Mortgage Rates

Mortgage spreads are almost back to normal

In a week marked by discussions of the potential firing of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and inflation data, mortgage rates remained relatively calm, thanks to improvements in mortgage spreads. Mortgage spreads have improved significantly since 2023, leaving us just 0.49% from normal levels, based on the data we use. This means we can achieve […]

Mortgage spreads are almost back to normal Read More »

Single-family construction is getting worse due to rates

Today’s housing starts report from the Census Bureau shows that Federal Reserve policy remains too restrictive for housing production to grow, which in the long run impacts the fight against inflation. This is why the data on single-family construction is not improving; in fact, it is getting worse. The unfortunate part is that we don’t need

Single-family construction is getting worse due to rates Read More »

June sees uptick in new-home loan demand

Homebuyers seemed to look past high mortgage rates in their efforts to purchase newly constructed homes last month, offering a bright note amid a broadly uneven housing market. Mortgage applications for new homes increased 8.5% year-over-year in June, according to the Mortgage Banker Association. Applications were down 4% from May, but the report noted that

June sees uptick in new-home loan demand Read More »

Mortgage rates rise as investors react to inflation news

Mortgage rates rose this week as the latest Consumer Price Index report further dashed hopes in some minds for a Federal Open Market Committee reduction in short-term rates at its July meeting. “The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage inched up this week and continues to stay within a narrow range under 7%,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac

Mortgage rates rise as investors react to inflation news Read More »

Treasury yields and dollar rise after retail sales

The dollar rose after a better-than-estimated retail sales report and a drop in jobless claims reinforced speculation the Federal Reserve will stay on hold for now. Stocks and bonds wavered. The greenback resumed its month-to-date climb while the S&P 500 and bond yields were little changed. Money markets are pricing fewer than two Fed rate

Treasury yields and dollar rise after retail sales Read More »

Why a Newly Built Home Might Be the Move Right Now

Why a Newly Built Home Might Be the Move Right Now

Are you looking for better home prices, or even a lower mortgage rate? You might find both in one place: a newly built home. While many buyers are overlooking new construction, it could be your best opportunity in today’s market. Here’s why. There are more brand-new homes available right now than there were even just

Why a Newly Built Home Might Be the Move Right Now Read More »

The Rolling Stones, real estate, and reality checks

In 1969, The Rolling Stones gifted us their 10th studio album, Let It Bleed. Tucked away as the final track, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” started life as a B-side to “Honky Tonk Women” before becoming an anthem for an entire generation. Here’s the kicker: this iconic track never actually hit number one.

The Rolling Stones, real estate, and reality checks Read More »

Mortgage Rates Are Stabilizing – How That Helps Today’s Buyers

Mortgage Rates Are Stabilizing – How That Helps Today’s Buyers

Over the past few years, affordability has been the biggest challenge for homebuyers. Between rapidly rising home prices and higher mortgage rates, many have felt stuck between a rock and a hard place. But, something pretty encouraging is happening. While affordability is still tight, mortgage rates have shown signs of stabilizing in recent months. And

Mortgage Rates Are Stabilizing – How That Helps Today’s Buyers Read More »

NAR unveils dashboard that tracks key housing trends

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) on Tuesday released a new interactive tool that aims to give members monthly insights into housing affordability, home-price trends and economic indicators at the metro level. The tool, known as the Market Statistics Dashboard, is available exclusively to NAR members. According to the trade group, the dashboard includes localized

NAR unveils dashboard that tracks key housing trends Read More »

Fed chair contender is now in favor of rate cut, just as Trump wants

Kevin Warsh, a top contender to replace Jerome Powell as chair of the Federal Reserve, is finally ready to cut interest rates.  As a governor at the US central bank from 2006 to 2011, Warsh called for higher rates even in the depths of the financial crisis, warning often of impending inflation. That’s a concern

Fed chair contender is now in favor of rate cut, just as Trump wants Read More »