21
Sep
By Jim Hasek
Financial Reports, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – September 21, 2020

Last week’s economic news included readings on housing market conditions, housing starts, building permits issued, and consumer sentiment. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released. National Association of Home Builders Reports Record High Builder Confidence The NAHB reported record high builder confidence in housing market conditions. The Housing Market Index had an index reading of 83 in September as compared to August’s reading of 78. Analysts said that this builder confidence reading was notable due to rising costs for building materials. Component readings of the NAHB Housing Market Index also rose in September. Builder confidence in…
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14
Sep
By Jim Hasek
Financial Reports, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – September 14, 2020

Last week’s economic news included readings on inflation, job openings, and weekly reports on jobless claims and mortgage rates. Inflation Rate Slows in August After posting 0.60 percent growth for each month in June and July, the Consumer Price Index rose by 0.40 percent in August. These growth rates offset declines in inflation during the first three months of the COVID-19  pandemic. Used vehicle prices increased after deep discounts offered when the pandemic started; analysts said that rising prices for used vehicles offset losses in previous months and produced low inflation for August. Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and…
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08
Sep
By Jim Hasek
Financial Reports, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – September 8, 2020

Last week’s scheduled economic news included readings on construction spending and labor sector reports on public and private sector jobs. The national unemployment rate was also reported. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also published. July Construction Spending Rises Construction spending rose from June’s seasonally adjusted annual pace of  $1.363 billion to $1,365 billion in July. The U.S. Census Department reports construction spending and readings are subject to adjustment. Growth in construction spending is due to a demand for homes in less congested areas.COVID-19 is creating more demand for larger homes that accommodate working from home. Mortgage…
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31
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Financial Reports, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 31, 2020

Last week’s economic news included readings from Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, along with data on new and pending home sales. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and new and continuing jobless claims were also published. Case-Shiller: Home Price GrowthHolds Steady in June National home prices grew at a seasonally-adjusted annual pace of 4.30 percent in June, which was unchanged from May’s year-over-year growth rate for home prices. The 20-City Home Price Index rose by 3.50 percent year-over-year in June.   Phoenix, Arizona reported the leading year-over-year home price growth rate of 9.00 percent. Seattle, Washington held second place with a year-over-year…
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26
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Financial Reports, ,

Case-Shiller: June Home Prices Rise as Affordability Crisis Grows

According to the National Case-Shiller Home Price Index for June, U.S. home prices rose 4.30 percent year-over-year, which was unchanged from May’s year-over-year home price growth rate. Home prices are expected to continue growing through 2020 as businesses reopen and COVID-19 restrictions ease. Case-Shiller’s 20-City Home Price Index for May showed Phoenix, Arizona held the top spot with 9.00 percent year-over-year growth; Seattle, Washington followed with 650 percent growth in home prices. Tampa, Florida maintained its third-place position with 5.90 percent year-over-year home price growth. Five of 19 cities reporting in the 20-City Index showed a higher rate of home…
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24
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Financial Reports, , ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 24, 2020

Last week’s economic news included readings from Case-Shiller on home prices, the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Indices, and sales of previously-owned homes. Readings on housing starts and building permits issued were released. Weekly reports on mortgage rates, new and continuing jobless claims were also published. NAHB: Home Builder Confidence Rises in August The National Association of Home Builders reported that builder confidence in housing market conditions rose six points to an index reading of 78.in August. The expected reading of 73 was based on July’s reading of 72. Homebuilder confidence was based on sharp demand for homes…
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