The Mortgage Credit Availability Index (MCAI) tracks whether lending standards are tightening or loosening, and is benchmarked against 100 for March, 2012. For July, it hit 125.5, up 2.9% from May, and continuing an almost uniformly upward trend since that original benchmark to hit a new high. The MCAI is a composite of four sub-indeces:…

Over the past few months, this blog has reported a few times on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) eClosing project. Yesterday, they released their first report on the project, and have concluded that electronic mortgage closings can benefit consumers. Specifically, they lead to better consumer understanding, a more efficient process, and a greater feeling…

New statistics were out a few days ago, and have since been all over the news: U.S. homeownership is at a 48 year low. As of Q2 this year, it’s the lowest it’s been since 1967, and is approaching historic lows. The Knowledge@Wharton radio show recently featured Wharton adjunct real estate professor Sam Chandan discussing…

This blog just reported yesterday on the high non-mortgage debt that most Americans are carrying these days, seemingly led by auto-related debt. But while that may be true, it doesn’t seem to be keeping all of you from making your payments, which is great news for everyone! The 30-day mortgage delinquency rate fell to 4.82%…

This blog just reported yesterday on the high non-mortgage debt that most Americans are carrying these days, seemingly led by auto-related debt. But while that may be true, it doesn’t seem to be keeping all of you from making your payments, which is great news for everyone! The 30-day mortgage delinquency rate fell to 4.82%…

Non-mortgage debt is at the highest level in nearly a decade, and 81% of the increase over the last four years has come from auto-related debt. Now, don’t misunderstand, there’s nothing wrong with a new car. But, as you make purchases, keep in mind that your overall debt level (or, more specifically, your monthly out-of-pocket…

There are (at least) two sides to every transaction. Normally, this blog covers buying homes, but if you’re buying one, you may be looking to sell one, too. And if so, you probably want to get the best price. U.S. News & World Report just published a list of 9 things that can detract from…

First things first: two forms instead of four. The old Good Faith Estimate, HUD-1 Settlement Statement, and two Truth-in-Lending disclosures are being replaced by a Loan Estimate and a Closing Disclosure, effective October 3rd. Even better, the forms are both standard, and part of every mortgage transaction, so it becomes much easier to compare apples…

This blog is mostly about all things home related — from mortgages, to the housing market, to ways to keep your property in shape. But let’s face it: it’s summer! “And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that…

It might just be that the weather this year is keeping the housing market from being hotter than it already is. It’s not just about whether you can apply a fresh coat before putting your house on the market — it’s about construction. As Sherwin-Williams announced weak earnings, the CEO explained that a lot of…