Realtor.com’s George Ratiu is joining Keeping Current Matters as chief economist, the company announced in a press release.
“What I admire most about Keeping Current Matters is that we share a passion for breaking down the large volume of real estate data into meaningful insights that are easy for everyone to understand, whether it’s agents or consumers,” Ratiu said.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to join this effort and contribute my experience and expertise to empower people to make informed decisions and feel comfortable with one of the largest financial transactions of our lives.”
Ratiu brings more than fifteen years of real estate market data and research experience to the position. KCM says Ratiu shares its passion for a “people-first…
Existing-home sales exploded in February, breaking a full-year downward streak thanks to retreating interest rates.
Sales increased by 14.5% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.48 million from 4.02 million the month prior, according to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors.
It’s the largest monthly percentage increase since July 2020.
All four major regions saw sales increase month-over-month and decrease year-over-year. At the same time, the median price for an existing home slid YOY alongside rates, down 0.2% to $363,000. This is the first YOY decline in 131 consecutive months, the longest streak on record.
“Conscious of changing mortgage rates, homebuyers are taking advantage of any rate declines. Moreover, we’re seeing stronger sales gains in areas…
Pending home sales jumped in January, a strong showing and the second increase since May 2022, according to the National Association of Realtors.
NAR’s Pending Home Sales Index improved 8.1% between December and January. Year-over-year it dropped by 24.1%, an improvement over December’s 33.8% decline.
All four regions saw pending sales fall YOY, but signings increased month-over-month in each.
“Buyers responded to better affordability from falling mortgage rates in December and January,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun.
Yun expects home sales to stall in 2023 despite NAR’s data.
“Home sales activity looks to be bottoming out in the first quarter of this year, before incremental improvements will occur. But an annual gain in home sales will not occur until…
Mortgage rates jumped again this week, a third consecutive increase, pushing sub-6% rates further out of reach.
Officials at Freddie Mac reported Thursday that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rate averaged 6.50%, up from 6.32% the week prior.
A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 3.89%.
The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage rose from 5.76% to 5.51%. A year ago, it averaged 3.14%.
“The economy continues to show strength, and interest rates are repricing to account for the stronger than expected growth, tight labor market and the threat of sticky inflation,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist.
“Our research shows that rate dispersion increases as mortgage rates trend up. This means homebuyers can potentially save $600 to $1,200 annually…
Existing-home sales dropped for the twelfth straight month in January, down .07% from December and 36.9% YOY, though the declines are milder than in previous months.
Sales fell to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.02 million from 4.00 million the month prior, according to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors. The South and West saw increased sales month-over-month, while the East and Midwest experienced declines.
All four regions saw annual declines.
“Home sales are bottoming out. Prices vary depending on a market’s affordability, with lower-priced regions witnessing modest growth and more expensive regions experiencing declines,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun.
“Inventory remains low, but buyers are beginning to have better negotiating power. Homes sitting on…
Rent price growth is finally slowing, a positive sign for the housing market.
The median asking rent rose 2.4% YOY in January, the smallest increase since May 2012 and the lowest level in almost a year, Redfin reported.
Month-over-month, rents decreased by 1.9% and were down 5.4% from August’s peak.
Eleven U.S. metros saw rents dip, with both Phoenix and Oklahoma City seeing declines of more than 6%.
Though prices are retreating, rents are still 22.5% higher than in January 2020.
Redfin analysts say rents are cooling because of increasing supply and lack of demand. Inflation, economic uncertainty, and low household formation have stalled demand.
“We’re watching closely to see whether rents start falling year-over-year. That would be a welcome…
Pending home sales rose for the first time since May, breaking a six-month streak of declines, according to the National Association of Realtors.
The Pending Home Sales Index increased by 2.5% between November and December. Year-over-year it dropped by 33.8%, an improvement over November’s 37%.
All four regions saw pending sales fall YOY, but the South and West saw gains month-over-month.
“This recent low point in home sales activity is likely over,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “Mortgage rates are the dominant factor driving home sales, and recent declines in rates are clearly helping to stabilize the market.”
Mortgage rates fell again last week to 6.13%, drawing some buyers back to the market.
Purchase loan applications increased again as…
Existing-home sales dropped for the eleventh straight month in December, down 1.5% from November and 34% YOY, according to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors. Sales fell to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.02 million from 4.09 million the month prior. Three of the four major regions saw declines month-over-month, though the West’s sales were unchanged from November. All four regions saw annual declines. “December was another difficult month for buyers, who continue to face limited inventory and high mortgage rates,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “However, expect sales to pick up again soon since mortgage rates have markedly declined after peaking late last year.” The 30-year fixed rate fell to 6.15% last week. Limited…
Existing-home sales dropped for the tenth straight month in November, down 7.7% from October and 35.4% YOY, according to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors. Sales fell to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.09 million from 4.43 million the month prior. All four major regions saw declines. “In essence, the residential real estate market was frozen in November, resembling the sales activity seen during the COVID-19 economic lockdowns in 2020,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “The principal factor was the rapid increase in mortgage rates, which hurt housing affordability and reduced incentives for homeowners to list their homes. Plus, available housing inventory remains near historic lows.” Inventory of unsold homes fell 6.6% from October to…
Mortgage interest rates dipped modestly again last week, the fifth consecutive week of decline, Freddie Mac reported Thursday. Freddie’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey found that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.31%, down from 6.33% the week prior. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 3.12 percent. The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage fell from 5.67% to 5.54%. A year ago, it averaged 2.34%. “Mortgage rates continued their downward trajectory this week, as softer inflation data and a modest shift in the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy reverberated through the economy,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “The good news for the housing market is that recent declines in rates have led to a stabilization in purchase demand. The bad…
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