Affordability Improves Nationally Based on Wage Growth, Although Not for Many Major Markets
By
FirstAm Editor on December 26, 2016
First American’s proprietary Real House Price Index (RHPI) looks at October 2016 data and includes analysis from First American Chief Economist Mark Fleming on the impact of rising mortgage rates on consumer house buying power and affordability heading in to 2017.
Read More ›
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 ›
Real Estate Outlook Declines on Election Uncertainty and Heightened Expectations for Fed Rate Hikes
By
FirstAm Editor on December 21, 2016
We invite you to browse the fourth quarter 2016 First American Real Estate Sentiment Index, which is based on a quarterly survey of independent title agents and other real estate professionals, providing a unique gauge on the real estate market using the crowd-sourced wisdom and expertise of real estate experts.
Read More ›
Rising Mortgage Rates Expected to Cool Market Potential In 2017
By
FirstAm Editor on December 19, 2016
First American Chief Economist Mark Fleming shares his proprietary Potential Home Sales model for November, with analysis of the housing market's overall health.
Read More ›
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
A North-South Divide Emerges in Defect, Fraud and Misrepresentation Risk
By
FirstAm Editor on November 30, 2016
We’ve posted the October First American Loan Application Defect Index, which estimates the frequency of defects, fraudulence and misrepresentation in the information submitted in mortgage loan applications. The Defect Index decreased 1.4 percent in October as compared with September and decreased by 13.9 percent as compared to October 2015. The ...
Read More ›