Tag Archives: Home Loans

Office-to-apartment conversions have more than quadrupled in the past four years, according to a new study, which revealed that the reconstruction of office buildings into living spaces is expected to hit a new record in 2024.

How many years' worth of income do homebuyers across the globe need to afford a starter home? A new article revealed the amount required and in which countries beginning homes are affordable to buy—and where they're not.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, single-family starts are expected to grow in 2024, and while builder sentiment improved, "builders will face growing challenges with building material cost and availability, as well as lot supply," according to NAHB Chairman Alicia Huey.

As housing affordability remains a concern for many Americans, a new Point2 study revealed the biggest U.S. cities where it's easiest for Gen Zers to become homeowners—and locations where it's nearly impossible.

According to Joel Kan, MBA’s VP and Deputy Chief Economist, “Mortgage applications for new homes showed a 22% annual gain in December—the 11th consecutive year-over-year increase in applications.”

Fannie Mae announced the unveiling of HomeView en Español, a new resource available to help Latino communities and further address the homeownership gap in America.

"A greater relative share of first-time buyers is filling the gap, and they're competing against each other for the limited number of affordable starter homes on the market," said Zillow Senior Population Scientist Manny Garcia.

“Mortgage credit availability declined to its lowest level since 2013, as lenders pulled back on underutilized loan programs and as liquidity concerns remain for some jumbo lenders,” said Joel Kan, MBA’s VP and Deputy Chief Economist. "Declining origination volumes have led to lower profitability for many lenders, resulting in narrower loan product offerings to reduce operational costs.

“Mortgage credit availability was essentially unchanged in June, remaining close to the lowest level since early 2013, as the industry continues to operate at reduced capacity,” said Joel Kan, Mortgage Bankers Association VP and Deputy Chief Economist.

“The relatively higher interest rate environment has depressed mortgage refinancing in particular. Interestingly, cash-out refinance hasn’t been as impacted as rate and term refinance,” according to Joe Mellman, SVP and Mortgage Business Leader at TransUnion.