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Tag Archives: U.S. Economy

Economists Expect Housing to Move Steadily in 2015, Pick Up Pace Next Year

The housing market will move steadily in 2015 driven by solid labor market improvements, low mortgage rates, an economy that is growing, and pent-up demand–but the pace should really pick up next year, according to economists who attended the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) 2015 Spring Construction Forecast Webinar earlier this week.

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Slow Q1 Does Not Change Fannie Mae’s 2015 Forecast for Economic Growth

Purchase mortgage applications rebounded sharply in April from a recent slowdown, reaching their highest level in almost two years, marking the second monthly surge in purchase apps this year. Combined with continued low mortgage rates, the rise in purchase apps could indicate a strong homebuying season in the spring and summer.

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Freddie Mac Finds Mortgage Rate Drop Amid Underwhelming Job Growth

Variable-rate mortgages were down as well. According to Freddie, 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages averaged 2.83 percent this week, down from last week’s 2.92 percent. A year ago, the 5-year ARM averaged 3.09 percent. However, 1-year Treasury-indexed ARMs maintained at 2.46 percent, almost unchanged from a year ago.

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Consumer Sentiment Falling Despite Rosy Economic Forecast

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Summary released in early February reported an average hourly wage gain of 12 cents month-over-month, from $24.63 to $24.75. Still, U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew said after that report was released that more wage growth is needed in order for the economy, and hence the housing industry, to recover.

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Home Sales, Housing Starts Expected to See Significant Growth in 2015

Employment grew at a rate higher than the national average (3 percent, as opposed to 2 percent) for the 25 to 29 age group, which is good news for housing, because this age group is the key first-time homebuyer segment. Steadily falling oil prices, which are down 45 percent since June, provide more economic growth tailwind going into next year. The drop in oil prices reduces energy-related expenses not just for driving, but for residential real estate also, according to Khater.

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