A strong Employment Report, a real increase in hourly wages, and a low unemployment rate often collude to drive interest rates in a direction unfriendly to homebuyers or those with ARMs. The  jobs report can have an immediate impact on your monthly mortgage payment. Financial markets prognosticators argue that economic forecasts are already “priced-in” to…

OK, maybe not all of them, because it does really seem that there’s a new entrant every day. Nevertheless, MarketWatch, with the help of Zillow, has put together a photo gallery and summary of at least 15 of them. Highlights include the Clinton’s four-bedroom, six-bathroom house in D.C., estimated at a current market value of…

Higher home prices are making house flipping harder and riskier but more lucrative. Flipping, which is generally defined as buying and selling a home in the same calendar year, is actually down slightly this year, but year-over-year, it’s been fifty percent more profitable. Home flips made up just 4.5% of sales in the second quarter…

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…