New home sales sprang back to life in September, according to newly released data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Sales rose by 12.3% from August to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 759,000. This is well above the rate of 680,000 units predicted by economists.
The median price for a new home was $418,800, while the average sales price was $503,900, both down.
But the increase may not hold over as the end of the year approaches, bringing with it historically lower-volume months.
“While the overall number of potential homebuyers is down, ‘patience’ seems to be the mantra for those still in the market, and lenders would do well to follow suit,…
Mortgage applications slipped again last week as treasury yields swelled to new highs.
The Mortgage Bankers Association’s weekly survey shows the adjusted Market Composite Index – a measure of mortgage loan application volume – decreased by 1%, a more moderate decline than the week prior’s 6.9% dip.
Adjusted purchase applications slipped by 2%, while the unadjusted index fell by 2% from the week before and was 22% lower YOY.
Another spike in rates drove the decline. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose to 7.90%, the highest level since 2000 and a 20 bps jump from last week. Rates have risen nearly 70 bps in the last seven weeks.
“Ten-year Treasury yields climbed higher last week, as global investors remained concerned…
American home shoppers have plenty to fear this Halloween as the housing crunch continues. But where buyers live plays a role in how stressful their experience is.
Though markets are tough across the nation, California is home to the scariest housing markets in the U.S., according to a new analysis by Point2.
Of the 200 largest American metros, California markets bode worst for homebuyers based on price changes and for-sale inventory.
Nine of the ten worst markets are in California, and they aren’t stereotypically wealthy West Coast leaders like San Francisco and Los Angeles. Instead, these are emerging hubs like Escondido and Sunnyvale, which were once more affordable than their famous counterparts.
Finding affordable housing in California has long been…
By ERIN FLYNN JAY
As the housing crunch continues throughout the country, some cities are planning for growth when it comes to building homes for average families.
Mark Buskuhl, owner of Ninebird Properties, a Texas-based investment firm, said Dallas is one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation and has been a top destination for families looking to relocate.
“With its booming job market and affordable cost of living, it’s no surprise that Dallas is planning for growth when it comes to building housing for the average American family,” he said.
Buskuhl said the city has implemented initiatives to increase housing options, such as the “GrowSouth” program which focuses on revitalizing and developing housing in southern Dallas. Additionally, the city…
Average mortgage rates are creeping closer to 8%, piling more lousy news on top of recent sales declines and price spikes.
Officials at Freddie Mac reported Thursday that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 7.63%, up from 7.57%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.94%.
On Wednesday, the daily rate hit 8%, pointing to further average increases next week.
The 15-year fixed-rate rose to 6.92% from 6.89%. A year ago, it averaged 6.23%.
“Not only are homebuyers feeling the impact of rising rates, but home builders are as well. Incoming data shows that the construction of new homes rebounded in September but as rates keep rising, home builders appear to be losing confidence,” said Sam Khater, Freddie…
Existing-home sales sunk even further in September, with all regions seeing declines.
Sales fell by 2% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.96 million, according to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors.
Leaders there say sales retreated 15.4% from one year ago.
“As has been the case throughout this year, limited inventory and low housing affordability continue to hamper home sales,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “The Federal Reserve simply cannot keep raising interest rates in light of softening inflation and weakening job gains.”
All regions saw sales slip last month, with the formerly-hot Northeast and Midwest joining the South and West in declines.
The median price for an existing home rose 2.8% YOY to…
Housing starts surged unexpectedly in September, suggesting some relief for homebuyers grappling with tight inventory.
New U.S. home construction increased by 7% last month to an annualized rate of 1.36 million, resurfacing after an 11.3% drop in August, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. They rose in three of the four major regions, with just the Northeast seeing a decline.
Multi-family starts in particular were up 17% after a slumping last month. Single-family starts also saw a boost, up 3.2% month-over-month.
“The uptick in single-family production was somewhat unexpected as our latest builder surveys indicate that starts are likely to weaken in the months ahead due to recent higher mortgage rates that were near 7.6% in mid-October,” Alicia…
Mortgage applications tanked last week, hitting their lowest level since 1995 and wiping out a brief surge the week prior.
The Mortgage Bankers Association’s weekly survey shows the adjusted Market Composite Index – a measure of mortgage loan application volume – decreased by 6.9%.
Adjusted purchase applications slipped by 6%, while the unadjusted index fell by 5% from the week before and was 21% lower YOY.
Another week of rate increases drove the decline. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose for a sixth straight week to 7.70%, the highest level since 2000.
“Both purchase and refinance applications declined, driven by larger drops for conventional applications. Purchase applications were 21% lower than the same week last year, as homebuying activity continues…
More than half of Americans would buy a haunted house to save money even though they’d be terrified to live in one.
Many home shoppers say they would consider buying a haunted home in order to save money (71%), but a shocking 72% would feel uncomfortable living in one, according to new research from Real Estate Witch and Zillowtastrophes.
Considering the average household earns $40,0000 less than they need to buy the median-priced U.S. home, it makes sense that prospective buyers would force themselves to endure a ghost-infested home in order to have one.
Americans are already accustomed to making sacrifices on the road to homeownership. Giving up alcohol or vacations are the most common options, but others have said…
Today’s housing market proves that history does, in fact, recycle its best hits. But it’s not 2008 getting a re-do.
That’s according to First American Financial’s Chief Economist Mark Fleming, who notes that the market of today is closer to that of the 1980s– not an exact comparison, but close enough to glean insights.
“Today’s housing market isn’t anything like the housing market of the mid-2000s – the housing market today is not overbuilt, nor is it driven by loose lending standards, sub-prime mortgages, or homeowners who are highly leveraged,” he said.
“However, the current housing market is similar to the market of the 1980s. History doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes.”
First American’s Potential Home Sales Model slipped…
