Will First-Time Home Buyer Demand Withstand Rising Rates?

By Mark Fleming on June 12, 2018
Given the strong likelihood of rising mortgage rates in 2018, many savvy real estate market observers are curious how rising rates may impact demand, especially among millennial first-time home buyers. As part of our quarterly First American Real Estate Sentiment Index (RESI), we recently surveyed title insurance agents and real estate ... Read More

Housing Millennials Real Estate Sentiment Index

Quoted on Forbes.com: Rising Rates Can Increase Housing Demand

By FirstAm Editor on June 7, 2018
First American Chief Economist Mark Fleming was quoted Tuesday in a feature article on Forbes.com, explaining how rising rates can increase housing demand. Read More

Housing In The News Interest Rates Millennials Affordability

The Surprising Impact of Rising Rates on Market Potential

By Mark Fleming on May 23, 2018
In April, the housing market continued to underperform its potential. Existing-home sales were 6.5 percent below the market’s potential for existing-home sales, according to our Potential Home Sales Model. Lack of supply remains the primary culprit. The inventory of homes for sale in most markets remains historically low, yet demand continues to ... Read More

Housing Interest Rates

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

Housing In The News Interest Rates Millennials Affordability

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

Housing Interest Rates Real House Price Index Federal Reserve Affordability