Rising Rates and Strong Nominal Price Growth Halt Six-Month Run of Increasing Affordability

By FirstAm Editor on January 30, 2017
First American’s proprietary Real House Price Index (RHPI) looks at November 2016 data and includes analysis from First American Chief Economist Mark Fleming on a shift in affordability as real house prices increased for the first time in six months. Read More

Interest Rates Real House Price Index Income Affordability

Affordability Improves Nationally Based on Wage Growth, Although Not for Many Major Markets

By FirstAm Editor on December 26, 2016
First American’s proprietary Real House Price Index (RHPI) looks at October 2016 data and includes analysis from First American Chief Economist Mark Fleming on the impact of rising mortgage rates on consumer house buying power and affordability heading in to 2017. Read More

Interest Rates Real House Price Index Income

What a Difference an Election Makes

By Mark Fleming on December 13, 2016
What a difference an election makes. Since the election, we have seen a pronounced increase in the popular 30 year-fixed mortgage rate. In the words of Federal Reserve Chairman Janet Yellen, financial markets expect that expansionary fiscal policy will accelerate U.S. economic growth and increase inflation. As a result, the 30-year fixed mortgage ... Read More

Housing Interest Rates Real House Price Index Federal Reserve

Wage Growth Contributes to Increased Affordability in Most Major Markets

By FirstAm Editor on November 28, 2016
First American’s proprietary Real House Price Index (RHPI) looks at September 2016 data and includes analysis from First American Chief Economist Mark Fleming that includes comments on last week’s conforming loan limit increase. Read More

Interest Rates Real House Price Index Income Affordability

Buy, Buy Millennials!

By Mark Fleming on November 7, 2016
A common narrative over the last several years is that Millennials are breaking with the habits of their parents when it comes to home buying. Millennials rent longer, live with their parents, and are burdened with student loan debt. In short, it would seem that for a variety of reasons they aren’t as interested in homeownership as their ... Read More

Housing Millennials Real House Price Index

Bloomberg Radio Interview – Fleming says Housing is More Affordable

By FirstAm Editor on October 26, 2016
First American Chief Economist Mark Fleming is interviewed on Bloomberg Radio to explain why housing is more affordable today than many people believe. Read More

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