Recent Posts by Mark Fleming

Mark Fleming is the chief economist for First American Financial Corporation and leads First American’s Decision Sciences team.
Why the Ability-to-Repay Rules are Like a Steering Wheel Lock
By
Mark Fleming on May 30, 2018
In January of 2013, the mortgage industry witnessed the birth of a new income-underwriting era. The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB) published new requirements for mortgage lenders to carefully assess a consumer’s ability to repay their mortgage loan. The new standards were dubbed the “ability-to-repay” rules and were set to take effect ...
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Unadjusted house prices are higher than ever, but what is the real story?
By
Mark Fleming on May 24, 2018
As the home-buying season continues, the inventory of homes for sale remains historically low, while demand is increasing. Not surprisingly, house prices continue to rise. In March, unadjusted house prices increased by 6.4 percent compared with a year ago and they are now 8.7 percent above the housing boom peak for unadjusted house prices reached ...
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The Surprising Impact of Rising Rates on Market Potential
By
Mark Fleming on May 23, 2018
In April, the housing market continued to underperform its potential. Existing-home sales were 6.5 percent below the market’s potential for existing-home sales, according to our Potential Home Sales Model. Lack of supply remains the primary culprit. The inventory of homes for sale in most markets remains historically low, yet demand continues to ...
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What Does California's Solar Panel Mandate Mean for Affordability, and April Housing Starts Data Signal Optimism
By
Mark Fleming on May 17, 2018
California moved to the center of the new residential construction solar system last week as it became the first state to mandate solar panels on new residential homes. The mandate is part of California’s “Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan,” which includes the goal that both residential and commercial construction be zero net energy by 2030. The ...
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Are Baby Boomers the Key to the Housing Market Shortage?
By
Mark Fleming on May 14, 2018
Baby boomers – those born between 1946 and 1964 – have steered economic trends for decades and have the highest rate of homeownership in the country, approximately 80 percent. Now, as the oldest members of the generation edge into their 70s, they are deciding to stay in their homes. According to a Realtor.com housing shortage survey, boomers have ...
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What Does the Change in the 10-Year Treasury Note Mean for Housing Affordability
By
Mark Fleming on May 7, 2018
At the May Federal Reserve (Fed) meeting last week, all eyes were on the 10-year Treasury yield. In late April, that yield topped 3 percent for the first time in more than four years. With yields on the rise, housing market participants expect this to mean higher interest rates from central banks. It’s often overlooked that the popular 30-year, ...
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Housing Interest Rates Real House Price Index Federal Reserve Affordability