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

In The News Real House Price Index Affordability

Low Rates and Increased Wages Increase Affordability for U.S. Home Buyers in Almost All Major Markets

By FirstAm Editor on October 25, 2016
First American’s proprietary Real House Price Index (RHPI) looks at August 2016 data and includes analysis from First American Chief Economist Mark Fleming that explains that counter to conventional wisdom, affordability for home buyers in many markets is increasing due to low interest rates and increasing wages. Read More

Interest Rates Real House Price Index Income Affordability

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