Last week, I helped present the results from the American Enterprise Institute (AEI)/First American National Housing Market Index, one of the most comprehensive analyses of the U.S. housing market. The results provide insight into the 2017 spring home buying market and shed light on housing’s $1 trillion question. Read More ›

We’ve posted the February First American Loan Application Defect Index, which estimates the frequency of defects, fraudulence and misrepresentation in the information submitted in mortgage loan applications. Read More ›

February 2017 Potential Home Sales Read More ›

Spring break is fast approaching, that playful time of year when beach cities are inundated with college students and tourists. As housing economists, spring break is exciting because it coincides with the beginning of the spring home buying season! While we may not seem to have much in common with the college crowd, there is an underlying ... Read More ›

Recent economic data and comments by members of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) all suggest that the chance of a rate increase this week after the FOMC meets is substantially higher than it was just a few weeks ago. Now that we are most likely in a rising rate environment, what does it mean for housing affordability? Read More ›

The spring home-buying season is right around the corner. As we reflect back on the spring of last year, it becomes clear that we were spoiled in 2016 with mortgage rates well below 4 percent at the beginning spring, and flirting with record lows at 3.4 percent in the summer. This year began with mortgage rates at 4.25 percent, and concern ... Read More ›