As Fed Raises Interest Rates, Homebuyers’ Plans May Bend, But Not Break
Americans are broadly aware of these looming interest rate hikes, and they are certainly giving some would-be home buyers pause. For a few key demographic groups – including current renters and younger would-be buyers – rising interest rates could lead to changes in their home buying plans. But overall, a modest increase in mortgage interest rates is unlikely to completely de-rail most buyers’ plans.
Are Local Real Estate Bubble Markets Re-Emerging? Experts Agree to Disagree
The national housing market on the whole is expected to cool off in coming years, even as conditions in a handful of hot markets have some experts worried about local real estate bubbles. And there is no clear consensus on the extent of the national cool-down, or the potential timeline for local bubble risks.
Pay to Play: The Growing Footprint of Homeowner Association Fees
A steady increase in the share of U.S. homes that require monthly condo, mobile home or homeowner association fees (HOA) has important implications for the affordability of homes nationwide
Not a Stretch: Retirement Savings, Living Expenses & Cheap Housing
Looking to stretch your retirement savings? If you're willing to live frugally and in a city with inexpensive housing, you may be able to retire at age 40.
Q3 2015 Negative Equity: Still Coming Down, Still Messing Things Up
The U.S. negative equity rate – the share of mortgaged homeowners that are underwater, owing more on their home than it is worth – fell to 13.4 percent in the third quarter, from 14.4 percent in Q2 and 16.9 percent a year ago. The national negative equity rate has fallen or stayed flat for 14 straight quarters after peaking in the first quarter of 2012 at 31.4 percent
Holiday Home Shopping: Finding the Housing Market That Matches Your Shopping Style
Gotta have the latest and greatest, no matter the cost? Glued to lightning deals? Zillow ranks the best markets for holiday home shopping based on your shopping style.
The 5 Markets Most Likely to Be Impacted by New 2016 Conforming Loan Limits
New 2016 conforming loan limits won't affect a majority of U.S. homes. But 61,000 homes, mostly clustered around 5 large markets, could be impacted.
October Market Reports: Home Value Growth Accelerates, While Rent Growth Slows
As the U.S. housing market enters the fourth quarter of 2015, the dominant trends from the first quarter have reversed. Annual home value appreciation, previously slowing down, has accelerated; while growth in rents, previously accelerating, has begun to slow down.
Rising Rents Impact Rental Affordability & Pose Challenges to Homeownership, Too
Comparatively low monthly mortgage payments, coupled with increasingly expensive rents, continue to make homeownership a relative bargain to millennials and other potential home buyers. But there’s a catch.
The Evolving First-Time Homebuyer
The role of first-time homebuyers in the real estate market has remained remarkably constant – and hugely important – over the years. But while the role of first-time buyers hasn’t changed, the defining characteristics of first-time buyers, and what they’re looking for in a first home, is constantly evolving.
