Housing Market Trends

From the First American Economic Center

The First American Economic Center has you covered with in-depth analysis and expert insights on the latest data and trends in the industry.

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

Housing

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

Loan Application Defect Index

Wage Growth Contributes to Increased Affordability in Most Major Markets

By FirstAm Editor on November 28, 2016
First American’s proprietary Real House Price Index (RHPI) looks at September 2016 data and includes analysis from First American Chief Economist Mark Fleming that includes comments on last week’s conforming loan limit increase. Read More

Interest Rates Real House Price Index Income Affordability

CNBC Interview: Discussing the impact of the election on interest rates, future of technology in real estate finance

By FirstAm Editor on November 22, 2016
First American Chief Economist Mark Fleming was interviewed yesterday on CNBC regarding the surge in interest rates following the U.S. presidential election and what it means for the housing market in the year ahead. Read More

In The News Interest Rates Millennials

Lack of Affordable Inventory Keeps Market Below Potential

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

Housing