Although the housing market has not yet made significant strides this year toward recovery, Fitch Ratings’ Chalk Line report suggests that, as the year continues, more growth and stability will be apparent. As the economy begins to gain momentum and job growth increases, the housing market will follow suit. Some factors that may negatively affect…

According to new data, house flipping is experiencing a resurgence. Flipped homes made up 4.6% of all single-family home sales last year in the United States, a 0.4% increase from 2012. The Vice President of RealtyTrac, Daren Blomquist said, “strong home price appreciation in many markets boosted profits for flippers in 2013, despite a shrinking…

Many baby boomers are making the decision to downsize, according to research. An increased number of people born between 1946 and 1964 are trading in their hefty mortgages and oversized SUVs for smaller, more efficient homes and vehicles. Boomers may be downsizing, but research suggests that they are not sacrificing quality in the transition. Sheryl…

Unemployment rates fell last week and consumer confidence improved. The number of people filing for unemployment payments fell, declining to levels not seen in approximately seven years. Firings are also declining as many companies are preparing for an increase in sales due to the recovering economy. Manufacturing has also improved, showing more signs of a…

According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, mortgage applications jumped by 4.3% this week, making this the first increase in four weeks. The Market Composite index increased 4.3%; the Refinance Index rose 7%, and the refinance share of mortgage activity jumped to 52%. Additionally, the national average contract interest rate for the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with…

Average fixed-rate mortgages declined this week in the United States, according to Freddie Mac. The national average 30-year loan decreased 0.7% averaging 4.34% while the national average 15-year mortgage fell 0.9% averaging 3.38%.  Home prices are expected to rise by single digits this year, and inventory may fall after the spring buying season. Experts suggest…

According to Fitch Ratings’ annual U.S. CMBS loan default study, commercial mortgage backed securitization defaults fell for the fourth year in a row, decreasing to the lowest level seen in six years. The study found that apartment availability is also declining, causing rent to jump in many areas. The national apartment vacancy rate fell .03%…

Reverse mortgage and elder law experts are saying that many children of parents who are considering a reverse mortgage are openly opposed to the idea, and influence their parents to decline the option. Experts say it is logical for children to be concerned with their inheritance, but many older adults have no other financial option.…

According to the latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey released by Freddie Mac, mortgage rates have fallen slightly. The national average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell 0.7% from last week, averaging 4.34% this week. The national average 15-year, fixed-rate mortgage decreased 0.9% from last week, averaging 3.38%. Additionally, the 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage averaged 3.09%, and…

Housing market inventory has increased for the first time in four years, and home prices continue to rise. A new report found that the median price per square foot jumped 7.1% from March 2013, and increased 23.2% from 2012. Many markets are experiencing a year-over-year median list per square foot price increase. Inventory is on…