With the release of last month’s real estate market report, housing inventory fell to a new record-low level. Meanwhile, both existing and new home sales disappointed as prices jumped higher. As the United States first experienced the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, the housing market suffered. One year later, the United States surged through an unprecedented […]
Industry News
Owner’s Title Insurance: An Essential Aspect of the Home Buying Process
Owner’s title insurance contains a fascinating history, dating back over 150 years to 1868. In the case of Watson v. Muirhead, the transaction conveyancer discovered that the property in question was under lien. Although an attorney advised the conveyancer that the lien was invalid, a court ruled that it was in fact valid, after all. […]
February 2022 Real Estate Reporting Presents Mixed Bag for Housing Market
As previously mentioned, 2021 marked one of the best years for real estate in recent memory. After the coronavirus pandemic stifled home sales throughout the country, the real estate market rebounded at a quicker pace than anticipated. However, the real estate market still deals with longstanding housing inventory challenges. In addition, rising home prices and […]
Chicago Home Prices Appreciate Despite Limited Housing Inventory
With the United States continuing to witness record-setting inflation levels, Chicago home prices see massive appreciation. Of course, this market correction comes after a two-year period of record-low mortgage rates and a lackluster 2020 real estate year. Hot off the trail of 2021’s real estate market rebound, Chicagoland real estate affordability grows farther out of […]
Existing Home Sales Achieved Their Best Year Since 2006
After a strong performance towards the end of 2021, existing home sales experienced an unanticipated decline in December. Thus, home sales fell 5% from November to December 2021. However, the United States real estate market realized a massive 8.5% improvement over 2020. In doing so, existing home sales achieved their best year since 2006. Drop […]
Mortgage Rates Turn Volatile in 2022 Housing Market
After years of record-low figures, mortgage rates turn volatile as we progress into 2022. With the onset of the novel coronavirus pandemic, mortgage rates plummeted alongside the global economic uncertainty. However, last year, the United States generated a much faster than anticipated economic rebound. In fact, 2021 home sales achieved their best year on record […]
Home Buyers Face Strong Barriers in the Housing Sector
In the United States housing sector, home buyers face strong barriers heading into 2022. While December 2021 saw major FHFA changes, housing starts and home sales remain competitive. Home Buyers Face Strong Barriers to Entry in Housing Inventory In 2022, home buyers face strong barriers in the real estate market. The first major barrier stems […]
2022 Mortgage Rates: Analysts Forecast Higher Rates in the New Year
2021 represented a banner year for real estate, leaving many to inquire about 2022 mortgage rates. Last year, mortgage rates hovered around record low numbers. Real estate experts largely attributed this to the prevalence of the coronavirus pandemic, and its numerous variants. Factors Driving Up 2022 Mortgage Rates The United States real estate market faced […]
Housing Starts Fall Short & Spending Skyrockets to End the Year
The end of the year saw housing starts fall short of expectations. Meanwhile, consumer spending skyrocketed heading into the holiday season. After November surpassed October’s 30-year inflation high, the Fed planned to expedite its timeline for tapering bond purchasing. Finally, analysts expect to see plenty of volatility in mortgage markets towards the end of December […]
Demand for Second Homes: What’s Really Causing the Rise?
With 2021’s low interest rates, real estate analysts noticed a surprising trend: demand for second homes. In today’s competitive real estate market, buying one home can be challenging enough. This is especially true in the era of COVID-19. However, analysts did not originally predict current homeowners to lead the charge on purchasing that second property. […]