Does Greater Educational Achievement Increase the Likelihood of Homeownership?

By Odeta Kushi on October 14, 2021
We’re often told that education is the key to a more secure financial future. Most people spend at least 12 years of their lives as students and even more if they pursue higher education. But does more education equate to increased earning potential? And, if so, does the increased earning potential translate to a greater likelihood of becoming a ... Read More

Millennials Education Homeownership Progress Index Homeownership

The REconomy Podcast™: The 3 Most Important Housing Market Statistics

By FirstAm Editor on October 7, 2021
In this episode of the REconomy Podcast™ from First American, Chief Economist Mark Fleming and Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi share their expert perspective on the three most important housing market statistics to follow. Read More

Housing Interest Rates Affordability REconomy

Homes More Affordable Today Than During Previous Housing Peak in Each of the Top 50 Markets

By Mark Fleming on September 28, 2021
In July, housing affordability continued its decline as year-over-year nominal house price appreciation reached a record 20 percent, vastly outpacing the increase in house-buying power compared with a year ago. The Real House Price Index (RHPI) measures affordability in the context of changes in consumer house-buying power, incorporating changes ... Read More

Interest Rates Real House Price Index Affordability

The REconomy Podcast™: Why Labor Market Trends May Keep Mortgage Rates Near Record Lows Longer

By FirstAm Editor on September 23, 2021
In this episode of the REconomy Podcast™ from First American, Chief Economist Mark Fleming and Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi explain why important labor market trends may influence the Federal Reserve’s decision to reverse its easy-money policies. Read More

Housing Interest Rates Affordability REconomy

How Does Delta Variant-Fueled Economic Uncertainty Impact Housing Market Potential?

By Mark Fleming on September 22, 2021
Housing market potential continued to strengthen in August, according to our Potential Home Sales Model, increasing 0.05 percent compared with July. The market potential for existing-home sales is now nearly 10 percent higher than in August of 2020, when the housing market’s summer rebound was ramping up following the initial pandemic-driven ... Read More

Interest Rates Homeownership Potential Home Sales

Will Housing Market Seasonality Return to Normal?

By Odeta Kushi on September 17, 2021
September is commonly associated with the beginning of the school year, but it also signals the end of the peak home buying season. The tapering of the housing market in September is part of its normal annual cycle, which follows the same general pattern of peaks and troughs every year, with one big exception. In 2020, the pandemic was the ... Read More

Housing Housing supply