Recent Posts by Mark Fleming

Mark Fleming is the chief economist for First American Financial Corporation and leads First American’s Decision Sciences team.

Rising Mortgage Rates Dampen Market Potential in December

By Mark Fleming on January 23, 2017
First American's proprietary Potential Home Sales model examines December 2016 data and includes analysis from Chief Economist Mark Fleming on the impact of rising rates amid growing demand and limited inventory. Read More

Housing

Three Reasons to Remain Bullish on Housing

By Mark Fleming on January 17, 2017
Last week, I participated in the 2017 Housing Market Forecast and Homebuyer Trends webinar hosted by the American Land Title Association (ALTA). Jessica Lautz, a consumer research expert from the National Association of Realtors, and I discussed how the real estate market is changing and what we can expect. We tried to answer the question posed in ... Read More

Millennials

Home [ownership] for the Holidays

By Mark Fleming on December 22, 2016
No matter your life stage, ‘tis the season to pack up your stuff and head home for the holidays. Home is where we congregate with family and friends over a hot meal, catch up on events, and maybe even ring in the New Year. But, home does not look the same for all. In fact, “home” doesn’t have to be the white picket fence with the smoking chimney ... Read More

Millennials Homeownership Progress Index

What a Difference an Election Makes

By Mark Fleming on December 13, 2016
What a difference an election makes. Since the election, we have seen a pronounced increase in the popular 30 year-fixed mortgage rate. In the words of Federal Reserve Chairman Janet Yellen, financial markets expect that expansionary fiscal policy will accelerate U.S. economic growth and increase inflation. As a result, the 30-year fixed mortgage ... Read More

Housing Interest Rates Real House Price Index Federal Reserve

Lack of Affordable Inventory Keeps Market Below Potential

By Mark Fleming on November 21, 2016
October 2016 Potential Home Sales Read More

Housing

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Homeownership

By Mark Fleming on November 18, 2016
It’s that time of year again. The time when we come together and celebrate the American tradition of giving thanks for the many blessings in our lives. Often we give thanks for having the basic necessities of life: food, health, water and shelter. While all of these things are vital to human existence, as a housing economist, I naturally tend to ... Read More

Millennials Education Homeownership Progress Index