26
Oct
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate, ,

Could Fed Interest Rate Hike Help Home Buyers?

News of the Federal Reserve hiking interest rates appears to have caused unnecessary panic among people poised to purchase a first home or a larger one for a growing family. Headlines and news reports that talk about interest rates being at their highest since 2014 can be alarming. Announcements from the Fed that rates would increase four times in 2018 and again in 2019 seems downright scary. After all, isn't it logical that increased interest rates mean that monthly mortgage payment could be substantially higher? As it turns out, neither the click-bait headlines about dramatic rate increases or higher monthly premiums…
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23
Oct
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate, ,

NAHB: Builder Confidence in Housing Market Ticks Up in October

Home builder confidence in national housing market conditions rose one index point for a reading of 68 in October. Readings over 50 indicate that most builders are confident about market conditions. Rolling three-month averages showed mixed results. The Northeastern region gained three points for an index reading of 57; the Midwestern region lost two index points with a reading of 57 and the Southern region posted a gain of one point with a reading of 70. The Western region held steady at 74. Readings for sub-categories of the Housing Market index showed a one-point gain to 74 for current market…
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12
Oct
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage, ,

U.S. Wage Increases Could Help Home Buyers

The struggle to achieve the American homeownership dream often feels like it happens in a vacuum. Everyday people work hard, save money and polish up their credit to get a low mortgage rate. But there are powerful forces at work that are far beyond each person's control. And until recently, the gap between American wage growth and rising home prices was widening. According to data coming out of the U.S. Department of Labor, unemployment recently hit a 49-year low and wages are enjoying the greatest uptick in nearly a decade. That is good news for prospective home buyers. American Wages…
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10
Oct
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate, ,

Foreclosure Rates Expected To Dip Below 12-Year Low

The record-setting pace of the U.S. economy continues to positively impact the housing market and home foreclosures now stand at an astonishing 12-year low. Coming off a GDP growth rate of 4.1 percent and a historic bull stock market run, everyday Americans appear to be benefiting from one of, if not the strongest economies in decades. According to data compiled by CoreLogic, mortgage delinquency rates continue to improve and are already at the lowest levels in 12 years. Building on last year's national trend, foreclosures and mortgages more than 30 days past due declined to 4.2 percent in May. Other…
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03
Oct
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate, ,

Case-Shiller: Home Prices Hit 11-Month Low in July

Home price growth slowed to its lowest pace in nearly a year according to the Case-Shiller Home Price Indices. National home price growth averaged 6.00 percent year-over-year as compared to 6.20 percent growth in June. The 20-city home price index rose 0.10 percent in July to a seasonally adjusted rate of 5.90 percent year-over-year. Slowing home price growth was attributed to buyer fatigue and rising inventories of available homes. Las Vegas Home Price Growth Tops 20-City Home Price Index Las Vegas, Nevada topped the 20-City Home Price index with a year-over-year home price growth rate of 13.70 percent. Las Vegas…
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27
Sep
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate, ,

Fed Raises Key Interest Rate For 3rd Consecutive Time

The Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve announced that it raised the target federal funds rate to a range of 2.00 percent to 2.25 percent. This was the third consecutive increase in the Fed's key interest rate and was the eighth time the Fed raised its key interest rate since 2015. In its customary post-meeting statement, Committee members cited strong economic conditions and continued labor market growth coupled with historically low unemployment rates as a basis for raising the federal funds interest rate. Fed Cites Steady Inflation, Healthy Household And Business Spending Further economic conditions cited in the…
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