By a vote of 255-174, the House approved the “Portfolio Lending and Mortgage Access Act,” which would broaden the definition of qualified mortgages – those that qualify for the safe harbor – to include all mortgages held on a lender's balance sheet. The new QM rule would recognize all residential ... » Learn More about Congress Passes Mortgage Act to Make it Easier to Get a Mortgage, But Don’t Count On It
housing affordability
No Rate Hike… How Confused is the Fed? Very
The Federal Reserve didn't implement a rate change last week because "international economic weakness, and inflation coming in below target". That doesn't mean there was a consensus among the Fed membership. In fact there is a broad disparity between the members on when the rates will change, and by ... » Learn More about No Rate Hike… How Confused is the Fed? Very
California Housing Affordability by County
As California property values continue to appreciate, the affordability level drops. Just wait until the interest rates go up... This is only one element of the housing affordability issues many regions in California are realizing. It's a matter of supply and demand. There aren't enough new units ... » Learn More about California Housing Affordability by County
Prices Are Rising Too Fast – NAR
It's all about supply and demand. The tight supply of available homes is prompting more house hunters to bid up home prices, housing analysts say. "Prices are rising just too fast," says Lawrence Yun, chief economist with the National Association of REALTORS®. "And certainly far ahead of people's ... » Learn More about Prices Are Rising Too Fast – NAR
Ouch ! Rates Have Jumped !
Interest rates have broken out of technical areas today. This chart of the 10 year note correlates with the direction of mortgage rates. Over the past 3 days we've seen a 1/4% increase in rates, and over the 2 months it's up 3/4%. This will hurt potential buyers to qualify for loans, but also drive ... » Learn More about Ouch ! Rates Have Jumped !