Blog
Vacation Home Sales Increase
An increasing number of Americans are feeling financially secure, according to new data. Last year, vacation home sales jumped 13%, the highest level seen since 2006. Overall, annual home sales increased approximately 30%, averaging 717,000. Median home prices...
Fitch Ratings Predicts Housing Market Growth This Year
Although the housing market has not yet made significant strides this year toward recovery, Fitch Ratings’ Chalk Line report suggests that, as the year continues, more growth and stability will be apparent. As the economy begins to gain momentum and job growth...
Experts Give House Flipping Tips
According to new data, house flipping is experiencing a resurgence. Flipped homes made up 4.6% of all single-family home sales last year in the United States, a 0.4% increase from 2012. The Vice President of RealtyTrac, Daren Blomquist said, "strong home price...
Boomers Downsizing With Style
Many baby boomers are making the decision to downsize, according to research. An increased number of people born between 1946 and 1964 are trading in their hefty mortgages and oversized SUVs for smaller, more efficient homes and vehicles. Boomers may be downsizing,...
Economy Shows Further Signs Of Strengthening
Unemployment rates fell last week and consumer confidence improved. The number of people filing for unemployment payments fell, declining to levels not seen in approximately seven years. Firings are also declining as many companies are preparing for an increase in...
Mortgage Applications Rise After 4 Week Fall
According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, mortgage applications jumped by 4.3% this week, making this the first increase in four weeks. The Market Composite index increased 4.3%; the Refinance Index rose 7%, and the refinance share of mortgage activity jumped to...
Mortgage Rates Decrease
Average fixed-rate mortgages declined this week in the United States, according to Freddie Mac. The national average 30-year loan decreased 0.7% averaging 4.34% while the national average 15-year mortgage fell 0.9% averaging 3.38%. Home prices are expected to...
Apartment Availability Declines
According to Fitch Ratings’ annual U.S. CMBS loan default study, commercial mortgage backed securitization defaults fell for the fourth year in a row, decreasing to the lowest level seen in six years. The study found that apartment availability is also declining,...
Parents Advised To Educate Children On Reverse Mortgage Options
Reverse mortgage and elder law experts are saying that many children of parents who are considering a reverse mortgage are openly opposed to the idea, and influence their parents to decline the option. Experts say it is logical for children to be concerned with their...
Mortgage Rates Ease
According to the latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey released by Freddie Mac, mortgage rates have fallen slightly. The national average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell 0.7% from last week, averaging 4.34% this week. The national average 15-year, fixed-rate mortgage...

