NAR: Sales Contracts Ease After Solid Gains Last Month

NAR: Sales Contracts Ease After Solid Gains Last Month National Association of REALTORS® | March 28, 2019 Pending home sales posted a slight drop in February, but economists are shrugging off any concerns that it could be a sign of any murky spring for the housing market. The National Association of REALTORS®’ Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, fell 1 percent in February to a reading of 101.9. Contract signings are down 4.9 percent year over year.

Freddie Mac: Not So Upbeat About Economy, But Bullish on Housing

Freddie Mac: Not So Upbeat About Economy, But Bullish on Housing Freddie Mac | REALTOR® Mag News | March 25, 2019 Lower mortgage rates are making for a rosy spring selling season, even if the economy is starting to show some sluggishness, economists note in Freddie Mac’s March forecast. “The real estate market is thawing in response to the sustained decline in mortgage rates and rebound in consumer confidence—two of the most important drivers of home sales,” says Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s

Mortgage Rates Have Dropped ‘Dramatically’ Since Start of the Year

Mortgage Rates Have Dropped ‘Dramatically’ Since Start of the Year Freddie Mac | REALTOR® Mag News | March 22, 2019 Mortgage rates edged lower to kick off the start of the spring homebuying season this week. Borrowing costs are now lower than what they were a year ago. “Mortgage rates have dipped quite dramatically since the start of the year and house prices continue to moderate, which should help on the home buyer affordability front,” says Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “The

Happy Spring: Nationally Home Sales Post Strong Rebound

Happy Spring: Nationally Home Sales Post Strong Rebound National Association of REALTORS® | March 22, 2019 Existing-home sales surged last month, posting their largest month-over-month gain since December 2015, the National Association of REALTORS® reported Friday. Sales jumped 11.8 percent in February compared with the previous month, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.51 million. Three of the four major regions of the U.S. posted gains, while the Northeast remained unchanged. “A

New-Home Sales Are Skewing to Lower Price Points

New-Home Sales Are Skewing to Lower Price Points NAHB | REALTOR® Mag News | March 18, 2019 Home builders are lowering their prices to appeal to a growing number of home shoppers. In January, 66 percent of new single-family homes were priced between $200,000 and $400,000, compared with 22 percent of homes that were in the $400,000 to $750,000 range, according to U.S. Commerce Department data. A year ago, 51 percent of homes sold in the $200,000 to $400,000 range, while 29 percent sold in the

30-Year Rates Plunge 10 Basis Points This Week

30-Year Rates Plunge 10 Basis Points This Week Freddie Mac | REALTOR® Mag News | March 15, 2019 Home shoppers are finding some of the lowest mortgage rates in more than a year. “Mortgage rates declined decisively this week amid various market reports, a strong bond auction, and further uncertainty around the Brexit deal, which all contributed to driving bond yields lower,” says Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “At 4.31 percent, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is at its lowest

Mortgage Rates Inch Up This Week

Mortgage Rates Inch Up This Week Freddie Mac | REALTOR® Mag News | March 8, 2019 After weeks of declines, mortgage rates reversed course, but are still lower than a year ago. “While mortgage rates very modestly rose to 4.41 percent this week, they remain below year-ago levels for the fourth week in a row,” says Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “In late 2018, mortgage rates rose over a full percentage point from the prior year, which was one of the main reasons that weakness in home

February Rain Didn’t Stop Increase in Home Sales

February Rain Didn’t Stop Increase in Home Sales Greater Nashville REALTORS® | Press Release; March 7, 2019 NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Mar. 7, 2019) – There were 2,536 home closings reported for the month of February, according to figures provided by Greater Nashville REALTORS®. This figure is up 2.8 percent from the 2,466 closings reported for the same period last year. “It is very exciting to see home sales steadily increase compared to this time last year,” said Greater Nashville REALTORS® President