According to the most recent report from the Mortgage Bankers Association, mortgage credit continues to improve. The mortgage credit availability index increased 0.44%, averaging 113.5 last month. Experts say that if the MCAI was tracked in 2007, the index would be approximately 800. Mortgage Bankers Association’s chief economist, Mike Fratantoni said, “for the third month…

Home sales in the U.S. continue to increase as foreclosure rates fall according to the Obama Administration’s February scorecard. Although the housing market is making impressive strides, many officials remain cautious, suggesting that the market is still in a state of recovery. The Federal Reserve Board stated that homeowner’s equity increased more than $400 billion…

Recent reports have shown that the economy is gaining more strength and continuing to show improvement. The Federal Reserve suggested that lower borrowing costs may be the reason behind an increasing number of consumers borrowing money for home and vehicle purchases. According to recent data, home sales have significantly improved, and auto sales have almost…

A new article in the Financial Times suggests that an increasing number of financial advisors specializing in retirement are starting to think of reverse mortgages as “lifesavers” for those who qualify living in negative financial circumstances. The program has experienced some rule changes over the last few months, and in turn has helped aid in…

According to a new survey released by the Mortgage Bankers Association, mortgage applications increased this week by 9.4%. The refinance index jumped 10% from the week prior, though rates are still 3% lower than two weeks ago. Refinances fell to 57.7% of applications; the lowest level observed since September 2013. Additionally, 30-year fixed-rate mortgage interest…

Trulia has released new data stating that owning a home may be a cheaper option in many metropolitan areas than renting. According to the report, homeowners who stay in their homes for seven years will save approximately 38% when compared to those who rent. Jed Kolko, Trulia’s chief economist said, “even in these metros buying…

According to the most recent report from Equifax National Consumer Credit Trends, the amount of outstanding balances on bank and retail-issued cards, and home finances jumped for the third month in a row. Home finances increased by $8.59 trillion; bank issued cards grew by $555.4%, and retail issued cards experienced a $62.2 billion jump. Equifax…

According to Freddie Mac’s multifamily report, rent and vacancy rates will experience measurable growth throughout 2014 and will reach long-run historical levels. The report forecasts that cap rates will stay below 7% over the coming year, and interest rates will increase. As a result, this will promote higher property values. The executive vice president of…

According to a recent study, housing market recovery will experience uneven growth over the next five years. Data suggests that, by the year 2018, median home prices for single-family homes will average close to the peak that was achieved in 2006. Experts expect Tampa, Memphis, Jacksonville, St. Louis and Milwaukee to experience the largest gains…

Recent data shows that sales for Lowe’s, a popular home improvement store, have increased over the last year. The store reported a net income of $306 million, in the fourth quarter of 2013, increasing 6.3% from the prior year. Store earnings are affected by home prices, employment, and home ownership. Although sales have grown over…