Migration

Home prices and elevated mortgage rates prompted many to move from big, high-cost coastal metros in 2022.

Inflated mortgage rates and home prices pushed monthly housing payments to a record high of nearly $2,600, according to a new report from Redfin.

According to a new report from CoreLogic, U.S. homeowners with a mortgage gained an average of $14,300 between Q4 2021 and Q4 2022, a significant decline from gains seen Q1 2022.

While inflated home prices continue to dampen demand, home sales fell to a more than seven-year low in January, as rising rates continue to weaken home affordability.

According to a new report from Realtor.com, U.S. housing markets continue to struggle with a significant shortage of new homes, a result of more than a decade of under-building in response to population growth.

Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Todd Young (R-IN) have introduced a new initiative to help revitalize communities, announcing some 500,000 homes could be constructed, renovated and sold under the bipartisan bill.

The Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index decreased nearly four points in February, as homebuyers and sellers expressed concern over current home-selling conditions, returning the index closer to its all-time survey low recorded in October 2022.

“While 2023 kicked off on a more optimistic note for the U.S. housing market, recent mortgage rate volatility highlights how much uncertainty remains,” said Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic.

“With higher mortgage rates deterring many rate locked-in homeowners from selling, free-and-clear homeowners may hold the key to unlocking some much-needed supply for today’s housing market," said First American VP and Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi.

In April, the Five Star Institute will present its annual Government Forum, an event bringing together mortgage servicers and government officials under one roof to share their perspectives on the industry.