Affordability in Almost All Major Markets Continues to Improve in July

By FirstAm Editor on September 26, 2016
First American’s proprietary Real House Price Index (RHPI) looks at July 2016 data and includes analysis from First American Chief Economist Mark Fleming the explains how rising incomes and low interest rates are contributing to increased affordability in most major U.S. markets. Read More

Interest Rates Real House Price Index Income Affordability

Refinance Boom and Compliant Loan Production Processes Keeping Loan Defect Rate at Low Point

By FirstAm Editor on August 31, 2016
We’ve posted the July First American Loan Application Defect Index, which estimates the frequency of defects, fraudulence and misrepresentation in the information submitted in mortgage loan applications. The Defect Index decreased 2.8 percent in July as compared with June and decreased 16.7 percent as compared with July 2015. The Defect Index is ... Read More

Loan Application Defect Index Income

Foreign Monetary Stimulus a Positive for U.S. Consumer House-Buying Power

By FirstAm Editor on August 26, 2016
First American’s proprietary Real House Price Index (RHPI) looks at June 2016 data and includes analysis from First American Chief Economist Mark Fleming explaining the influence of foreign monetary stimulus on U.S. mortgage rates and its impact on consumer house-buying power. Read More

Interest Rates Real House Price Index Income

The Power of Leverage

By Mark Fleming on August 18, 2016
The importance of measuring housing affordability is paramount. Homeownership is synonymous with the American Dream and all of the wealth-building benefits that it provides, and housing is the single largest monthly expense for most households. Yet, there are many ways to measure the affordability of housing. Read More

Interest Rates Real House Price Index Income Affordability

Loan Application Defect and Fraud Risk Declined Due to Benefits of Low Mortgage Rates

By FirstAm Editor on July 29, 2016
We’ve posted the June First American Loan Application Defect Index, which estimates the frequency of defects, fraudulence and misrepresentation in the information submitted in mortgage loan applications. The Defect Index decreased 1.4 percent in June as compared with May and decreased by 12.2 percent as compared with June 2015. The Defect Index is ... Read More

Loan Application Defect Index Income

Era of Uncertainty Continues to Drive Consumer House-Buying Power

By Mark Fleming on July 25, 2016
First American’s proprietary Real House Price Index (RHPI) looks at May 2016 data and includes analysis from First American Chief Economist Mark Fleming explaining the forces behind the continued low mortgage rate environment and the impact on consumer house-buying power. Read More

Interest Rates Real House Price Index Income