Interview on CNBC: Explaining the Link Between Rising Rates, Housing Supply and Affordability

By FirstAm Editor on May 18, 2018
First American Chief Economist Mark Fleming was interviewed yesterday on CNBC and explained the link between rising rates, housing supply and affordability. Read More

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What Does California's Solar Panel Mandate Mean for Affordability, and April Housing Starts Data Signal Optimism

By Mark Fleming on May 17, 2018
California moved to the center of the new residential construction solar system last week as it became the first state to mandate solar panels on new residential homes. The mandate is part of California’s “Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan,” which includes the goal that both residential and commercial construction be zero net energy by 2030. The ... Read More

Housing Affordability

What Does the Change in the 10-Year Treasury Note Mean for Housing Affordability

By Mark Fleming on May 7, 2018
At the May Federal Reserve (Fed) meeting last week, all eyes were on the 10-year Treasury yield. In late April, that yield topped 3 percent for the first time in more than four years. With yields on the rise, housing market participants expect this to mean higher interest rates from central banks. It’s often overlooked that the popular 30-year, ... Read More

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The Powerful Forces Reducing Affordability

By Mark Fleming on April 23, 2018
Last week, the average 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage rose 5 basis points to 4.46 percent, reaching its highest level since January of 2014. The consensus among economists is that the 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage will approach 5 percent by the end of this year. All else held equal, this will make housing more expensive. However, some perspective is ... Read More

Affordability

Will the Tax Code Changes Influence House Prices or Market Supply and Demand?

By Mark Fleming on March 13, 2018
The impact of the new tax code on the housing market has been heavily studied and debated in academic, policy and political circles, with most agreeing that the changes remove any significant tax differences between homeowners and renters for the majority of U.S. households. But, what do the people handling real estate transactions every day think? Read More

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What Does Faster Inflation and Rising Mortgage Rates Mean for Housing?

By Mark Fleming on March 9, 2018
As the March Federal Reserve (Fed) meeting approaches, overall positive economic conditions are troubling those who follow the Fed closely. Many might pose the question, why would positive economic conditions be troubling? Read More

Housing Interest Rates Federal Reserve Affordability