Squabbles, Shutdown and Scarce Stats Leave Rates Flat Again
Mortgage rates were flat again this week, despite fluctuations caused by geo-political uncertainty and unexpectedly strong manufacturing data.
December Existing Home Sales: Back to the Grind
December existing home sales dropped 6.4 percent from November, to 4.99 million units at a seasonally adjusted annual rate, according to the National Association of Realtors. It was te weakest month in more than three years (November 2015).
Forecast for Existing and New Home Sales (December 2018)
Zillow expects estimates existing home sales fell 2.6 percent in December.
Missing Data Accompanying Missed Paychecks as Government Shutdown Continues
The Census Bureau was scheduled to publish monthly new construction permits and starts data for December this morning, but the release was delayed because of the federal government shutdown. The delay comes at a critical moment for the American economy, amidst growing uncertainty about the underlying health of the housing market – and each missing or delayed data point adds to that uncertainty for buyers, sellers, developers, investors and local governments.
Price Cuts on Newly Constructed Homes Becoming More Common
Home shoppers across the nation may have an easier time finding a deal on a newly constructed home than they did a year ago.
Shutdown Rolls On, Rates Stay Put
Mortgage rates were flat this week, standing pat near their lowest levels since spring 2018 despite signs of market weakness and ongoing uncertainty at home and abroad.
Hottest Markets for 2019 Driven by Job Opportunities
While the U.S. housing market is cooling in some ways, certain markets are red hot – fueled by rapid home value and rent appreciation, job opportunities, income growth and low unemployment.
L.A. County Teachers Typically Spend Half Pre-Tax Salaries on Rent or Mortgages
Teachers in Los Angeles County typically need to spend about half their pre-tax salaries on rent or mortgage payments to afford a median-priced home or rental.
Rates Clock-In at Two-Week High Following Strong Jobs Data
Propelled upward by stellar jobs data, more cautious forward-looking statements from Federal Reserve officials and easing trade fears, rates reached their highest point in two weeks.
Best Metros for Remote Workers: Where Fast Internet Meets Affordable Homes
The results present some interesting opportunities for digital nomads looking for a new home base.
