Has House Price Appreciation Reached a Tipping Point?
By
Mark Fleming on April 27, 2020
As the coronavirus outbreak continues to affect the domestic and global economy, the housing market has shown that it is not immune to its impact. In March, the number of existing-home sales fell 8.5 percent relative to February, and the number of new listings continued to dwindle. While mortgage rates have fallen due to the current economic ...
Read More ›
Where Is It Cheaper to Own a Home Than to Rent?
By
Odeta Kushi on April 10, 2020
As the coronavirus pandemic and its repercussions create challenges for all, it’s easy and important to focus on the day-to-day headlines and the information driving the news cycle at the moment. But, understanding long-term trends, even those that may be altered by the pandemic’s impacts, provides helpful insight into major decisions, like the ...
Read More ›
Why the Housing Market May Weather Coronavirus Impact Better Than the Great Recession
By
Mark Fleming on March 31, 2020
As we are all too aware, the coronavirus outbreak has taken hold of the domestic and global economy. The housing market is not immune to its impact but may be in a better position than many believe. Recent data shows that weekly unemployment claims soared to a record, which will, in turn, work to depress household incomes and consumer confidence. ...
Read More ›
Where Rent-Burdened Households Declined the Most
By
Odeta Kushi on March 11, 2020
Beginning in 2011 and continuing through 2018, the share of rent-burdened households declined nationally – a trend reversal from the decade between 2000 and 2010. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, rent-burdened households spend over 30 percent of their income on rent. However, as the old adage goes, it’s all about ...
Read More ›
Why the Share of Rent-Burdened Households Has Declined in the Post-Recession Era
By
Odeta Kushi on March 2, 2020
After nearly 20 years of rising rents, renter affordability, or the lack thereof, is a hot topic in housing. The long-running increase in rents has fueled a rise in the share of rent-burdened households, defined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as households that spend over 30 percent of their income on rent.
Read More ›
Where Wages Grow, Affordability Follows
By
Mark Fleming on February 24, 2020
As 2019 came to a close, potential home buyers received a year-end gift as affordability improved relative to one year ago. Two of the three key drivers of the Real House Price Index (RHPI), household income and mortgage rates, swung in favor of increased affordability in December.
Read More ›