How Will Low Mortgage Rates Impact Housing Affordability This Spring?
By
Odeta Kushi on April 17, 2019
Last year, the over-arching trend in the housing market was the impact of rising rates on affordability. Mortgage rates had been increasing since 2017 and that trend continued in 2018, especially in the second half of the year. Rates were rising largely due to a strengthening economy – the Fed raises rates in a strong economy to encourage ...
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Interview on Bloomberg: Discussing the Macro-Economic Trends Influencing the Housing Market
By
FirstAm Editor on April 11, 2019
First American Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi was interviewed on Bloomberg earlier this month, providing her thoughts on macro-economic trends influencing home buyers and the housing market, including the job market and wage growth.
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Why the Yield Curve May Have Fooled Some Experts
By
Mark Fleming on April 5, 2019
April Fools’ may be over, but that hasn’t dampened recession fears from generating headlines. Broadly speaking, the U.S. economy is performing well. Wages are increasing and we’re near full employment. So, why are some experts raising recession concerns?
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What Drives Increases in Income-Related Loan Application Defects?
By
Mark Fleming on March 29, 2019
Throughout much of 2018, home prices were high, demand was rising and bidding wars were the new normal. As a result of the competitive market, buyers were under more pressure to seek qualification for larger loans. Fraud can come in many forms, but income falsification remains one of the most likely misrepresentations. By December 2018, ...
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Interview on CNBC: Discussing the Impact of Declining Mortgage Rates and Limited Supply on the Housing Market
By
FirstAm Editor on March 27, 2019
First American Chief Economist Mark Fleming was interviewed on CNBC on Tuesday and discussed how the decline in mortgage rates over the last few months and continued tight housing supply are likely to impact the housing market.
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Housing New Home Buying In The News Interest Rates Affordability
Three Reasons Home Buyers Have More Power This Spring
By
Mark Fleming on March 25, 2019
While 2018 was largely characterized by declining affordability, ending the year with a five percent yearly decline in house-buying power, this trend reversed sharply in early 2019. Moderating home prices, in conjunction with gains in household income and declining mortgage rates, boosted affordability for potential home buyers.
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