Mortgage Roundup (2/13/20) – Surging Prices, Values & Private Mortgage Insurers

As Corona virus cases increase, China shakes up leadership. Barclays CEO is under investigation for links to Jeffrey Epstein. President Trump sets the stage to pardon Roger Stone, while one member of Congress floats new impeachment proceedings. Meanwhile in mortgage news …

As low mortgage rates attract buyers, U.S. home prices surge. The median price of an existing single-family home increased 6.6 percent in the fourth quarter, hitting $274,900, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Housing Wire’s Q&A with former FHFA director Ed DeMarco shows he is still on a mission to reform the GSEs and create a level playing field for private capital.

Low mortgage rates are offsetting home affordability issues, according to the National Association of Realtor’s home affordability index. The report shows first-time buyers now have enough income for entry-level purchase.

According to the Home Price Expectations Survey from Zillow, which takes into account expert analysis from 100 economists and real estate experts, housing will be hottest in the South this year. Here’s the list of cities that will have the biggest jump in home value this year.

Last year was a strong year for private mortgage insurers. Will 2020 be even better? The Motley Fool has an analysis.

Mortgage rates are at their lowest level in three years. CBS outlines several factors that will keep pushing down mortgage costs.

In states where marijuana is legal in some form, the majority of respondents saw no change in residential property values near dispensaries, according to a survey by the National Association of Realtors.

The Los Angeles mansion bought by Amazon chief Jeff Bezos from David Geffen was built by Jack Warner, and includes a floor once owned by Napoleon and a 9-hole golf course.