18 May 2015
By Mark Feder

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 18, 2015

Market Outlook
Last week's economic reports included data from the Federal Reserve on student loan debt, job openings and retail sales. Weekly jobless claims and Freddie Mac's survey of average mortgage rates were released as usual on Thursday. A report on consumer sentiment wrapped up the week's scheduled economic new. Federal Reserve: Student Loan Borrowers Struggle with Payments  In two reports issued by the New York and St. Louis branches of the Federal Reserve, researchers found that high numbers of student loan borrowers are behind in making payments. According to the New York Fed, 11.10 percent of student loan borrowers were 90…
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11 May 2015
By Mark Feder

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 11, 2015

Market Outlook
Last week's scheduled economic reports primarily revolved around the jobs sector. The federal government released reports on Nonfarm Payrolls, the national unemployment rate and weekly report on new jobless claims. ADP issued its monthly report on private sector payrolls. Readings on labor statistics are important to housing markets as stable employment conditions are a significant consideration for prospective home buyers. Private-Sector Job Creation Falls, Non-Farm Payrolls Rise According to ADP, private-sector payrolls fell by 6000 jobs in April to a reading of 169,000 new jobs. This was the fifth consecutive monthly drop in new private sector jobs. ADP also adjusted…
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04 May 2015
By Mark Feder

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 4, 2015

Market Outlook
Last week's economic news included S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Index reports, the Fed's FOMC meeting statement and pending home sales. Freddie Mac mortgage rates and weekly jobless claims were also released as usual. The details: Case-Shiller: Denver Leads Home Price Gains in February The S&P Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index showed that home prices continue to appreciate, but at a slower rate than in previous years. Home prices increased at a seasonally-adjusted year-over-year rate of 4.20 percent in February as compared to the February 2014 reading of 4.40 percent. Denver, Colorado led February's year-over-year home price appreciation rates with a…
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29 Apr 2015
By Mark Feder

Case-Shiller: 20-City Home Price Index Hits 6 Month High

Market Outlook
According to the Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index for February, month-to-month home prices increased by 0.50 percent from January’s reading and achieved the highest year-over-year gain in six months. Analysts expected February home prices to increase by 4.80 percent. David Blitzer, chairman of the S&P Dow Jones index committee, said that home prices continue to rise and outpace both inflation and wage gains. Although this is great news for homeowners, it also demonstrates the challenge of affordability for home buyers. Year-Over-Year Home Prices: Denver Leads in Home Price Gains Home prices in Denver, Colorado increased by 10 percent year-over-year in…
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