27
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Home Values

Case-Shiller: February Home Prices Grow at Fastest Pace in 3 Years

According to the Case-Shiller National Home Price Index, February home prices grew at their fastest pace in three years. While home prices have steadily grown in recent months, growth rates slowed in many areas month-to-month; the escalation of home prices from January to February indicates stronger housing markets. National home prices increased by 0.20 percent in February to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 5.80 percent appreciation. Case-Shiller's 20-City Home Price Index posted a month-to-month gain of 0.20 percent for a year-over-year gain of 5.90 percent. Seattle, Washington again topped the 20-City index with year-over-year home price growth of 12.20 percent.…
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02
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Housing Market

Case-Shiller: December Home Prices Highest in More Than Two Years

December home prices continued to rise per December readings for Case-Shiller's National and 20-City Home Price Indices. On average, national home prices increased by 5,80 percent year-over-year and exceeded November's year-over-year reading of 5.60 percent. The 20 City Index, which analysts follow more closely than the National Home Price Index, posted a year-over-year gain of 5.60 percent in December, which exceeded an expected reading of 5.40 percent and November's year-over-year reading of 5.20 percent growth. West Posts Highest Home Price Growth The West continued to dominate home price growth rates with Seattle, Washington posting 10.80 percent year-over-year growth while Portland,…
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19
Jan
By Jim Hasek
Home Values

Home Builder Index Dips in January

January's National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index dipped two points from December's revised reading of 69 to 67;  the index reading forecast for January was also 69.Analysts said that January's reading was the second highest (after December 2016) since the peak of the housing bubble in 2005. January's dip in builder sentiment was attributed to easing of builder enthusiasm, which spiked right after the U.S. presidential election. To put January's home builder confidence reading in context, NAHB says that any index reading over 50 indicates that more builders than fewer have confidence in housing market conditions. NAHB Sub-Index…
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03
Oct
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Tips,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 3, 2016

Last week's economic releases included reports on new and pending home sales, S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Indices and regularly scheduled weekly reporting on mortgage rates and weekly jobless claims. Readings on consumer sentiment and confidence were also released. New and Pending Home Sales Lower as Peak Sales Season Winds Down August readings for new and pending home sales were lower than for July; analysts said that slim supplies of available homes and rising home prices contributed to slower home sales. Peak home sales typically occur during spring and summer. Homebuyers with school-aged children prefer to be settled into a new…
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01
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Rates,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 1, 2016

Last week's economic reports included S&P Case-Shiller Housing Market Indices, reports on new and pending home sales, Freddie Mac's weekly mortgage rates survey. The Federal Reserve released its customary statement after the scheduled Federal Open Market Committee meeting concluded; the Committee did not raise the federal funds rate of 0.25 percent, but indicated that economic risks were fewer, which suggested that the key Fed rate may be increased in September. According to the S&P Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index for May, home price growth dipped from 5.40 percent in April to 5.20 percent in June as calculated on a seasonally-adjusted…
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27
Jun
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Rates, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 27, 2016

Last week's economic news was dominated by Great Britain's vote to withdraw from the European Union. New and Existing Home Sales were released along with weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims. "Brexit" Vote Tanks Stocks, Could Cause Lower Mortgage Rates US stocks plunged in reaction to the news of Britain's decision to leave the EU and the resignation of its Prime Minister. While investors don't want to see their 401(k) values crash, mortgage rates may also fall as a result of "Brexit". Fallout caused by economic uncertainty connected with Great Britain's move to regain independence is expected…
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