20 Oct 2014
By Mark Feder

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 20, 2014

Market Outlook
Last week's economic highlights included the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Housing Market Index for October. The Commerce Department also released Housing Starts for September. Freddie Mac reported that the average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage dropped below four percent. The Fed released its Beige Book report, and Weekly jobless claims came in lower than expected. Here are the details: Homebuilder Confidence Slips in Spite of Lower Mortgage Rates U.S. Homebuilder confidence in housing market conditions slipped by 5 points to October's reading of 54 as compared to September's reading; this was also lower than the expected…
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17 Oct 2014
By Mark Feder

NAHB Reports: Home Builder Confidence Drops in October

Market Outlook
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported that home builder sentiment lost its momentum in October and posted a seasonally adjusted reading of 54 in its Home Builder Market Index. This reading was five points lower than expected and also five points lower than September's reading. October's reading was the first time in five months that builder confidence has fallen. To put October's reading in perspective, things aren't all that bad. A reading over 50 indicates more builders are confident about housing market conditions than not. Also, October's lower reading of 54 after the HMI reading reached a nine-year…
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15 Sep 2014
By Mark Feder

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – Sept 15, 2014

Market Outlook
Last week's housing related economic reports were slim, but an unexpected increase in weekly jobless claims gained attention. Analysts calmed concerns by noting that last week's reading of 315,000 new jobless claims was not far removed from jobless claim levels before the recession. Expectations for last week's reading were for 301,000 new jobless claims based on the previous week's original reading of 302,000. The previous week's reading was revised to 304,000 new jobless claims. Jobless Claims: 4-Week Average for Continuing Claims Hits Lowest Level Since 2007 Prospective home buyers and current homeowners typically consider their jobs and employment prospects before…
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25 Aug 2014
By Mark Feder

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – Aug 25, 2014

Market Outlook
Last week's economic news brought several reports related to housing. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Wells Fargo Housing Market Index for August rose by two points to 55, which was its highest reading in seven months. Components of the NAHB HMI include builder surveys on conditions related to upcoming sales of new homes, which rose by two points for a reading of 65. Builder sentiment concerning present sales conditions also rose by two points to 58. Builder views on prospective buyer traffic rose from 39 to 42. Readings above 50 indicate that more builders viewed housing market conditions…
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