Tag Archives: HOUSING

Lenders are continuing to loosen up their credit standards—and they have been for some time, according to a new survey from Fannie Mae. But what’s causing this easing and how long will it go on? The GSE may have the answer.

According to new analysis, it costs significantly more to live in the country’s most popular neighborhoods—which are scattered across the West Coast and Southern U.S. But exactly how much more do homes run in these areas? The numbers might surprise you.

Freddie Mac’s getting fat, again. Just how much, however, pales in comparison to a few months prior. So just how well is the GSE doing? The answer’s in the numbers.

It seems the nation’s white-hot seller’s market may be starting to cool off—at least if a recent analysis is accurate. San Francisco, New York City, Miami, and other major cities are all showing subtle signs of slowing down, but does it spell the end of the seller’s market? And more importantly, will it become a nationwide trend? Only time will tell.

American homeowners aged 62 and older saw a significant jump in home equity. What could be driving this increase, and is it poised to continue?

U.S. home prices made quite a jump over the last year, according to recent data. However, the price increases are highly dependent on geography, with some regions experiencing minimal upticks—or even declines—and others seeing more significant jumps in recent years. So where are prices rising most? And which regions offer the more stable housing costs?

Renters are finally setting their sights on homeownership, according to an analysis released on Thursday. In Q1 of 2017, the share of home shoppers who were either non-homeowners or renters rose markedly over years past. Will the trend continue? And what does it mean for lenders and multi-family property investors?

Most mortgage borrowers don’t shop around for a lender, according to a recent survey. In fact, 36 percent of borrowers only looked at one lender when buying their home, while the remaining 64 percent only compared two. The reason for the lack of research is likely because of referrals and existing relationships. Nearly 80 percent of borrowers used their existing bank, a referral from their real estate agent, or a personal referral when choosing a mortgage lender. A mere 9 percent used an internet search.

Mortgage lenders are taking increased credit risks similar to those of the early 2000s, according to a new report released on Tuesday. The level of credit risk taken by lenders in Q1 of 2017 was about the same as the average risk taken between 2001 and 2003. According to the report, the shift toward riskier lending standards is a result of declining refinances, rising mortgage rates, and increased investor, condo, and co-op share of purchase loans.

Inventory was on everyone’s mind last week, and in the week ahead the New Home Sales Report and Existing Home Sales Report for May will be released Friday and Wednesday, respectively. With home buying putting undue stress on first time homebuyers, and a severe lack of inventory due to an unwillingness to sell and fewer new houses being built, it is becoming increasingly difficult for those that desire to purchase. The previous New Home Sales report was at nearly half a million—569,000—while existing homes counted 5.57 million sales, not enough to provide a relief for the growing market.