Home Affordability Rankings For 225 Metropolitan Statistical Areas
With home prices holding firm and mortgage rates still dropping, home affordability is reaching new heights.
Home Builder Confidence Falls Again; Home Buyers Gain Leverage?
After reaching a 3-year high just 90 days ago, the National Association of Homebuilders' Housing Market Index is now at a multi-year low after falling by almost half.
Higher (And Lower) FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums Start October 4, 2010
Beginning with FHA case numbers issued on or after October 4, 2010, the FHA is changing its upfront and annual mortgage insurance premium structures.
What Does It Mean To Escrow Taxes And Insurance?
The fiscal responsibility of a homeowner extends beyond the mortgage's basic principal and interest repayments. Homeowners are also responsible for the real estate taxes on the home and its insurance premiums, too.
As The Pending Home Sales Index Falls, Home Buyers See Dollar Signs
June's Pending Home Sales Index is weak by most measures, but if you're a home buyer, the headlines aren't so bad. Fewer home sales can push negotiation leverage to the buy-side of a transaction.
Home Values Within 12.5 Percent Of April 2007 Peak, Nationwide
According the Federal Home Finance Agency's Home Price Index, home values are now just 12.5 percent off their April 2007 peak nationwide. This after a half-percent monthly increase in prices in May,on average.
25 Cities In Which To Get A Bang For Your Homebuying Buck
CNNMoney.com recently ran a piece titled "Where Homes Are Affordable", listing 25 communities around the U.S. in which median incomes are relatively high and median homes are relatively low. It's a housing market "bank for your buck" list.
Buyers Take The May 2010 New Home Sales Data All The Way To The Bank
The press is referring to the May New Home Sales report as "poor". A closer look, however, shows that may not be the case.
Shopping For Mattresses, Or How Buy A Good Night’s Sleep
NBC's The Today Show hosted Consumer Reports for its take on mattresses. Some of the results may surprise you.
Good News For Sellers : Housing Starts Fall To 1-Year Low In May 2010
Single-family housing starts plummeted to a one-year low in May, just 30 days after soaring to a 20-month high. It's no wonder home builders are confused.
The Home Buyer Tax Credit Extension Has Not Been Passed Into Law (Yet)
Contrary to what you may have read (or heard), the federal home buyer tax credit has not been extended past June 30, 2010. At least not yet.
Loan Application Alert : Conforming, Interest Only Mortgages Guidelines Change Next Week
If you plan to finance your home with a conforming interest only mortgage, get your loan application submitted no later than this Friday, June 18. Starting next week, Fannie Mae is clamping down on the popular loan product.