Mortgage Rates

Last week's economic reports included readings on NAHB homebuilder confidence, housing starts, building permits issued and sales of previously-owned homes. Weekly releases on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released. Builder Confidence Rises, Housing Starts Increase According to the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index for December, builder confidence in housing market conditions rose by four points to 74. This reading was the highest since 1999. Builder confidence increased based on strong labor markets, demand for homes and potential tax breaks resulting from proposed tax code revisions. Housing and real estate industries continued to cite an…

Last week's economic reporting included readings on inflation, core inflation and the Post-meeting statement of the Fed's Federal Open Market Committee. Fed Chair Janet Yellen also gave a press conference; weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released. Inflation Rises in November U.S. inflation rose by 0.30 percent to 0.40 percent in November; October's reading was 0.10 percent and November's reading met analysts' expectations. Core Consumer Price Index readings for November posted a gain of 0.10 percent, which fell short of the expected reading and October's reading of 0.20 percent. Core CPI readings are less volatile…

Last week's economic reports included readings on projected top housing markets for 2018, weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims. Labor sector readings on private-sector job growth, private and public-sector job growth and the national unemployment rate were released. Projected top housing markets in 2018 were also released. Realtors Release Projections for Top Housing Markets in 2018 Prospective homebuyers and retirees facing home affordability issues in metro areas such as New York City and the West Coast are seeking affordable housing markets according to data released by the National Association of Realtors®. The top three housing markets for…

Last week's economic releases included readings on new and pending home sales, Case-Shiller index readings for September, and construction spending. Weekly readings on new jobless claims and mortgage rates were also released. Home Price Growth Driven by Shortage of Homes for Sale Case-Shiller Home Price Indices reported 6.20 percent growth in home prices year-over-year in September as compared to August's reading of 6.00 percent year-over-year growth for August. September's reading was the highest for national home price growth since 2014. According to the 20-City Home Price Index, Seattle, Washington held on to first position with 12.90 percent home price growth…