In the month of October, the average 30-year, fixed mortgage rate increased to its highest level since March of this year – 3.07 percent. For context, the historical average of the 30-year, fixed mortgage rate dating back half a century is 7.8 percent. In the history of recorded data on the 30-year fixed mortgage rate, it has never been as low as ... Read More ›

In this episode of the REconomy Podcast™ from First American, Chief Economist Mark Fleming and Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi examine rising inflation in today’s economy and what it may mean for mortgage rates. Read More ›

In August, year-over-year nominal house price appreciation reached 20.7 percent, the third consecutive month it has set a new record. According to our Real House Price Index (RHPI), which measures housing affordability in the context of changes in consumer house-buying power, incorporating changes in household income, mortgage rates and nominal ... Read More ›

In this episode of the REconomy Podcast™ from First American, Chief Economist Mark Fleming and Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi discuss how the Federal Reserve signals potential policy changes on interest rates and the tapering of its Treasury and mortgage-backed securities purchases. Read More ›

Housing market potential strengthened modestly in September, increasing a 0.4 percent compared with August, according to our Potential Home Sales Model. The slight increase means that on a year-over-year basis, housing market potential is now nearly 9 percent higher than in September 2020, when the housing market’s summer rebound was accelerating, ... Read More ›

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 ›