Potential Homeownership Demand Unfazed By Rising Rates

By Mark Fleming on July 9, 2018
As we reflect on our country’s recent Independence Day commemoration, we find that the desire to achieve the American dream of homeownership still exists. Because, while the U.S. homeownership rate remains close to half-century lows, demand is strong, especially among millennials. In fact, results of our Real Estate Sentiment Index survey of title ... Read More

Housing Millennials Homeownership Progress Index

Are Baby Boomers the Key to the Housing Market Shortage?

By Mark Fleming on May 14, 2018
Baby boomers – those born between 1946 and 1964 – have steered economic trends for decades and have the highest rate of homeownership in the country, approximately 80 percent. Now, as the oldest members of the generation edge into their 70s, they are deciding to stay in their homes. According to a Realtor.com housing shortage survey, boomers have ... Read More

Homeownership Progress Index

The Market Dynamics Fueling the Great Housing Shortage

By Mark Fleming on April 20, 2018
In March, the housing market continued to underperform its potential. Actual existing home sales are 4.5 percent below the market potential for home sales, according to our Potential Home Sales model. The lack of supply is the primary culprit. The inventory of homes for sale in most markets remains historically tight, yet demand continues to rise ... Read More

Housing Interest Rates Homeownership Progress Index

Busting the Myth of the Millennial Renter Generation

By Mark Fleming on April 13, 2018
It’s a popular myth – the millennial generation is destined to be a generation of renters – avocado toast, anyone? With student loan debt burdens, the scars of the Great Recession, and limited housing supply, the myth is rooted in some real challenges for millennials. However, despite these challenges, millennials are not only interested in ... Read More

Millennials Homeownership Progress Index

What Are the Prospects for Future Homeownership Demand?

By Mark Fleming on August 17, 2017
We’ve posted the annual First American Homeownership Progress Index (HPRI), which measures how a variety of lifestyle, societal and economic factors influence homeownership rates over time at national, state and market levels. The HPRI declined 0.4 percent year-over-year, and is down 6 percent from the pre-recession peak. Potential homeownership ... Read More

Millennials Homeownership Progress Index

Do Unexplained Homeownership Gaps Exist?

By Mark Fleming on April 20, 2017
Homeownership is a goal shared among all people, regardless of race or ethnicity, and remains the main driver of wealth creation for the majority of households in the United States. That is why it is vital to understand the underlying characteristics that influence the probability of homeownership. Over the last several months, my research has ... Read More

Education Homeownership Progress Index