Higher Prices May Produce Trouble Bubble

By Ryan Jackson Higher home prices being paid in some U.S. cities could lead to troublesome isolated bubbles, according to new research. Strong demand for homes in three of the nation’s hardest hit states are pushing up housing prices more quickly than might be sustainable. Driven by record low mortgage rates, sales are improving at… Continue reading Higher Prices May Produce Trouble Bubble

Mortgage Rates Set New Records 4 Straight Weeks

By Mike Colpitts Mortgage rates have been setting new record lows four straight weeks as nervousness over the U.S. economy and uncertainty over the European debt crisis send rates lower. The 30-year fixed rate loan hit an average of 3.49% last week for the first time in history, according to Freddie Mac. Rates have been… Continue reading Mortgage Rates Set New Records 4 Straight Weeks

Appraisal Reform Calls Grow

By Ryan Jackson Despite calls for sweeping reform of appraisal standards and new requirements that have already been implemented, calls for greater  appraisal reforms persist. As Congress takes up the next stages of financial reform appraisers are under going greater scrutiny. Accurate appraisals are fundamental to the successful performance of the financial markets that provide… Continue reading Appraisal Reform Calls Grow

Majority Won’t Purchase Vacation Homes

Despite stabilization developing in many U.S. housing markets, a large majority of respondents to a new survey say they would not consider purchasing a second home or vacation property. Some 60% of respondents to the new Housing Predictor survey said they would not take the leap of faith to purchase a second home even though… Continue reading Majority Won’t Purchase Vacation Homes

Mortgage Rates Fall to New Record

By Ryan Jackson Driven by falling U.S. Treasuries, mortgage rates fell to their lowest level in U.S. history for the third week in a row as worries over the economy trouble financial markets. The 30-year fixed rate mortgage dropped to average 3.49%, according to Freddie Mac. Rates have been on a one-way move downward since… Continue reading Mortgage Rates Fall to New Record

15 Year Mortgages Gain Broad Appeal

By Mike Colpitts Fixed 15-year mortgages, once thought to be the impossible for most homeowners to afford, are gaining ground in the current economy at never before seen levels. Homeowners refinancing homes and new home purchases are increasingly opting for the loans. The mortgages cut the number of years it takes to pay off a… Continue reading 15 Year Mortgages Gain Broad Appeal

Rents Rise to Menace Market

Home and apartment rents are rising in the majority of the U.S. and are expected to sustain higher increases over coming months to menace the housing market, according to a survey of residential property managers. The new TransUnion survey found that both large and small property managers are faring better than they were a year… Continue reading Rents Rise to Menace Market

Homeowners Bill of Rights to Become Law

By Mike Colpitts California lawmakers have passed a groundbreaking series of foreclosure relief bills that proponents hope will spur similar legislation for homeowners across the U.S. The bills are the first of their kind in the nation, and California Governor Jerry Brown says he will sign the Homeowners Bill of Rights into law. The legislation… Continue reading Homeowners Bill of Rights to Become Law

Underwater Homeowners Gain Home Equity

By Mike Colpitts Underwater homeowners, already upside down in the current economy more than ever before are seeing their fortunes turn around, with new data showing a gain in home equity. The upturn in homeowner equity comes as a result of growing home price inflation in some cities and slower equity losses in others. Some… Continue reading Underwater Homeowners Gain Home Equity