Q2 2018 Homeownership Rate: Rapid Reaction
The Q2 2018 homeownership rate was 64.3 percent, up modestly from 64.2 percent in Q1 2018 and 63.7 percent in Q2 2017, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Market Trends
Half of Homes Have Regained Peak Values, But the Recovery Is Uneven (June 2018 Market Report)
While 50.4 percent of U.S. homes are currently worth as much or more than they were prior to the housing bust, a much greater share (57.1 percent) of homes valued in the top third nationally have rebounded than homes valued in the bottom third (39.7 percent).
Mortgage Rates Continue Gradual Rise Amid Concerns Over Trade, Deficit
Escalating trade tensions between the United States and China prompted further fear in markets, and the prospect of new subsidies for farmers hurt by recent trade policy decisions raised the outlook for U.S. fiscal deficits and demand for long-term debt.
June New Home Sales: Rapid Reaction
Today’s small dip in new home sales does not diminish a steady string of year-over-year gains. Home builders clearly are responding to a market starved for new supply and buoyed by a strong labor market. But it remains to be seen how long this momentum can continue.
The 9-to-5 Compromise: What We Save by Moving 15 Minutes Farther From Work
In most of the nation’s almost three dozen largest metro markets, owning or renting a home close to downtown is a prize worth paying for. But in some, this proximity is a penalty. And the divide says as much about our evolving housing preferences as it does the current state of America’s urban revival.
June Existing Home Sales: Rapid Reaction
Existing home sales have plateaued over the past year and a half, even as prices have risen to new highs – yet another signal that the post-recession rebound in home buying has seemingly run its course.
Mortgage Rates Erase Half Their Gains Since Mid-January
Escalating trade woes and weak housing numbers have piqued fears among some market watchers that a general slowdown could be on the horizon.
Home Sales Forecast: June 2018
We expect the sluggishness in existing home sales to continue in June. After surprisingly strong new home sales in May, our forecast points to a month-over-month decline for June.
June Housing Starts: Rapid Reaction
June housing starts were soft nationwide, but one month of soft starts and permitting data is not enough to reverse the general upswing the new home construction and sales markets have been on for the past year or so.
Mortgage Rates Stable as Markets Keep Close Eye on Trade War, Earnings
Mortgage rates were flat over the past week as markets struggled to balance incoming data. While watching closely for reactions to new tariffs, stock and bond investors also have an eye on the start of earnings season.
