief Economist Mark Fleming on the market forces that sparked a surprising increase in affordability in September. Read More

Interest Rates Real House Price Index Income Affordability