Uncategorized
Home values fell again in January, according to the Federal Home Finance Agency's Home Price Index. Values were reported down 0.6 percent, on average. But it's hardly helpful information for buyers and sellers.
If you're among the Americans expecting a tax refund this year, this 4-minute piece from NBC's The Today Show may be helpful. It's a talk about how to receive a refund and what to do with it.
If you're trying to gauge whether rates will be rising or falling, one keyword for which to listen is "inflation". Mortgage rates are highly responsive to inflation.
Single-family Housing Starts idled last month, dropping just 3,000 units from the month prior, or 0.2%. According to the Commerce Department's report, February marked the 8th straight month in which Housing Starts straddled the half-million marker, dating back to June 2009.
You could call it the Ultimate Geek Gift for an iPhone-toting friend -- or even for yourself. It's a set of 16 coasters made to look like iPhone application icons.
Fewer homes went under contract in January as the housing market continues to limp through the winter months. According to the National Association of Realtors®, the Pending Home Sales Index fell to its lowest level in 3 quarters this January. By contrast, in October 2009, the index had touched a 3-year high.
Non-Farm Payrolls is the official name of the government's monthly jobs report and, given the fragile state of the U.S. economy, Wall Street will be watching it closely. Mortgage rates could spike come Friday morning.
Anecdotal evidence is showing sales activity higher through February and into March. And, although it's unlikely we'll see a spike through April like we did last November, buy-side demand for homes should remain strong. The good news of the sagging sales reports is that today's buyers may find home prices are lower and sellers are more willing to negotiate.
Home Affordability Gets Worse Despite The Plunging Cost Of Living