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 […]
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 […]
Climate change is causing significant disruptions to natural disasters and weather patterns worldwide, prompting mortgage lenders to acknowledge the implications of emerging threats on the American real estate market. This article explores the reasons why mortgage lenders are closely examining climate risk and its effects on the industry. Defining Climate Risk in Mortgage Lending In […]
Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) are now making up 10% of mortgage, compared to 3% at the beginning of the year. This surge in popularity has many real estate experts and prospective homeowners wondering. What ARMs are, how they work, and what’s making them such a popular choice in 2023. What is an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage? An adjustable-rate […]
Despite a seemingly endless upward trajectory, recent data finally points to falling mortgage rates. Mortgage rates, on a consistent rise over the past year, fell to 6.61%. Thus, mortgage rates decreased nearly half a percentage point since last week. Furthermore, 15-year mortgage rates dropped to 5.98%, nearly half a point drop but still way higher […]
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 […]
As mortgage rates continued to rise in August 2022, the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium took place. For the unacquainted, the Federal Reserve hosts this annual three-day conference, discussing the country’s economic challenges and overall direction. Unfortunately, this latest event came as the United States real estate market heads for a downturn. In the face of […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]