Market Conditions Archives - CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold

NAHB: Home Builder Confidence Ticks Up in April

The national reading for home builder confidence rose one point to an index reading of 83 in April; the National Association of Home Builders predicted a reading of 84. Component readings for April's national index readings were mixed. Builder confidence in current market conditions for single-family homes rose one point to 88. Builder confidence in market conditions for single-family homes in the next six months fell two points to 81 but homebuilder confidence in buyer traffic in new home developments rose two points to an index reading of 75.

By Bill Lublin|2021-04-16T05:45:00-04:00April 16th, 2021|Real Estate|Comments Off

NAHB: Rising Demand for Homes Boosts Builder Confidence

Builder confidence in housing market conditions reached a new record high in November according to the National Association of Home Builders. November's index reading of 90 was five points higher than in October. Index readings over 50 indicate positive builder sentiment toward market conditions. Readings for the Housing Market Index fell below 50 in April and May as the COVID-19 pandemic grew.

By Bill Lublin|2020-11-18T05:00:00-05:00November 18th, 2020|Real Estate|Comments Off

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 18th, 2020

Last week's economic news included readings on inflation, retail sales, and a speech by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. The University of Michigan released a preliminary reading of its Consumer Sentiment Survey; weekly readings on mortgage rates and initial jobless claims were also released.

By Bill Lublin|2020-05-18T08:00:45-04:00May 18th, 2020|Financial Reports|Comments Off

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 11th, 2020

Last week's economic releases included readings on public and private sector employment, the national unemployment rate.

By Bill Lublin|2020-05-11T08:00:44-04:00May 11th, 2020|Financial Reports|Comments Off

Case-Shiller: February Home Prices Gained Before Coronavirus Outbreak

Home prices continued to grow in February according to the Case-Shiller Home Price Indices. National home prices grew at a seasonally-adjusted annual pace of 4.20 percent as compared to national home price growth of 3.90 percent in January. Case-Shiller's 20-City Home Price Index showed higher home price growth rates in February with average annual home price growth of 3.50 percent. January home prices grew by 3.10 percent for cities included in the 20-City Index.

By Bill Lublin|2020-04-30T08:00:59-04:00April 30th, 2020|Market Outlook|Comments Off

Millions Now Qualify For Home Refinancing To Save Money

To refinance or not to refinance, that is the question. How do you know when it is an appropriate time to refinance? Many factors influence this decision, besides just the cost of the mortgage loan. Here is a checklist to follow when considering a refinancing opportunity.

By Bill Lublin|2020-03-19T05:00:00-04:00March 19th, 2020|Real Estate|Comments Off

Most Renters Are Paying Far More Than Their Landlord’s Mortgage

In the overwhelming majority of the 50 largest cities across the U.S., monthly rent is more than the mortgage payment for single-family homes. In several cases, much more.

By Bill Lublin|2020-03-13T05:00:00-04:00March 13th, 2020|Mortgage|Comments Off

The Narrowing Gap Between Renting And Buying A Home In The US

According to data compiled by Realtor.com in the fourth quarter of 2019, it is still more affordable overall to rent versus buy a home -- but just barely. The median monthly mortgage payment at the end of 2019 was $1,600, while the median monthly rent payment was $1,319. This is largely due to steadily-increasing rates, rising home prices, and near-record-low mortgage rates.

By Bill Lublin|2020-03-10T05:00:00-04:00March 10th, 2020|Real Estate|Comments Off

NAHB: Home Builder Confidence Near 1999 High

The National Association of Home Builders reported a housing market index reading of 74 in February; the index reading was one point lower than for January and was only two points below the highest reading of 76 reported in December. Readings over 50 indicate that most builders consider housing market conditions to be positive.

By Bill Lublin|2020-02-20T05:00:00-05:00February 20th, 2020|Market Outlook|Comments Off

FOMC Statement: Key Fed Rate Unchanged; Policymakers Monitor Impact of Asian Flu Outbreak

The Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve issued its scheduled post-meeting statement Wednesday. Policymakers unanimously decided to leave the target federal funds rate range unchanged at 1.50 to 1.75 percent.

By Bill Lublin|2020-01-31T05:00:00-05:00January 31st, 2020|Market Outlook|Comments Off

Case-Shiller Reports Growth In Home Prices In November

Case-Shiller Home Price Indices reported that national growth of home prices rose by 0.30 percent in November. Analysts said that slim inventories of available homes boosted home prices. Whether or not home price growth continues gaining speed depends on variables including supplies of homes for sale, affordability and home-buyer confidence in the economy.

By Bill Lublin|2020-01-29T05:00:00-05:00January 29th, 2020|Market Outlook|Comments Off

10 US Cities With Highest Mortgage Denial Rates

For many, owning property is seen as a rite of passage. At the same time, for most people, accomplishing this dream is largely dependent on the approval of a mortgage. For this reason, it is important for people to think carefully when deciding who to ask for a mortgage. Some cities have a higher mortgage approval rate than others.

By Bill Lublin|2020-01-16T05:00:00-05:00January 16th, 2020|Mortgage|Comments Off