Last week's economic reports included Pending Home Sales, Construction Spending and several reports on jobs and employment. The details:Pending Home Sales Down as Home Prices RisePending home sales dipped in August, which is consistent with the waning spring and summer peak sales period for homes. Pending home sales were down by -1.40 percent as compared to July's gain of 0.50 percent. Pending home sales indicate future closings and mortgage loan volume.Home prices rose in July according to the S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Index, which reported that home prices for the 20-City Home Price Index rose from June's reading of 4.90 percent in June to 5.00 in July. Higher home prices contribute … [Read more...]
National Association of REALTORS – Sales of Pre-Owned Homes Dip
Sales of previously owned homes dropped in August by 4.80 percent on an annual basis for the first time in four months; the dip was likely caused by rising home prices. August sales were reported at a rate of 5.31 million; July's rate was 5.58 million sales of previously owned homes. Sales of existing homes have risen 6.20 percent year-over-year; stronger labor markets and low mortgage rates were seen as contributing factors. Although economists expect the Federal Reserve to raise its target federal funds rate before year end, home sales are expected to stay strong through 2016. A Fed rate hike would mean that lending rates for consumer credit and mortgage loans would increase. Analysts … [Read more...]
Case-Shiller: Home Price Growth Slower in April
According to the Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index for April, home prices slowed from the March reading of 4.30 percent year-over-year to 4.20 percent year-over-year. David M Blitzer, Chairman of S&P Index Committee, said that home prices are not accelerating and characterized slower home price growth as "sustainable as compared to double-digit appreciation in home prices seen in 2013." The disparity between wage increases and home price growth was keeping would-be-buyers on the sidelines; so slower gains in home prices may bring more buyers into the market. Denver Claims Top Spot for Year-Over-Year Home Price Growth Denver, Colorado led home price appreciation in April according to … [Read more...]
Case-Shiller: 20-City Home Price Index Hits 6 Month High
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 February; San Francisco, … [Read more...]
