Home sales in the U.S. hit the lowest levels seen in more than 1-1/2 years last month, according to the Nation Association of Realtors. Home sales have fallen 0.2% to an annual rate of approximately 4.9 million units. Although sales have slipped, experts do not expect this trend to continue. It is suggested that as…

Experts have compiled a list of ways that homeowners can lower their electricity bill, save energy, make their homes more comfortable, and reduce climate change impact and pollution. Doing simple things such as using ceiling fans, drawing the curtains during the heat of the day, and turning down the thermostat when you are not at…

An increasing number of Americans are feeling financially secure, according to new data. Last year, vacation home sales jumped 13%, the highest level seen since 2006. Overall, annual home sales increased approximately 30%, averaging 717,000. Median home prices increased to $168,700 from 2012. Additionally, the stock market has gained strength, according to Lawrence Yun, chief…

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%…