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New Home Sales Up 15.1 Percent From June 2011
Estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development show sales of new single-family houses were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 350,000 in June, which is 15.1 percent above last year's rate of 304,000. But, despite...
Refinance Activity Reaches Three Year High
According to the Mortgage Bankers Association's Weekly Applications Survey, refinance activity rose 2.0 percent last week, reaching its highest level since April 19, 2009. The increase followed a 22 percent surge the week before and pushed the refinance share of total...
Americans Optimistic About Their Local Economy
A recent Gallup poll found that Americans are more optimistic when asked about their local economy than they are when asked to assess the economic condition of the world as a whole. Nearly 50 percent of polled Americans said their local economic conditions were...
Housing Report Makes Convincing Case For Recovery
The housing recovery is real and broad based, according to a new national housing report. The report, which compiles MLS data from approximately 53 metropolitan areas across the country, found home sales have now risen for 12 consecutive months and prices have been...
Existing Home Sales Up 4.5 Percent From June 2011
According to the National Association of Realtors, sales of previously owned homes were 4.5 percent higher in June than they were the year before, despite falling 5.4 percent month-over-month. Lawrence Yun, NAR's chief economist, said buyer interest remains solid and...
Housing Starts Rise To Highest Level Since 2008
Construction of new homes and apartments rose 6.9 percent in June, reaching the highest level since October 2008. The U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development's New Residential Construction Report shows privately-owned housing starts were...
Refinance Activity Surges As Rates Drop Again
According to the Mortgage Bankers Association's Weekly Applications Survey, refinance demand surged last week as mortgage rates fell to yet another survey low. The Refinance Index rose 22 percent from the week before and is near its highest level this year. Michael...
Americans Increasingly Optimistic About Housing Market
Fannie Mae's National Housing Survey polls 1,001 Americans each month to assess their attitudes toward homeownership, renting, mortgage rates, foreclosures, the economy, household finances, and overall consumer confidence. The results of June's survey show Americans...
Number Of Improving Housing Markets Increases In July
The National Association of Home Builders' Improving Markets Index identifies metropolitan areas that have shown six consecutive months of improvement in housing permits, employment, and home prices. In July, the index rose by four to include 84 metropolitan areas....
Job Creation Index Holds Steady In June
Gallup's Job Creation Index polls American workers about whether or not their workplace is expanding or reducing the size of its workforce. In June, the index rose one point from May, continuing to hover near its highest level since mid-2008. Among U.S. workers, 36...