The median tenure in a home from 2000-2008 was six years. From 2009 to 2013 the number has incrementally increased to its present figure, a median of nine years. There has been much discussion about the reasons why tenure has increased. It is a multifaceted issue: • There are still underwater ... » Learn More about Increase in Tenure in Home: Due to Increased Buying Power?

The Veterans Administration has issued an interim final rule defining what constitutes a QM or qualified mortgage under VA loan rules. That rule essentially defined all closed-end residential mortgage loans as QMs if they were eligible for purchase or guarantee by FHA, the VA, USDA, or the ... » Learn More about VA Issues QM, Safe Harbor Rules

It's counter-intuitive that negative economic news can actually be good for home loan rates, but there's a pretty simple explanation, and once you "get it" it makes perfect sense. First, remember that big money managers in search of higher returns avoid holding onto cash by investing in both Stocks ... » Learn More about Why Bad News Can Be Good for Home Loan Rates

For many decades, as property owners equity accumulated when their homes values went up, they would tap into the equity with cash out refinances, home equity lines, or reverse mortgages. The tightening of government regulations applicable to mortgages, and the elimination of many loan programs have ... » Learn More about Tapping Into Retirement Accounts Replacing Homes as American Piggy Bank