New home sales in the U.S. have taken a slight fall, decreasing 2.1% last month and falling from a five-month high. According to the Commerce Department, sales volume decreased to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 464,000. Although percentages are down from the previous month, November’s rates still exceeded many expectations and remain near a five-year…

A new study has found that some locations may be more desirable than others for baby boomers to live. The study uncovered many factors that play a role in where seniors want to live, such as health care access and climate. Raleigh, NC, Austin, TX, and San Antonio all topped the list for more desirable,…

New data that has been released suggests the housing market will continue to strengthen in 2014. While the predictions for housing market growth are extremely positive, the economy is not expected to expand substantially. Interest rates are expected to remain low, and market purchases will rise in 2014. FBR & Co. said, “financials, particularly banks…

According to Lender Processing Services, the U.S. loan delinquency rate rose slightly in November. Overall the delinquency rate this year has dropped compared to the last few years, down approximately 10% year-to-date. Foreclosure inventory rates fell 2.5% last month, and averaged 29% for the year while the total number of foreclosures averaged 1.256 million. The…

Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows that average mortgage rates have increased from the previous week due to housing permits and starts. The recently released data states that 30-year fixed-rate mortgage increased .05% from last week, averaging 4.47%. The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage jumped 0.6%, averaging 3.51% last week. The housing market continues gradually gaining…

According to the National Association of Realtors, home sales fell in November with previously owned home sales dropping to 4.3%, averaging an annual rate of 4.90 million units. Additionally, filings for unemployment and unemployment benefits increased against expectations. The Labor Department stated that state unemployment benefits jumped 10,000 and averaged a seasonally adjusted rate of…

According to new data released by the Commerce Department, last month’s housing starts increased 22.7% from the previous month’s revised estimate, and almost 30% from November 2012. Single-family housing starts averaged a rate of 727,000 last month, a 20.8% increase from October while privately-owned homes hit 1.091 million. Additionally, the construction start rates for buildings…

According to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, construction demand has increased the housing market confidence level to 58 this month. The market measures conditions, sales expectations, current sales, and prospective buyer traffic. Buyer confidence continues to grow even as interest rates increase. Rick Judson, NAHB Chairman said, “This is definitely…

According to market experts, rental prices are expected to increase next year for much of the nation due to rising demand and tight supply. Experts at Axiometrics, an apartment market researching company, expect a 3.1% growth in rental costs, while Reis, another apartment marketing company has forecasted a 3.3% increase. Research has shown that 50%…

New research suggests that home ownership may be decreasing and rentals rising as the number of seniors increases. Rentals are projected to grow by 40% over the next 10 years as baby boomers downsize and those age 75 and above need more accessible homes. In 2012, 35% of Americans were renting their homes with 43…