Finance - Real Estate, Updates, News & Tips

US Home Prices Tally Biggest Uptick of 2023 Amid Steep Mortgage Rates

The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller National Home Price Index posted a yearly increase of 4.8% in October, the fastest annual rate gain of 2023 and 'the strongest national growth rate since 2022'October saw the highest home price increase of 2023, according to new data, despite mortgage rates also rising significantly that month.The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller National Home Price Index posted a yearly increase of 4.8 percent and

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Home Sales Start to Rise, Building Momentum for 2024

A recent surge in construction of single-family homes could offer more opportunities for home buyers in the new year.Existing-home sales posted a slight gain last month, breaking a streak of five consecutive monthly declines and foreshadowing what is expected to be a more favorable real estate market in 2024.The National Association of REALTORS® reported Wednesday that existing-home sales, which are completed transactions for single-family

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Recapping the Resilience of the 2023 Housing Market

Despite unprecedented challenges, and the predictions of naysayers, the residential real estate market showed surprising strength in 2023, according to industry analyst Michael Gifford Despite unprecedented challenges, the housing market emerged as a resilient and surprising beacon of stability in 2023. While supply constraints continued and the Federal Reserve’s interest hike lasted longer than expected, the sharp decline in hom

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Mortgage Refinance Demand Jumps 19% After Rates Hit Lowest Level Since July

Homeowners looking to refinance are finding savings after mortgage rates dropped again last week.The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with conforming loan balances ($726,200 or less) decreased to 7.07% from 7.17%, with points falling to 0.59 from 0.60 (including the origination fee) for loans with a 20% down payment, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. That was the lowest level since July.“Mortgage

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Construction Spending Climbs in October and 63% of Metros Add Jobs

Construction spending (not adjusted for inflation) totaled $2.027 trillion in October at a seasonally adjusted annual rate, up 0.6% from the upwardly revised September rate and up 11% year-over-year (y/y), the Census Bureau reported today. However, without a deflator, it is impossible to say how much of the y/y gain is in units vs. price. Private residential construction rose 1.2% for the month, with single-family homebuilding up 1.1% (

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Mortgage Rates Back Under 7% this Week

Mortgage rates keep falling after Powell tries to deflate expectations for the spring rate, as 3 new reports released this week suggest the economy is, in fact, losing steam Mortgage rates continue to retreat from 2023 highs, but homebuyer demand for purchase loans remained flat last week, as for-sale inventories are still tight in many markets and prices remain out of reach of some would-be buyers.Demand for purchase mortgages was down 0.3 perce

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Taylor Swift is Even Influencing Home Prices

Local housing markets sing when the “Anti-Hero” crooner comes to town, a new study finds.There’s no bad blood between Taylor Swift and real estate. Her sold-out stadium concerts are proving to be good karma for local housing markets.Architectural Digest explores in a new study(link is external) the possible housing impact of Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour, which has grossed $1 billion to date. And look at what you made

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Mortgage Rates are on a Downward Slope

Borrowing costs have dropped for the fifth-straight week and are expected to go lower through the end of the year.Falling mortgage rates are bringing holiday cheer to home buyers. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, which has been backing away from its near-8% high in October, dropped to 7.22% this week, marking the fifth consecutive week of declines, Freddie Mac reports.“Market sentiment has significantly shifted over the last month, leading to a

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Fed’s Favorite Gauge Shows Inflation Rose 0.2% in Oct and 3.5% from a Year Ago, as Expected

Inflation as measured by personal spending increased in line with expectations in October, possibly giving the Federal Reserve more incentive to hold rates steady and perhaps start cutting in 2024, according to a data release Thursday.The personal consumption expenditures price index, excluding food and energy prices, rose 0.2% for the month and 3.5% on a year-over-year basis, the Commerce Department reported. Both numbers aligned with the D

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Contract Signings at Lowest Level in More Than 20 Years

A turnaround may be insight as mortgage rates retreat from their peak—but another issue is coming into focus for home buyers.As mortgage rates rose to their highest averages in October—nearing 8%—many home buyers backed away from the housing market. As a result, contract signings for existing homes dipped to their lowest number in more than 20 years, the National Association of REALTORS® reported Thursday.NAR’s Pending Home Sales&nb

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