Foreclosure sales and short sales made up approximately 16.2% of residential sales in the United States last year, according to RealtyTrac’s 2013 U.S. Residential and Foreclosure Sales Report. That percentage is up 14.5% from 2012, and up 15.2% from what was reported in 2011. Foreclosure activity has been decreasing, falling to a seven-year low last…

According to the 30th annual ARM Survey released by Freddie Mac, ARM initial-period rates have jumped from the previous year but are still considered historically low. Adjustable-rate mortgages have grown more popular as rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages have become higher. The Vice President of Freddie Mac, Frank Nothaft said, “homebuyers have preferred fixed-rate mortgages…

According to newly released data, U.S. home prices increased from November to December by 0.3% and 8.5% from one year prior. The average November home price was up approximately $18,000 from November 2012, averaging $232,000. The state of Florida led the U.S. in monthly home price increases while Las Vegas home prices jumped almost 24%…

Previously owned home sales jumped last month for the first time in approximately five months, making 2013 the best year for home sales since 2006. Data suggests that the housing market is beginning to adjust to higher borrowing costs. According to the National Association of Realtors, purchases increased 1%, averaging a 4.87 million annual pace.…

Boston College for Retirement Research found through a recent study that many older Americans are deciding to work longer and put off retirement due to large debt, particularly caused by mortgages. For those Americans who cannot continue to work because of disability or health problems, experts say that reverse mortgages may be a financial lifesaver.…

American unemployment benefit claims increased marginally last week, but experts say that the labor market is continuing to improve. According to the Labor Department, initial state claims slightly increased to a seasonally adjusted rate of 326,000. The claims report covered the January payroll period excluding farm payroll, and found that claims decreased 12,250 between the…

Mortgage applications have increased according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s weekly report while mortgage rates continue to fall. The (MBA) stated that the seasonally adjusted composite index increased 4.7%, and the seasonally adjusted purchase index grew by 4.00% from last week. The average 30-year fixed rate mortgage fell to the lowest rate seen since November…

New research shows that single-family housing may be decreasing while the rental market continues to grow. Many reports in the U.S. have shown that the rental market is increasing. A large amount of investors are betting on multifamily housing as many younger adults are choosing to rent due to job constraints and other financial factors.…

In the past, reverse mortgages may not have been considered a good idea by many, but as the program grows and continues to improve, the option of a reverse mortgage is becoming more appealing. Amy Hoak, a MarketWatch columnist said, “as people live longer due to medical advances, more of them may need to get…

According to RealtyTrac, foreclosures in the U.S. last year fell 26% from 2012. 2013 saw the lowest level of foreclosures in six years. The total number of foreclosures, scheduled auctions, notices of default and bank repossessions fell to 1.36 million last year, helping the national foreclosure rate decrease to approximately 1.04%. The vice president at…