Last week's economic reports included readings on builder confidence, housing starts and building permits issued. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released. NAHB: Builder Confidence Drops by One Point The National Association of Home Builders reported that builder confidence dipped by one point in April to an index reading of 69. While any reading over 50 indicates positive builder sentiment, NAHB noted that builder sentiment has decreased for the past four months. During the housing bubble of 2004 and 2005, builder confidence in market conditions averaged 68, but analysts said that the post bubble crash in home values was preceded by several months of … [Read more...]
Look Beyond The Interest Rate: What Else Matters When Choosing A Mortgage Lender?
Most consumers securing a mortgage plan to remain in that loan for 30 years. During that time, the borrower maintains a relationship with the loan servicer or lender. Most often, home buyers do not think twice about who the mortgage lender is, but rather focus on the interest rates offered. Look beyond this information. Borrowers need to take into consideration much more before they sign on the dotted line. Here's what to look for specifically: Choosing a Specialized Lender Can Help Home buyers interested in special loan programs must select a lender approved to provide those loans. FHA, USDA and VA loans, in particular, must come from an approved lender. A specialized lender like this not … [Read more...]
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 26th, 2018
Last week's economic releases included readings on new and pre-owned home sales and the Federal Open Market Committee's customary post meeting statement. Fed Chair Jerome Powell gave his first press conference as Chair of the Federal Reserve and FOMC. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims were also released. February Sales of Pre-Owned Homes Exceed Expectations, New Home Sales Fall Short Sales of previously-owned homes exceeded expectations at a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 5.54 million sales. Analysts expected a rate of 5.40 million sales based on January's reading of 5.38 million sales. Lawrence Yun, National Association of Realtors® Chief … [Read more...]
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 19th, 2018
Last week's economic news included readings From National Association of Home Builders, Commerce Department reports on housing starts and building permits issued Weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released. NAHB Posts 3rd Consecutive Decline in Builder Confidence According to the National Association of Home Builders, builder confidence in housing market conditions dropped by one point in March to an index reading of 70. Three sub-categories of builder sentiment used to calculate the overall reading were either unchanged or lower than February readings. Confidence in current market conditions were unchanged at 72, Builder confidence in market conditions … [Read more...]
- 1
- 2
- 3
- …
- 7
- Next Page »