Why Hasn’t Economic Momentum Lifted Home Sales?

By Mark Fleming on August 21, 2018
The U.S. economy remains on an impressive growth streak. Last month, the Commerce Department reported that the gross domestic product, the broadest measure of goods and services produced in the economy, grew at a 4.1 percent annualized rate in the second quarter, the strongest pace of growth since 2014. The economy has added jobs every month for ... Read More

Housing Interest Rates Homeownership

Where Can Renters Find Affordable Homes to Buy?

By Odeta Kushi on August 20, 2018
Limited housing supply and growing millennial demand continue to drive home prices higher across the country. Even when adjusted for income growth and mortgage rates, prices are 11.4 percent higher than a year ago, according to our Real House Price Index. Unless income growth accelerates and begins to outpace house price appreciation, or housing ... Read More

Housing Affordability Homeownership

Did July Housing Starts Signal More Housing Supply for Home Buyers?

By Mark Fleming on August 17, 2018
The short answer is yes. Home buyers looking for more housing supply to choose from can take heart, as Thursday’s Census Bureau report on housing construction showed builders are starting work on additional housing, inching closer to balancing inventory with demand. Read More

Housing housing starts Homeownership

Why Renter House-Buying Power is the Key to Understanding Housing Affordability

By Mark Fleming on August 6, 2018
With unadjusted house prices recently eclipsing their 2006 housing boom peak, housing affordability is a concern in the industry and for potential home buyers. Existing home owners, by definition, can afford one so, when we are speaking about housing affordability, it is really a conversation about first-time home buyers. Read More

Housing First-Time Homebuyer Affordability Homeownership

Will Wage Growth Signal Relief for Potential Home Buyers?

By Mark Fleming on August 3, 2018
Home buyers should feel a bit more confident today after the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ employment situation report for July stated that the unemployment rate edged down to 3.9 percent, and hourly wages continue to increase. House price appreciation has exceeded wage growth for 6 years, so ongoing increases in wage growth could translate into ... Read More

Housing Wage Growth

Interview on CNBC: Explaining the Shortage of Supply in the Housing Market and Demographic Wave of Demand

By FirstAm Editor on August 1, 2018
First American Chief Economist Mark Fleming was interviewed yesterday on CNBC and discussed housing supply and demand, affordability and challenges facing new home builders. Read More

Housing In The News Interest Rates Millennials Affordability