In the dynamic landscape of the housing market, recent data unveils a mixed bag of news that underscores the ongoing challenges and opportunities within the industry. Existing home sales for the month of June saw a decline of 3% compared to May, marking a 19% drop from the previous year at the same time. This […]
Housing Inventory
Housing Starts Surge: A Promising Response to the Home Shortage
At the end of June 2023, the latest economic reports saw housing starts surge. Now, this presents a positive development that aims to combat the scarcity of existing homes for sale. The Housing Market’s Response Despite a slight increase in existing home sales from April to May, these figures still lag significantly behind last year’s […]
May 2023 Housing Market: Rebounding Activity and Persistent Challenges
In May, the housing market witnessed a glimmer of hope as mortgage activity rebounded following a period of decline. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reported a 5% increase in purchase applications compared to the previous month, indicating increased demand for housing. Refinancing applications also experienced a notable uptick, rising by 10%. However, it is important […]
Impact of March 2023 Real Estate Data on Mortgage-Backed Securities (MBS)
The real estate data for March 2023 had a significant impact on mortgage-backed securities (MBS) in April. Let’s explore how specific factors influenced MBS: Decline in Existing Home Sales and Low Inventory Levels Existing home sales decreased by 2% in March compared to February and 22% from the previous year. This decline indicates reduced demand […]
Existing Home Sales Rise for First Time in Twelve Months
While the past year-and-a-half took its toll on the real estate market, the latest news offered a glimmer of hope as data saw existing home sales rise. Despite 2021’s massive surge in real estate sales, 2022 generated a lackluster environment. Although the most recent data reflected an increase in home sales, housing inventory still presents […]
Home Builder Confidence Achieves Highest Level Since September 2022
Over the last year, the real estate market fell into a bit of a slump, home builder confidence included. However, as we turn the corner to spring, confidence levels begin to climb once again. Home Builder Confidence Jumps from 35 to 42 Since the Great Recession of 2009, the United States faced a longstanding housing […]
December 2022 Real Estate: Applications Plunge at the End of the Year
Overall, the December 2022 real estate scene leaves much to be desired as the year comes to a close. Despite dropping over the last few weeks, higher mortgage rates continue to heavily impact mortgage application volumes. Currently, mortgage application volumes remain near the lowest levels in 25 years. According to the latest data from the […]
Home Builder Sentiment Declines for Tenth Month in a Row
As mortgage rates to 20-year highs, home builder sentiment declined for the tenth month in a row. Similarly existing home sales fell for the eighth straight month. Further complicating the real estate market, housing inventory presents an ongoing barrier to prospective home sales activity. Despite the longstanding challenge, new construction remains slow. NAHB Survey Indicates […]
August Home Sales Reflect Strong Sensitivity to Mortgage Rates
Throughout September, the latest August home sales data reflected a strong sensitivity to mortgage rates. When rates experienced a short-lived dip in August, home sales reacted with a sudden jolt of activity. However, September 2022 closed out with mortgage rates hitting their highest levels since 2007. Thus, the real estate will be sure to compensate […]
July 2022 Real Estate: Mortgage Applications Plummet with Affordability Challenges
Heading into the July 2022 real estate market, the United States continues to face timeless obstacles. As the latest inflation data shows year-over-year growth, the white-hot U.S. real estate market displays signs of stalling. Despite 2021 reflecting a surge in home sales activity, sales of existing homes just achieved their fifth month in a row […]