Refinance Mortgages at Lowest Rates in Decades

Mortgage rates are near their lowest levels in decades, although they have risen slightly since hitting all time lows in mid-October. The rate on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage hit 4.19%, the lowest since 1951, according to the Federal Housing Administration. A small rise in rates has produced an increase in home refinances, which represents… Continue reading Refinance Mortgages at Lowest Rates in Decades

Mortgage Rate Falls to Historic Low

The 30-year fixed rate mortgage fell again to break the all-time low average, hitting 4.19% down .08 from last week, according to Freddie Mac. The last time rates were this low was in April of 1951, according to the Federal Housing Administration. The 30-year fixed mortgage has been under 5% for 23 straight weeks. The… Continue reading Mortgage Rate Falls to Historic Low

Home Sales Jump Second Straight Month

By Mike Colpitts Home sales jumped in September for the second straight month in a row, showing a recovery in the sale of existing homes, according to the National Association of Realtors, even while the inventory of homes listed for sale out-weighs market demand. The sale of single family homes, condos and townhouses reached an… Continue reading Home Sales Jump Second Straight Month

Despite State Tax Credit California Home Sales Decline

By Kevin Chiu Despite a special state home buyer tax credit, sales of homes in California declined more than 17% from a year ago in September, according to San Diego based real estate research firm DataQuick. The median price for a California home is $265,000, which is 5.6% higher for the year. But with a… Continue reading Despite State Tax Credit California Home Sales Decline

Pending Home Sales Rise

Second Straight Month By Kevin Chiu Pending home sales rose for the second straight month in August, but are still well off year ago levels, according to the National Association of Realtors. The sale of previously owned homes, condos and townhouses were up 4.3% for the month, reflecting an improving trend for the market. NAR data… Continue reading Pending Home Sales Rise

Homes Selling Broadly Cheaper as Foreclosures

By Kevin Chiu Homes that had already been foreclosed represented nearly 1 in 4 sold during the second quarter of the year selling at broadly cheaper prices, according to RealtyTrac. Properties sold in some stage of foreclosure at more than 26% below average prices. Ohio residential foreclosures sold for an average discount of almost 43%… Continue reading Homes Selling Broadly Cheaper as Foreclosures

Mortgage Applications Drop as Interest Rates Decline

Applications to refinance mortgages declined for the fourth straight week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. Mortgage applications on new home purchases also fell slightly, despite an increase in government purchase applications. The share of refinancing composed the majority of applications, 80.7% as mortgage rates decreased to 4.38% on 30 year fixed rate mortgage on… Continue reading Mortgage Applications Drop as Interest Rates Decline

Poll Respondents Expect More Housing Price Deflation

As fears over the financial crisis rise just weeks before mid-term U.S. elections, three out of 4 respondents surveyed feel that the housing market will decline in value as much as nearly half from its current levels, according to the latest Housing Predictor opinion poll. The finding clearly shows that Americans are extremely concerned about… Continue reading Poll Respondents Expect More Housing Price Deflation