The Drag on Affordability Explained

By FirstAm Editor on December 21, 2017
First American’s proprietary Real House Price Index (RHPI) looks at October 2017 data and includes analysis from First American Chief Economist Mark Fleming on the market forces that are keeping a lid on affordability. Read More

Interest Rates Real House Price Index Income Affordability

Tightening Supply Squeezes Market Potential

By Mark Fleming on December 19, 2017
First American’s proprietary Potential Home Sales model examines November 2017 data and includes analysis from First American Chief Economist Mark Fleming on how the real estate market is performing versus its potential. Read More

Housing Interest Rates

Best Cities to Maximize Borrowing Power for First-Time Home Buyers

By Mark Fleming on December 11, 2017
It’s a near certainty that the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will raise the short-term Federal Funds rate this week. The CME group estimates the probability of a 25 basis-point increase at 90.2 percent. Some may fret about how this will impact the housing market, but they are missing the point on mortgage rates and affordability for ... Read More

Housing Interest Rates Federal Reserve Affordability

What’s Behind September’s Surprise Increase in Affordability?

By FirstAm Editor on November 27, 2017
First American’s proprietary Real House Price Index (RHPI) looks at September 2017 data and includes analysis from First American Chief Economist Mark Fleming on the market forces that sparked a surprising increase in affordability in September. Read More

Interest Rates Real House Price Index Income Affordability

What's Keeping the Market Below Potential?

By Mark Fleming on November 20, 2017
First American’s proprietary Potential Home Sales model examines October 2017 data and includes analysis from First American Chief Economist Mark Fleming on how the real estate market is performing versus its potential. Read More

Housing Interest Rates

Many Experts Miss the Point on Mortgage Rates and Affordability for First-Time Home Buyers

By Mark Fleming on November 6, 2017
Last week, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) met for the second to last time this year. As most prognosticators expected, the FOMC decided to leave the short-term Federal Funds rate unchanged. While good news for those with credit card debt, car loans and adjustable rate mortgages, the impact of FOMC inaction, or action for that matter, is ... Read More

Housing Interest Rates Federal Reserve Affordability