27 Jul 2016
By Mark Feder

Case-Shiller: Home Price Growth Slows in May

Mortgage Rates
According to the S&P Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index, home price growth in May dropped to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.20 percent as compared to April's reading of 5.40 percent. Analysts said that low mortgage rates continue to support housing markets, but also noted that affordability due to rising home prices is sidelining some would-be buyers. High demand for homes coupled with slim supplies of available homes have driven prices up for months; analysts said that "tentative signs" of slower gains in home prices were seen. New Home Sales Hit Highest Level Since 2008 David M. Blitzer, Chairman…
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25 Jul 2016
By Mark Feder

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 25, 2016

Mortgage Rates
Housing Starts, Building Permits Issued Rise Commerce Department reports on housing starts and building permits issued were released Tuesday. Housing starts rose to 1.189 million in June against expectations of 1.165 million starts and May's downwardly revised reading of 1.135 million starts, Housing starts rose by 4.80 percent on a seasonally-adjusted annual basis. This is good news for housing markets, but analysts said that demand for homes continued to exceed available supplies. Building permits issued also rose in June to 1.53 million as compared to May's reading of 1.136 million permits issued. Existing Home Sales Increase: National Association of Realtors®…
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19 Jul 2016
By Mark Feder

NAHB: Home Builder Confidence Slips in June

Mortgage Rates
Home builder confidence fell slightly in June to a reading of 59 according to the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index. Analysts had expected no change to June's reading of 60. June components of the HMI were also lower. Builder confidence in current market conditions dropped by one point to 63; builder confidence in market conditions over the next six months fell three points to a reading of 66. The reading for foot traffic in new single-family developments dropped one point to 55. Readings over 50 indicate that more builders than fewer are confident about housing market conditions.…
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18 Jul 2016
By Mark Feder

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 18, 2016

Mortgage Rates
Last week's economic news included reports on inflation, retail sales and weekly readings on mortgage rates and weekly jobless claims. Mortgage rates were mixed with average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage rising by one basis point to 3.42 percent. The average rate for a 15-year mortgage dropped by two basis points to 2.72 percent, and the average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage rose six basis points to 2.76 percent. Discount points averaged 0.50 percent for 30-year fixed rate mortgages and 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages and 0.40 percent for 15 year fixed rate mortgages. Freddie Mac said…
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