Mortgage Market Expected to See Modest Growth in 2019

After peaking last fall, mortgage interest rates have fallen at the start of 2019. As of the week of February 14, 2019, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rate was down from a year ago. The decline in mortgage interest rates could provide some welcome relief to a housing market that is looking to regain momentum. More

from
http://www.freddiemac.com/research/forecast/20190228_economic_growth.html?attr=rssEHR

Homeownership is Highest Since 2014; Not Your Dad's Cash Out Refi; Rates Spike to 2-Week High

The Census Bureau reported on Thursday that the national homeownership rate rose slightly in the fourth quarter of 2018 to 64.8 percent , up from 64.4 percent in the third quarter and 64.2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2017. The Census Bureau said that change was not statistically different in either case, but at least it did continue the gradual upward trend in the rate since it hit an all-time low of 62.9 percent in the second quarter of 2016. The headline news however was a 1.2-point year-over-year change in the rate for those 34 to 44 years of age to 61.1 percent, by far the largest gain for any age group. The rate for those the next oldest cohort gained 0.6 point to 70.1 percent and homeownership for those under 35 rose from 36.0 percent to 36.5 percent. The rate declined for those

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/28/3803

Mortgage Apps Surge on Lower Rates; Millennials Sharing Housing; Pending Sales Surprise!

Mortgage applications increased for the second week as interest rates again ticked lower at well under 5 percent. The Mortgage Bankers Association said its Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage application volume, increased 5.3 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis during the week ended February 22. As that week began with the President's Day holiday, data was adjusted to account for the shortened week. On an unadjusted basis, the Index was down 3 percent compared with the week ended February 15. The seasonally adjusted Purchase Index increased 6 percent from one week earlier while the unadjusted version ticked down 1 percent week-over-week and was 3 percent higher than the same week one year ago. The Refinance Index increased 5 percent and the refinance share of mortgage activity

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/27/3802

Regional Home Price Patterns Shifting; December Construction Not So Hot; Rates Hug Lows Post-Powell

Both the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller housing indices acknowledged further slowing in home price appreciation in December. The Case-Shiller National Home Price NSA Index, covering all nine U.S. census divisions, reported a 4.7% annual gain in December, down from 5.1 percent the previous month. Before seasonal adjustment, the National Index lost 0.1 percent compared to November and was up 0.3 percent after adjustment. The 10-City Composite gain was 3.8 percent for the year, compared to an annual increase of 4.2 percent in November while the 20-City Composite's year-over-year appreciation slowed from 4.6 percent in November to 4.2 percent. Both Composites reported 0.2 percent decreases in December on an unadjusted basis and 0.2 percent increases

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/26/3800

Can We Stop Freaking Out About Independent Mortgage Banks Now? Rates Only Modestly Higher After Tariff News

Independent mortgage banks (IMBs) have been around for more than a century. but have taken on increased significance and power in the marketplace since the housing crisis. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) says that several myths have grown up around this trend, coming from critics such as the Brookings Institution. It just published a White Paper discussing the current role of IMBs and addressing the myths. There were 900 IMBs in the US In 2017 according to Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data. They account for 16 percent of companies reporting data but originated 54 percent of single family (one to four unit) mortgages, up from 25 percent in 2008. MBA says this growth presents policy questions, but "it should be evaluated based on a solid understanding of the IMB role and importance

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/25/3798

Rates Fall as Fed Dials in "Warm Bowl of Porridge"; Lenders React to FHA/VA Changes; Fannie Forecasts

Mortgage rates are most directly affected by the day to day movement in the bond market. It's interesting to consider that bonds improved quite a bit today, even though mortgage rates were only modestly higher. In fact, some lenders continued showing rates that were roughly similar to yesterday's. What gives?! Part of the problem is that yesterday saw bond markets fall (which implies higher rates) throughout the day, but not enough for many lenders to go to the trouble of changing their rate sheet offerings. As such, they were left to raise rates this morning, assuming the bond market stayed at yesterday afternoon's levels. But because bonds improved today, lenders didn't have to catch their rate sheets up to yesterday's bond market weakness. In the afternoon, we saw a sort of mirror image

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/22/3796

Hot Trends - Show 525

Real Estate Today Radio - SHOW 525

On this week's Real Estate Today, it's our special show "Hot Trends."

This Week's Show Includes:
- Top News Of The Week
- Buying your Second Home First
- Buying when You’re Young
- Smart Home Technology
- Get REALTOR(R)

Become a part of the community at http://retradio.com!

from
http://retradio.com

Homeownership is Highest Since 2014; Not Your Dad's Cash Out Refi; Rates Spike to 2-Week High

The Census Bureau reported on Thursday that the national homeownership rate rose slightly in the fourth quarter of 2018 to 64.8 percent , up from 64.4 percent in the third quarter and 64.2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2017. The Census Bureau said that change was not statistically different in either case, but at least it did continue the gradual upward trend in the rate since it hit an all-time low of 62.9 percent in the second quarter of 2016. The headline news however was a 1.2-point year-over-year change in the rate for those 34 to 44 years of age to 61.1 percent, by far the largest gain for any age group. The rate for those the next oldest cohort gained 0.6 point to 70.1 percent and homeownership for those under 35 rose from 36.0 percent to 36.5 percent. The rate declined for those

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/28/3803

Mortgage Market Expected to See Modest Growth in 2019

After peaking last fall, mortgage interest rates have fallen at the start of 2019. As of the week of February 14, 2019, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rate was down from a year ago. The decline in mortgage interest rates could provide some welcome relief to a housing market that is looking to regain momentum. More

from
http://www.freddiemac.com/research/forecast/20190228_economic_growth.html?attr=rssEHR

Porto's Peri Peri making Indy debut

The Portugese chicken restaurant, started in Chicago, will open in Castleton. Also this week: Chef Tia & Co., HoiTea ToiTea, The Playful Soul, Valvoline Instant Oil Change and Ross Dress for Less.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/72708-portos-peri-peri-restaurant-to-enter-indianapolis-market

Mortgage Apps Surge on Lower Rates; Millennials Sharing Housing; Pending Sales Surprise!

Mortgage applications increased for the second week as interest rates again ticked lower at well under 5 percent. The Mortgage Bankers Association said its Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage application volume, increased 5.3 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis during the week ended February 22. As that week began with the President's Day holiday, data was adjusted to account for the shortened week. On an unadjusted basis, the Index was down 3 percent compared with the week ended February 15. The seasonally adjusted Purchase Index increased 6 percent from one week earlier while the unadjusted version ticked down 1 percent week-over-week and was 3 percent higher than the same week one year ago. The Refinance Index increased 5 percent and the refinance share of mortgage activity

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/27/3802

Regional Home Price Patterns Shifting; December Construction Not So Hot; Rates Hug Lows Post-Powell

Both the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller housing indices acknowledged further slowing in home price appreciation in December. The Case-Shiller National Home Price NSA Index, covering all nine U.S. census divisions, reported a 4.7% annual gain in December, down from 5.1 percent the previous month. Before seasonal adjustment, the National Index lost 0.1 percent compared to November and was up 0.3 percent after adjustment. The 10-City Composite gain was 3.8 percent for the year, compared to an annual increase of 4.2 percent in November while the 20-City Composite's year-over-year appreciation slowed from 4.6 percent in November to 4.2 percent. Both Composites reported 0.2 percent decreases in December on an unadjusted basis and 0.2 percent increases

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/26/3800

New York, Florida Lead Zillow's List of Buyer-Friendly Markets

Despite slowing home-value growth and a pickup in inventory, the San Francisco and San Jose markets remain the hottest and most seller-friendly, though the winds are rapidly shifting

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2019-02-26-New-York-Florida-Lead-Zillows-List-of-Buyer-Friendly-Markets

Can We Stop Freaking Out About Independent Mortgage Banks Now? Rates Only Modestly Higher After Tariff News

Independent mortgage banks (IMBs) have been around for more than a century. but have taken on increased significance and power in the marketplace since the housing crisis. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) says that several myths have grown up around this trend, coming from critics such as the Brookings Institution. It just published a White Paper discussing the current role of IMBs and addressing the myths. There were 900 IMBs in the US In 2017 according to Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data. They account for 16 percent of companies reporting data but originated 54 percent of single family (one to four unit) mortgages, up from 25 percent in 2008. MBA says this growth presents policy questions, but "it should be evaluated based on a solid understanding of the IMB role and importance

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/25/3798

Rates Fall as Fed Dials in "Warm Bowl of Porridge"; Lenders React to FHA/VA Changes; Fannie Forecasts

Mortgage rates are most directly affected by the day to day movement in the bond market. It's interesting to consider that bonds improved quite a bit today, even though mortgage rates were only modestly higher. In fact, some lenders continued showing rates that were roughly similar to yesterday's. What gives?! Part of the problem is that yesterday saw bond markets fall (which implies higher rates) throughout the day, but not enough for many lenders to go to the trouble of changing their rate sheet offerings. As such, they were left to raise rates this morning, assuming the bond market stayed at yesterday afternoon's levels. But because bonds improved today, lenders didn't have to catch their rate sheets up to yesterday's bond market weakness. In the afternoon, we saw a sort of mirror image

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/22/3796

Worst May Be Over For Home Sales; TIAA/US Bank Deal; More Refis and More Pull-Through in January

Existing home sales fell again in January although the decline was a minor one compared to the 6.4 percent drop in December. The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) said sales of single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops ticked down 1.2 percent from December's annual rate of 4.99 million to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.94 million. That number, the lowest since November 2015, put sales behind those a year earlier (5.40 million) by 8.5 percent. Single-family home sales declined from 4.45 million in December to 4.37 million, putting them 8.4 percent lower on a year-over-year basis. Existing condominiums and co-ops sold at an annual rate of 570,000 units in January, up 3.6 percent from last month and down 9.5 percent from a year ago. Analysts, pointing to lower mortgage

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/21/3794

Rates Near Long-Term Lows After Fed; Addressing Minority Homeownership Disparity; Mortgage Apps Bounce Back

Mortgage rates finally broke from their recent "back-and-forth" pattern of the past 7 business days and moved lower for the 2nd day in a row . Although today's big-ticket event for financial markets was the 2pm release of the Fed's most recent meeting minutes (or was it Samsung's foldable phone announcement?), rates were already lower well in advance of the Fed. This feat was accomplished simply because the bond market didn't change much from yesterday, and the fact that mortgage lenders didn't fully adjust rates to reflect bond market levels yesterday. To put that more simply: rates were good yesterday. Bond markets improved yesterday, but not enough for mortgage lenders to lower rates in the afternoon. Lenders need to see a certain amount of ground covered during the day in order to go to

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/20/3792

Low Rates and Strong Jobs Numbers Bolster Builder Confidence; The Range is on Borrowed Time

The Housing Market Index (HMI) continues to recover from the plunge it took in November and December when it dropped an aggregate of 12 points. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo measure of builder confidence in the market for newly-built single-family homes added another 4 points in February to the 2 it gained in January. It now standards at 62 on a 100-point scale. "Ongoing reduction in mortgage rates in recent weeks coupled with continued strength in the job market are helping to fuel builder sentiment," said NAHB Chairman Randy Noel. "In the aftermath of the fall slowdown, many builders are reporting positive expectations for the spring selling season." Derived from a monthly survey that NAHB has been conducting for 30 years, the HMI gauges builder perceptions

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/19/3790

Can We Stop Freaking Out About Independent Mortgage Banks Now? Rates Only Modestly Higher After Tariff News

Independent mortgage banks (IMBs) have been around for more than a century. but have taken on increased significance and power in the marketplace since the housing crisis. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) says that several myths have grown up around this trend, coming from critics such as the Brookings Institution. It just published a White Paper discussing the current role of IMBs and addressing the myths. There were 900 IMBs in the US In 2017 according to Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data. They account for 16 percent of companies reporting data but originated 54 percent of single family (one to four unit) mortgages, up from 25 percent in 2008. MBA says this growth presents policy questions, but "it should be evaluated based on a solid understanding of the IMB role and importance

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/25/3798

7 Surprising Design Trends for the Home: Which Has Staying Power?

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR(R) Magazine

Bold colored vanities and vinyl flooring are gaining more clout in home design. Last week at the 2019 International Builder Show and the Kitchen & Bath Industry show, thousands of designers and builders talked trends as vendors showed off their latest innovations for the home.

Here are a few of the surprises I spotted through 608,000 square feet on the Expo show floor:

1. Colorful bathrooms. 

A range of hues were shown in the bathroom, as some forecasters looked to add more color into what has mostly been a neutral color palette over the last few years.

Photo credit: REALTOR(R) Magazine

Kohler showed off purple and blue sinks as well as a purple clawfoot bathtub. Several vanities on display were in grays, blues, greens, and even pink.

Photo credit: REALTOR(R) Magazine

2. Colored cabinets. 

Speaking of color, I lost count of just how many shades of various colors I spotted on kitchen cabinets on the Expo floor. White is still supreme for kitchens, but there is a growing trend of more “moody colors” being used, says Nino Sitchinava, principal economist at Houzz, a home remodeling website. Grays, navy’s, greens, and reds are all being used to add more color to the kitchen. Two-toned cabinets—where the upper cabinetry may be in white and then the bottom cabinetry are in navy—also was popular on the show floor.

Photo credit: REALTOR(R) Magazine

Photo credit: REALTOR(R) Magazine

3. Vinyl flooring. 

Sitchinava called vinyl flooring a rising star in home design, a sentiment  echoed by many other designers at the show. “Vinyl comes in a lot of colors, textures, and lots of different options,” Sitchinava says. “It’s an easy-on-your-feet material, and consumers are recognizing that. … It’s very conducive to aging in place, and many baby boomers are driving this trend.” The flooring leaders in the kitchen remain ceramic/porcelain tile, followed by hardwoods, and then engineered wood or laminate. But vinyl flooring is quickly gaining popularity in home remodels, and Sitchinava calls it one to watch in 2019.

Designer Julianna Dykstra with Distinctive Bathroom & Kitchen Inc. in Ottawa, Canada, also is seeing a rise of “luxury” vinyl flooring in her market, particularly for the kitchen and bath. The water-resistant material is mostly being used in grays or whites, she says.

Photo by Comfort Flooring – More bedroom photos

4. Floating toilets and beds. 

To add some drama to a space, designers are floating objects. Floating toilets—those installed into the wall instead of the floor—are helping to open up the space in bathrooms. On the Expo floor, Kohler showed this black floating toilet:

Photo credit: REALTOR(R) Magazine

Also, at the 2019 New American Home, a show home of this year’s IBS, the master bed was suspended by steel cables and it appeared like it was floating in air.

Photo credit: Jeff Davis / Jeffrey A. Davis Photography

5. Bling for your appliance handles. 

To dress up appliances, CAFÉ, within the GE Appliance brand, has launched customizable hardware options in various metals, such as brushed bronze, brushed stainless, or brushed black. Homeowners add different finishes to their stainless steel, matted white, or matted black refrigerator or stove. For example, soft brushed copper hardware handles can be added to a matted white refrigerator for a more contemporary vibe.

Photo credit: REALTOR(R) Magazine

6. Roll down shelves. 

As cabinets get taller, reaching for those higher up shelves can be a challenge. At the Wellborn Cabinet booth, the company showed off iMove shelves that feature a pull down feature at the edge of the upper shelf. You just pull on the handle and it gradually brings the shelf to eye level.

Photo credit: Wellborn Cabinet

7. Roll away walls. 

Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors were popular at IBS 2019 in showcasing seamless indoor and outdoor living. Most of these glass doors were displayed on long, straight walls that could be rolled completely away–via pocket doors that disappear into the walls–to open the interior of the home to the outdoor space. Some firms also showed how you can add sliding glass pocket windows to tuck them away when wanting to open up the house to the outdoors, or even curved areas of the home with rounded floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors.

Photo credit: REALTOR(R) Magazine

 

Which of these trends do you think has staying power? 

from
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2019/02/25/7-surprising-design-trends-for-the-home-do-they-have-staying-power/

Take a Peek Inside the 2019 New American Home

from
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2019/02/22/take-a-peek-inside-the-2019-new-american-home/

7 Surprising Design Trends for the Home: Which Has Staying Power?

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR(R) Magazine

Bold colored vanities and vinyl flooring are gaining more clout in home design. Last week at the 2019 International Builder Show and the Kitchen & Bath Industry show, thousands of designers and builders talked trends as vendors showed off their latest innovations for the home.

Here are a few of the surprises I spotted through 608,000 square feet on the Expo show floor:

1. Colorful bathrooms. 

A range of hues were shown in the bathroom, as some forecasters looked to add more color into what has mostly been a neutral color palette over the last few years.

Photo credit: REALTOR(R) Magazine

Kohler showed off purple and blue sinks as well as a purple clawfoot bathtub. Several vanities on display were in grays, blues, greens, and even pink.

Photo credit: REALTOR(R) Magazine

2. Colored cabinets. 

Speaking of color, I lost count of just how many shades of various colors I spotted on kitchen cabinets on the Expo floor. White is still supreme for kitchens, but there is a growing trend of more “moody colors” being used, says Nino Sitchinava, principal economist at Houzz, a home remodeling website. Grays, navy’s, greens, and reds are all being used to add more color to the kitchen. Two-toned cabinets—where the upper cabinetry may be in white and then the bottom cabinetry are in navy—also was popular on the show floor.

Photo credit: REALTOR(R) Magazine

Photo credit: REALTOR(R) Magazine

3. Vinyl flooring. 

Sitchinava called vinyl flooring a rising star in home design, a sentiment  echoed by many other designers at the show. “Vinyl comes in a lot of colors, textures, and lots of different options,” Sitchinava says. “It’s an easy-on-your-feet material, and consumers are recognizing that. … It’s very conducive to aging in place, and many baby boomers are driving this trend.” The flooring leaders in the kitchen remain ceramic/porcelain tile, followed by hardwoods, and then engineered wood or laminate. But vinyl flooring is quickly gaining popularity in home remodels, and Sitchinava calls it one to watch in 2019.

Designer Julianna Dykstra with Distinctive Bathroom & Kitchen Inc. in Ottawa, Canada, also is seeing a rise of “luxury” vinyl flooring in her market, particularly for the kitchen and bath. The water-resistant material is mostly being used in grays or whites, she says.

Photo by Comfort Flooring – More bedroom photos

4. Floating toilets and beds. 

To add some drama to a space, designers are floating objects. Floating toilets—those installed into the wall instead of the floor—are helping to open up the space in bathrooms. On the Expo floor, Kohler showed this black floating toilet:

Photo credit: REALTOR(R) Magazine

Also, at the 2019 New American Home, a show home of this year’s IBS, the master bed was suspended by steel cables and it appeared like it was floating in air.

Photo credit: Jeff Davis / Jeffrey A. Davis Photography

5. Bling for your appliance handles. 

To dress up appliances, CAFÉ, within the GE Appliance brand, has launched customizable hardware options in various metals, such as brushed bronze, brushed stainless, or brushed black. Homeowners add different finishes to their stainless steel, matted white, or matted black refrigerator or stove. For example, soft brushed copper hardware handles can be added to a matted white refrigerator for a more contemporary vibe.

Photo credit: REALTOR(R) Magazine

6. Roll down shelves. 

As cabinets get taller, reaching for those higher up shelves can be a challenge. At the Wellborn Cabinet booth, the company showed off iMove shelves that feature a pull down feature at the edge of the upper shelf. You just pull on the handle and it gradually brings the shelf to eye level.

Photo credit: Wellborn Cabinet

7. Roll away walls. 

Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors were popular at IBS 2019 in showcasing seamless indoor and outdoor living. Most of these glass doors were displayed on long, straight walls that could be rolled completely away–via pocket doors that disappear into the walls–to open the interior of the home to the outdoor space. Some firms also showed how you can add sliding glass pocket windows to tuck them away when wanting to open up the house to the outdoors, or even curved areas of the home with rounded floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors.

Photo credit: REALTOR(R) Magazine

 

Which of these trends do you think has staying power? 

from
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2019/02/25/7-surprising-design-trends-for-the-home-do-they-have-staying-power/

Mexican-fusion eatery Comida opens in The Ambassador

The space just north of Central Library formerly housed Plow & Anchor and other restaurants. Also this week: The Barre Code, Orangetheory Fitness, Target and Claire's.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/72614-mexican-fusion-restaurant-comida-opens-in-the-ambassador-building-downtown

Rates Fall as Fed Dials in "Warm Bowl of Porridge"; Lenders React to FHA/VA Changes; Fannie Forecasts

Mortgage rates are most directly affected by the day to day movement in the bond market. It's interesting to consider that bonds improved quite a bit today, even though mortgage rates were only modestly higher. In fact, some lenders continued showing rates that were roughly similar to yesterday's. What gives?! Part of the problem is that yesterday saw bond markets fall (which implies higher rates) throughout the day, but not enough for many lenders to go to the trouble of changing their rate sheet offerings. As such, they were left to raise rates this morning, assuming the bond market stayed at yesterday afternoon's levels. But because bonds improved today, lenders didn't have to catch their rate sheets up to yesterday's bond market weakness. In the afternoon, we saw a sort of mirror image

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/22/3796

Snowbirds - Show 524

Real Estate Today Radio - SHOW 524

On this week's Real Estate Today, it's our special show "Snowbirds"

This Week's Show Includes:
- Top News Of The Week
- Keep it Safe!
- Revenue from the House up North
- Smart Home Technology
- Get REALTOR(R)

Become a part of the community at http://retradio.com!

from
http://retradio.com

Take a Peek Inside the 2019 New American Home

from
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2019/02/22/take-a-peek-inside-the-2019-new-american-home/

Worst May Be Over For Home Sales; TIAA/US Bank Deal; More Refis and More Pull-Through in January

Existing home sales fell again in January although the decline was a minor one compared to the 6.4 percent drop in December. The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) said sales of single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops ticked down 1.2 percent from December's annual rate of 4.99 million to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.94 million. That number, the lowest since November 2015, put sales behind those a year earlier (5.40 million) by 8.5 percent. Single-family home sales declined from 4.45 million in December to 4.37 million, putting them 8.4 percent lower on a year-over-year basis. Existing condominiums and co-ops sold at an annual rate of 570,000 units in January, up 3.6 percent from last month and down 9.5 percent from a year ago. Analysts, pointing to lower mortgage

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/21/3794

Mexican-fusion eatery Comida opens in The Ambassador

The space just north of Central Library formerly housed Plow & Anchor and other restaurants. Also this week: The Barre Code, Orangetheory Fitness, Target and Claire's.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/72614-mexican-fusion-restaurant-comida-opens-in-the-ambassador-building-downtown

Access to Top-Quality Education Varies Depending on Local Home Values, According to Zillow Survey

Residents of neighborhoods with lower home values say they have worse access to high-quality education, while access to basic resources is considered equal across communities

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2019-02-21-Access-to-Top-Quality-Education-Varies-Depending-on-Local-Home-Values-According-to-Zillow-Survey

Rates Near Long-Term Lows After Fed; Addressing Minority Homeownership Disparity; Mortgage Apps Bounce Back

Mortgage rates finally broke from their recent "back-and-forth" pattern of the past 7 business days and moved lower for the 2nd day in a row . Although today's big-ticket event for financial markets was the 2pm release of the Fed's most recent meeting minutes (or was it Samsung's foldable phone announcement?), rates were already lower well in advance of the Fed. This feat was accomplished simply because the bond market didn't change much from yesterday, and the fact that mortgage lenders didn't fully adjust rates to reflect bond market levels yesterday. To put that more simply: rates were good yesterday. Bond markets improved yesterday, but not enough for mortgage lenders to lower rates in the afternoon. Lenders need to see a certain amount of ground covered during the day in order to go to

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/20/3792

Low Rates and Strong Jobs Numbers Bolster Builder Confidence; The Range is on Borrowed Time

The Housing Market Index (HMI) continues to recover from the plunge it took in November and December when it dropped an aggregate of 12 points. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo measure of builder confidence in the market for newly-built single-family homes added another 4 points in February to the 2 it gained in January. It now standards at 62 on a 100-point scale. "Ongoing reduction in mortgage rates in recent weeks coupled with continued strength in the job market are helping to fuel builder sentiment," said NAHB Chairman Randy Noel. "In the aftermath of the fall slowdown, many builders are reporting positive expectations for the spring selling season." Derived from a monthly survey that NAHB has been conducting for 30 years, the HMI gauges builder perceptions

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/19/3790

Homeowners in Great Shape; Buyers Aren't Giving Up; GSEs Still Winning; Rates Still Holding

Mortgage loan delinquencies were down from the third quarter of 2018 in the fourth quarter. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) said the improvements held across all loan types and all stages of delinquency although there was a slight uptick in foreclosure starts. The delinquency rate for mortgage loans on one-to-four-unit residential properties decreased to a seasonally adjusted rate of 4.06 percent of all loans outstanding, down 41 basis points (bps) from the third quarter and 111 bps from the fourth quarter of 2017 according to MBA's National Delinquency Survey. The percentage of loans on which foreclosure actions were started in the fourth quarter rose by 2 bps to 0.25 percent but MBA said that was probably due to the expiration of foreclosure moratoria in states affected by natural

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/15/3786

Mortgage Bankers Estimate 29% Surge in New Home Sales; Retail Sales Data Returns; Rates Fall

While we have not yet seen figures from the Census Bureau for December let alone January, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) is reporting a surge in new home sales last month. Information from MBA's Builder Application Survey (BAS) indicates that those sales, while unchanged from January 2018, increased by 43 percent compared to December 2018. The change does not include any adjustment for typical seasonal patterns. On a seasonally adjusted basis, MBA estimates sales were at an annual rate of 713,000 units. This is an increase of 29.2 percent from the December estimate of 552,000 units. Before adjustment MBA estimates that there were 54,000 new home sales in January 2019, up 45.9 percent from 37,000 new home sales in December. Joel Kan, MBA's Associate Vice President of Economic and Industry

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/14/3784

Rates Near Long-Term Lows After Fed; Addressing Minority Homeownership Disparity; Mortgage Apps Bounce Back

Mortgage rates finally broke from their recent "back-and-forth" pattern of the past 7 business days and moved lower for the 2nd day in a row . Although today's big-ticket event for financial markets was the 2pm release of the Fed's most recent meeting minutes (or was it Samsung's foldable phone announcement?), rates were already lower well in advance of the Fed. This feat was accomplished simply because the bond market didn't change much from yesterday, and the fact that mortgage lenders didn't fully adjust rates to reflect bond market levels yesterday. To put that more simply: rates were good yesterday. Bond markets improved yesterday, but not enough for mortgage lenders to lower rates in the afternoon. Lenders need to see a certain amount of ground covered during the day in order to go to

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/20/3792

Low Rates and Strong Jobs Numbers Bolster Builder Confidence; The Range is on Borrowed Time

The Housing Market Index (HMI) continues to recover from the plunge it took in November and December when it dropped an aggregate of 12 points. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo measure of builder confidence in the market for newly-built single-family homes added another 4 points in February to the 2 it gained in January. It now standards at 62 on a 100-point scale. "Ongoing reduction in mortgage rates in recent weeks coupled with continued strength in the job market are helping to fuel builder sentiment," said NAHB Chairman Randy Noel. "In the aftermath of the fall slowdown, many builders are reporting positive expectations for the spring selling season." Derived from a monthly survey that NAHB has been conducting for 30 years, the HMI gauges builder perceptions

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/19/3790

Homeowners in Great Shape; Buyers Aren't Giving Up; GSEs Still Winning; Rates Still Holding

Mortgage loan delinquencies were down from the third quarter of 2018 in the fourth quarter. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) said the improvements held across all loan types and all stages of delinquency although there was a slight uptick in foreclosure starts. The delinquency rate for mortgage loans on one-to-four-unit residential properties decreased to a seasonally adjusted rate of 4.06 percent of all loans outstanding, down 41 basis points (bps) from the third quarter and 111 bps from the fourth quarter of 2017 according to MBA's National Delinquency Survey. The percentage of loans on which foreclosure actions were started in the fourth quarter rose by 2 bps to 0.25 percent but MBA said that was probably due to the expiration of foreclosure moratoria in states affected by natural

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/15/3786

Mortgage Bankers Estimate 29% Surge in New Home Sales; Retail Sales Data Returns; Rates Fall

While we have not yet seen figures from the Census Bureau for December let alone January, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) is reporting a surge in new home sales last month. Information from MBA's Builder Application Survey (BAS) indicates that those sales, while unchanged from January 2018, increased by 43 percent compared to December 2018. The change does not include any adjustment for typical seasonal patterns. On a seasonally adjusted basis, MBA estimates sales were at an annual rate of 713,000 units. This is an increase of 29.2 percent from the December estimate of 552,000 units. Before adjustment MBA estimates that there were 54,000 new home sales in January 2019, up 45.9 percent from 37,000 new home sales in December. Joel Kan, MBA's Associate Vice President of Economic and Industry

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/14/3784

Highest Rates in a Week; First-Time vs Trade-Up Buyers; Marketing Products; Does Inflation Matter?

Mortgage rates hadn't changed much over the past few business days, even though they arguably should have moved a bit higher yesterday. That made today's adjustment slightly more abrupt. Why was there an adjustment? Mortgage rates are based primarily on the trading levels in the bond market. In turn, the bond market takes cues from a multitude of factors big and small. Among the biggest considerations for bonds are the various regularly scheduled economic reports. Among those reports, inflation data is traditionally very important to bonds. And finally, among inflation data, today's Consumer Price Index is probably the most widely followed. Inflation didn't jump in any major way, but the important "core" reading (which factors out food and energy) was slightly higher than expected on an annual

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/13/3782

Listing in Early May Can Earn Sellers $1,600 More

Homes listed in the first half of May sell for a premium, and nearly a week faster

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2019-02-19-Listing-in-Early-May-Can-Earn-Sellers-1-600-More

Using the Latest Decor Color and Trends to Attract Buyers

Guest Contributor: Patti Stern, PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating

The start of a new year in the real estate industry signals a prime opportunity for sellers to do what it takes to get their home noticed among the sea of listings soon to flood the spring market. After tackling the clutter, necessary repairs and updates, the key to making the best first impression for buyers is using on-trend styling touches to help them emotionally connect. Check out our suggestions below for ways of using some of the trends for 2019 to enhance a home’s features, engage buyers, and take your property from “For Sale” to “Sold” in no time.

A Neutral Gray Backdrop

We can’t say enough about the benefits of using gray or “greige” wall color when staging. This versatile neutral hue instantly brightens a space, enhances its unique features and can increase a property’s perceived size and value. We’re excited to try Benjamin Moore’s 2019 Color of The Year, Metropolitan, a soft, sophisticated, and calm gray that coordinates well with many on-trend palettes.

A Dash of Color

We love adding a little drama against a neutral backdrop of beautiful architectural elements by layering living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms with pops of bold color dispersed throughout a room. One of our favorite industry picks of the year is Pantone’s “Living Coral” for its energy, warmth, and cozy freshness. This color can also make a statement when paired with different shades of blues such as Behr’sColor of the Year pick “Blueprint,” as well as creams and different metallic accents.

Luxe Fabrics and Bold Patterns

We are seeing a lot of lush velvet fabrics and floral patterns in furniture and accents this year. A floral side chair or wall art, velvet pillows, and duvet covers, a patterned area rug, are just a few ways to add texture, depth, and the right amount of sophisticated style to complement a neutral space and grab buyers’ attention.

Mix Up Metals

A mixture of metal accents throughout a room will always be a timeless way to create balance and definition in a space. You can pair complementary finishes such as brass with chrome, copper with yellow gold, rose gold with stainless steel, or any combination of the above so your fixtures and decor create the “wow” factor that buyers will remember.

Elements from Nature

Using natural elements in the home is a trend that continues to gain popularity as people want to feel a connection to the outdoors. Plants in any size, shape or form such as potted succulents used as a dining table centerpiece, wall hangings, or floor plants in woven baskets have a naturally soothing quality that makes them well-suited for bedrooms and bathrooms in particular. Sustainable materials such as jute or seagrass rugs, natural woven pillows and throws, and pottery vases are also great accents for incorporating a welcoming, on-trend vibe into any space.

For more examples of interior decorating and home staging, visit www.pjstagingdecorating.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Patti Stern is principal, interior decorator, and professional stager of PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating. She has been decorating and staging homes since 2005. She and her team provide turnkey, full-service home staging and interior decorating to clients across Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts. She also developed an award-winning staging program for the luxury homebuilder, Toll Brothers. Her company received the Houzz 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 Awards for Customer Service.

from
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StyledStagedSold/~3/vOzzb9pBmBs/

82nd Street eatery to pair doughnuts, beer

The unlikely combination is designed to appeal to daytime and evening customers. Also this week: LouVino, King Dough, Osteria Pronto and Taco John's.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/72516-doughnuts-and-dragons-shop-opening-near-fashion-mall-at-keystone

Housing Inventory Trend Now Favors Buyers after Years of Steady Declines

After almost four years of year-over-year declines, for-sale inventory has grown on an annual basis four out of the past five months, albeit at a slow pace.

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2019-02-14-Housing-Inventory-Trend-Now-Favors-Buyers-after-Years-of-Steady-Declines

Low Rates and Strong Jobs Numbers Bolster Builder Confidence; The Range is on Borrowed Time

The Housing Market Index (HMI) continues to recover from the plunge it took in November and December when it dropped an aggregate of 12 points. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo measure of builder confidence in the market for newly-built single-family homes added another 4 points in February to the 2 it gained in January. It now standards at 62 on a 100-point scale. "Ongoing reduction in mortgage rates in recent weeks coupled with continued strength in the job market are helping to fuel builder sentiment," said NAHB Chairman Randy Noel. "In the aftermath of the fall slowdown, many builders are reporting positive expectations for the spring selling season." Derived from a monthly survey that NAHB has been conducting for 30 years, the HMI gauges builder perceptions

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/19/3790

82nd Street eatery to pair doughnuts, beer

The unlikely combination is designed to appeal to daytime and evening customers. Also this week: LouVino, King Dough, Osteria Pronto and Taco John's.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/72516-doughnuts-and-dragons-shop-opening-near-fashion-mall-at-keystone

82nd Street eatery to pair doughnuts, beer

The unlikely combination is designed to appeal to daytime and evening customers. Also this week: LouVino, King Dough, Osteria Pronto and Taco John's.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/72516-doughnuts-and-dragons-shop-opening-near-fashion-mall-at-keystone

Listing in Early May Can Earn Sellers $1,600 More

Homes listed in the first half of May sell for a premium, and nearly a week faster

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2019-02-19-Listing-in-Early-May-Can-Earn-Sellers-1-600-More

Using the Latest Decor Color and Trends to Attract Buyers

Guest Contributor: Patti Stern, PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating

The start of a new year in the real estate industry signals a prime opportunity for sellers to do what it takes to get their home noticed among the sea of listings soon to flood the spring market. After tackling the clutter, necessary repairs and updates, the key to making the best first impression for buyers is using on-trend styling touches to help them emotionally connect. Check out our suggestions below for ways of using some of the trends for 2019 to enhance a home’s features, engage buyers, and take your property from “For Sale” to “Sold” in no time.

A Neutral Gray Backdrop

We can’t say enough about the benefits of using gray or “greige” wall color when staging. This versatile neutral hue instantly brightens a space, enhances its unique features and can increase a property’s perceived size and value. We’re excited to try Benjamin Moore’s 2019 Color of The Year, Metropolitan, a soft, sophisticated, and calm gray that coordinates well with many on-trend palettes.

A Dash of Color

We love adding a little drama against a neutral backdrop of beautiful architectural elements by layering living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms with pops of bold color dispersed throughout a room. One of our favorite industry picks of the year is Pantone’s “Living Coral” for its energy, warmth, and cozy freshness. This color can also make a statement when paired with different shades of blues such as Behr’sColor of the Year pick “Blueprint,” as well as creams and different metallic accents.

Luxe Fabrics and Bold Patterns

We are seeing a lot of lush velvet fabrics and floral patterns in furniture and accents this year. A floral side chair or wall art, velvet pillows, and duvet covers, a patterned area rug, are just a few ways to add texture, depth, and the right amount of sophisticated style to complement a neutral space and grab buyers’ attention.

Mix Up Metals

A mixture of metal accents throughout a room will always be a timeless way to create balance and definition in a space. You can pair complementary finishes such as brass with chrome, copper with yellow gold, rose gold with stainless steel, or any combination of the above so your fixtures and decor create the “wow” factor that buyers will remember.

Elements from Nature

Using natural elements in the home is a trend that continues to gain popularity as people want to feel a connection to the outdoors. Plants in any size, shape or form such as potted succulents used as a dining table centerpiece, wall hangings, or floor plants in woven baskets have a naturally soothing quality that makes them well-suited for bedrooms and bathrooms in particular. Sustainable materials such as jute or seagrass rugs, natural woven pillows and throws, and pottery vases are also great accents for incorporating a welcoming, on-trend vibe into any space.

For more examples of interior decorating and home staging, visit www.pjstagingdecorating.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Patti Stern is principal, interior decorator, and professional stager of PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating. She has been decorating and staging homes since 2005. She and her team provide turnkey, full-service home staging and interior decorating to clients across Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts. She also developed an award-winning staging program for the luxury homebuilder, Toll Brothers. Her company received the Houzz 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 Awards for Customer Service.

from
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2019/02/18/using-the-latest-decor-color-and-trends-to-attract-buyers/

Using the Latest Decor Color and Trends to Attract Buyers

Guest Contributor: Patti Stern, PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating

The start of a new year in the real estate industry signals a prime opportunity for sellers to do what it takes to get their home noticed among the sea of listings soon to flood the spring market. After tackling the clutter, necessary repairs and updates, the key to making the best first impression for buyers is using on-trend styling touches to help them emotionally connect. Check out our suggestions below for ways of using some of the trends for 2019 to enhance a home’s features, engage buyers, and take your property from “For Sale” to “Sold” in no time.

A Neutral Gray Backdrop

We can’t say enough about the benefits of using gray or “greige” wall color when staging. This versatile neutral hue instantly brightens a space, enhances its unique features and can increase a property’s perceived size and value. We’re excited to try Benjamin Moore’s 2019 Color of The Year, Metropolitan, a soft, sophisticated, and calm gray that coordinates well with many on-trend palettes.

A Dash of Color

We love adding a little drama against a neutral backdrop of beautiful architectural elements by layering living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms with pops of bold color dispersed throughout a room. One of our favorite industry picks of the year is Pantone’s “Living Coral” for its energy, warmth, and cozy freshness. This color can also make a statement when paired with different shades of blues such as Behr’sColor of the Year pick “Blueprint,” as well as creams and different metallic accents.

Luxe Fabrics and Bold Patterns

We are seeing a lot of lush velvet fabrics and floral patterns in furniture and accents this year. A floral side chair or wall art, velvet pillows, and duvet covers, a patterned area rug, are just a few ways to add texture, depth, and the right amount of sophisticated style to complement a neutral space and grab buyers’ attention.

Mix Up Metals

A mixture of metal accents throughout a room will always be a timeless way to create balance and definition in a space. You can pair complementary finishes such as brass with chrome, copper with yellow gold, rose gold with stainless steel, or any combination of the above so your fixtures and decor create the “wow” factor that buyers will remember.

Elements from Nature

Using natural elements in the home is a trend that continues to gain popularity as people want to feel a connection to the outdoors. Plants in any size, shape or form such as potted succulents used as a dining table centerpiece, wall hangings, or floor plants in woven baskets have a naturally soothing quality that makes them well-suited for bedrooms and bathrooms in particular. Sustainable materials such as jute or seagrass rugs, natural woven pillows and throws, and pottery vases are also great accents for incorporating a welcoming, on-trend vibe into any space.

For more examples of interior decorating and home staging, visit www.pjstagingdecorating.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Patti Stern is principal, interior decorator, and professional stager of PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating. She has been decorating and staging homes since 2005. She and her team provide turnkey, full-service home staging and interior decorating to clients across Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts. She also developed an award-winning staging program for the luxury homebuilder, Toll Brothers. Her company received the Houzz 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 Awards for Customer Service.

from
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2019/02/18/using-the-latest-decor-color-and-trends-to-attract-buyers/

Homeowners in Great Shape; Buyers Aren't Giving Up; GSEs Still Winning; Rates Still Holding

Mortgage loan delinquencies were down from the third quarter of 2018 in the fourth quarter. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) said the improvements held across all loan types and all stages of delinquency although there was a slight uptick in foreclosure starts. The delinquency rate for mortgage loans on one-to-four-unit residential properties decreased to a seasonally adjusted rate of 4.06 percent of all loans outstanding, down 41 basis points (bps) from the third quarter and 111 bps from the fourth quarter of 2017 according to MBA's National Delinquency Survey. The percentage of loans on which foreclosure actions were started in the fourth quarter rose by 2 bps to 0.25 percent but MBA said that was probably due to the expiration of foreclosure moratoria in states affected by natural

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/15/3786

Mortgage Bankers Estimate 29% Surge in New Home Sales; Retail Sales Data Returns; Rates Fall

While we have not yet seen figures from the Census Bureau for December let alone January, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) is reporting a surge in new home sales last month. Information from MBA's Builder Application Survey (BAS) indicates that those sales, while unchanged from January 2018, increased by 43 percent compared to December 2018. The change does not include any adjustment for typical seasonal patterns. On a seasonally adjusted basis, MBA estimates sales were at an annual rate of 713,000 units. This is an increase of 29.2 percent from the December estimate of 552,000 units. Before adjustment MBA estimates that there were 54,000 new home sales in January 2019, up 45.9 percent from 37,000 new home sales in December. Joel Kan, MBA's Associate Vice President of Economic and Industry

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/14/3784

Highest Rates in a Week; First-Time vs Trade-Up Buyers; Marketing Products; Does Inflation Matter?

Mortgage rates hadn't changed much over the past few business days, even though they arguably should have moved a bit higher yesterday. That made today's adjustment slightly more abrupt. Why was there an adjustment? Mortgage rates are based primarily on the trading levels in the bond market. In turn, the bond market takes cues from a multitude of factors big and small. Among the biggest considerations for bonds are the various regularly scheduled economic reports. Among those reports, inflation data is traditionally very important to bonds. And finally, among inflation data, today's Consumer Price Index is probably the most widely followed. Inflation didn't jump in any major way, but the important "core" reading (which factors out food and energy) was slightly higher than expected on an annual

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/13/3782

Rates Gearing up For Big Move; How The Shutdown Matters (And How It Doesn't); Realtors on Price Gains

Mortgage rates were roughly unchanged yet again today, although the average lender was charging microscopically higher fees compared to yesterday. The key ingredient in today's market movement (which ultimately translates to mortgage rate movement) was the promise of a deal to avert another government shutdown at the end of the week. Late in the day yesterday, congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle signaled a potential deal was in the works. The fact that Trump didn't immediately dismiss the deal was taken as evidence of its viability. This resulted in bond markets losing ground today, which normally coincides with higher rates. It was also the inspiration for a good amount of today's improvement in stocks. The reason for that movement is fairly logical . The shutdown (or the threat

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/12/3780

Low Rates Unfazed by Market Weakness; Potential Warning About The Range; Conforming Updates

Mortgage rates held their ground fairly well today, despite the fact that underlying bond markets were weaker. Bond market weakness is associated with higher interest rates, all other things being equal. To understand this, consider that a bond is essentially a loan. An investor who buys a bond is buying the right to collect interest payments on a loan. That investor is effectively "the lender." Ideally, those investors would compete with one another for the right to collect interest on loans. If bonds are "weaker," it means those investors don't see as much value in buying those loans. The price they pay to obtain the loan goes down (aka "weakness"). In turn, the loan's rate of return needs to be bumped up in order to attract investors. And "bumping up the rate of return on a loan" is tantamount

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/11/3778

Homeowners in Great Shape; Buyers Aren't Giving Up; GSEs Still Winning; Rates Still Holding

Mortgage loan delinquencies were down from the third quarter of 2018 in the fourth quarter. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) said the improvements held across all loan types and all stages of delinquency although there was a slight uptick in foreclosure starts. The delinquency rate for mortgage loans on one-to-four-unit residential properties decreased to a seasonally adjusted rate of 4.06 percent of all loans outstanding, down 41 basis points (bps) from the third quarter and 111 bps from the fourth quarter of 2017 according to MBA's National Delinquency Survey. The percentage of loans on which foreclosure actions were started in the fourth quarter rose by 2 bps to 0.25 percent but MBA said that was probably due to the expiration of foreclosure moratoria in states affected by natural

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/15/3786

Mortgage Bankers Estimate 29% Surge in New Home Sales; Retail Sales Data Returns; Rates Fall

While we have not yet seen figures from the Census Bureau for December let alone January, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) is reporting a surge in new home sales last month. Information from MBA's Builder Application Survey (BAS) indicates that those sales, while unchanged from January 2018, increased by 43 percent compared to December 2018. The change does not include any adjustment for typical seasonal patterns. On a seasonally adjusted basis, MBA estimates sales were at an annual rate of 713,000 units. This is an increase of 29.2 percent from the December estimate of 552,000 units. Before adjustment MBA estimates that there were 54,000 new home sales in January 2019, up 45.9 percent from 37,000 new home sales in December. Joel Kan, MBA's Associate Vice President of Economic and Industry

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/14/3784

Highest Rates in a Week; First-Time vs Trade-Up Buyers; Marketing Products; Does Inflation Matter?

Mortgage rates hadn't changed much over the past few business days, even though they arguably should have moved a bit higher yesterday. That made today's adjustment slightly more abrupt. Why was there an adjustment? Mortgage rates are based primarily on the trading levels in the bond market. In turn, the bond market takes cues from a multitude of factors big and small. Among the biggest considerations for bonds are the various regularly scheduled economic reports. Among those reports, inflation data is traditionally very important to bonds. And finally, among inflation data, today's Consumer Price Index is probably the most widely followed. Inflation didn't jump in any major way, but the important "core" reading (which factors out food and energy) was slightly higher than expected on an annual

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/13/3782

Rates Gearing up For Big Move; How The Shutdown Matters (And How It Doesn't); Realtors on Price Gains

Mortgage rates were roughly unchanged yet again today, although the average lender was charging microscopically higher fees compared to yesterday. The key ingredient in today's market movement (which ultimately translates to mortgage rate movement) was the promise of a deal to avert another government shutdown at the end of the week. Late in the day yesterday, congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle signaled a potential deal was in the works. The fact that Trump didn't immediately dismiss the deal was taken as evidence of its viability. This resulted in bond markets losing ground today, which normally coincides with higher rates. It was also the inspiration for a good amount of today's improvement in stocks. The reason for that movement is fairly logical . The shutdown (or the threat

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/12/3780

Low Rates Unfazed by Market Weakness; Potential Warning About The Range; Conforming Updates

Mortgage rates held their ground fairly well today, despite the fact that underlying bond markets were weaker. Bond market weakness is associated with higher interest rates, all other things being equal. To understand this, consider that a bond is essentially a loan. An investor who buys a bond is buying the right to collect interest payments on a loan. That investor is effectively "the lender." Ideally, those investors would compete with one another for the right to collect interest on loans. If bonds are "weaker," it means those investors don't see as much value in buying those loans. The price they pay to obtain the loan goes down (aka "weakness"). In turn, the loan's rate of return needs to be bumped up in order to attract investors. And "bumping up the rate of return on a loan" is tantamount

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/11/3778

Homeowners in Great Shape; Buyers Aren't Giving Up; GSEs Still Winning; Rates Still Holding

Mortgage loan delinquencies were down from the third quarter of 2018 in the fourth quarter. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) said the improvements held across all loan types and all stages of delinquency although there was a slight uptick in foreclosure starts. The delinquency rate for mortgage loans on one-to-four-unit residential properties decreased to a seasonally adjusted rate of 4.06 percent of all loans outstanding, down 41 basis points (bps) from the third quarter and 111 bps from the fourth quarter of 2017 according to MBA's National Delinquency Survey. The percentage of loans on which foreclosure actions were started in the fourth quarter rose by 2 bps to 0.25 percent but MBA said that was probably due to the expiration of foreclosure moratoria in states affected by natural

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/15/3786

Mortgages,2019 - Show 523

Real Estate Today Radio - SHOW 523

On this week's Real Estate Today, it's our special show "Mortgages,2019"

This Week's Show Includes:
- Top News Of The Week
- Mortgage Checklist
- Ask the Millennial! with Jane Dollinger
- Smart Home Technology
- Get REALTOR(R)

Become a part of the community at http://retradio.com!

from
http://retradio.com

Mortgage Bankers Estimate 29% Surge in New Home Sales; Retail Sales Data Returns; Rates Fall

While we have not yet seen figures from the Census Bureau for December let alone January, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) is reporting a surge in new home sales last month. Information from MBA's Builder Application Survey (BAS) indicates that those sales, while unchanged from January 2018, increased by 43 percent compared to December 2018. The change does not include any adjustment for typical seasonal patterns. On a seasonally adjusted basis, MBA estimates sales were at an annual rate of 713,000 units. This is an increase of 29.2 percent from the December estimate of 552,000 units. Before adjustment MBA estimates that there were 54,000 new home sales in January 2019, up 45.9 percent from 37,000 new home sales in December. Joel Kan, MBA's Associate Vice President of Economic and Industry

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/14/3784

Highest Rates in a Week; First-Time vs Trade-Up Buyers; Marketing Products; Does Inflation Matter?

Mortgage rates hadn't changed much over the past few business days, even though they arguably should have moved a bit higher yesterday. That made today's adjustment slightly more abrupt. Why was there an adjustment? Mortgage rates are based primarily on the trading levels in the bond market. In turn, the bond market takes cues from a multitude of factors big and small. Among the biggest considerations for bonds are the various regularly scheduled economic reports. Among those reports, inflation data is traditionally very important to bonds. And finally, among inflation data, today's Consumer Price Index is probably the most widely followed. Inflation didn't jump in any major way, but the important "core" reading (which factors out food and energy) was slightly higher than expected on an annual

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/13/3782

Rates Gearing up For Big Move; How The Shutdown Matters (And How It Doesn't); Realtors on Price Gains

Mortgage rates were roughly unchanged yet again today, although the average lender was charging microscopically higher fees compared to yesterday. The key ingredient in today's market movement (which ultimately translates to mortgage rate movement) was the promise of a deal to avert another government shutdown at the end of the week. Late in the day yesterday, congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle signaled a potential deal was in the works. The fact that Trump didn't immediately dismiss the deal was taken as evidence of its viability. This resulted in bond markets losing ground today, which normally coincides with higher rates. It was also the inspiration for a good amount of today's improvement in stocks. The reason for that movement is fairly logical . The shutdown (or the threat

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/12/3780

Low Rates Unfazed by Market Weakness; Potential Warning About The Range; Conforming Updates

Mortgage rates held their ground fairly well today, despite the fact that underlying bond markets were weaker. Bond market weakness is associated with higher interest rates, all other things being equal. To understand this, consider that a bond is essentially a loan. An investor who buys a bond is buying the right to collect interest payments on a loan. That investor is effectively "the lender." Ideally, those investors would compete with one another for the right to collect interest on loans. If bonds are "weaker," it means those investors don't see as much value in buying those loans. The price they pay to obtain the loan goes down (aka "weakness"). In turn, the loan's rate of return needs to be bumped up in order to attract investors. And "bumping up the rate of return on a loan" is tantamount

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/11/3778

Realtor Proposal to Restructure Fannie/Freddie; Rates End Week at Lows; Markets Moving The Goalposts?

The second proposal for reform of the housing finance system in a week was just introduced by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). Their "vision" for reform is centered on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the GSEs). The future of the two companies, in federal conservatorship since 2008, barely got a mention in the outline for reform legislation released a few days ago by Mike Crapo (R-ID), chair of the Senate Bankin Committee. NAR unveiled its proposal, developed in collaboration with Susan Wachter, the Albert Sussman Professor of Real Estate and Professor of Finance at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and Richard Cooperstein, head of Risk Management at Andrew Davidson and Company, Inc., before a sold-out forum audience of 400 on Thursday. The proposal says the GSEs

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/8/3774

New 82nd Street eatery will offer doughnuts and beer

The unlikely pairing is designed to appeal to daytime and evening customers. Also this week: LouVino, King Dough, Osteria Pronto and Taco John's.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/72516-doughnuts-and-dragons-shop-opening-near-fashion-mall-at-keystone

Housing Inventory Trend Now Favors Buyers after Years of Steady Declines

After almost four years of year-over-year declines, for-sale inventory has grown on an annual basis four out of the past five months, albeit at a slow pace.

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2019-02-14-Housing-Inventory-Trend-Now-Favors-Buyers-after-Years-of-Steady-Declines

Highest Rates in a Week; First-Time vs Trade-Up Buyers; Marketing Products; Does Inflation Matter?

Mortgage rates hadn't changed much over the past few business days, even though they arguably should have moved a bit higher yesterday. That made today's adjustment slightly more abrupt. Why was there an adjustment? Mortgage rates are based primarily on the trading levels in the bond market. In turn, the bond market takes cues from a multitude of factors big and small. Among the biggest considerations for bonds are the various regularly scheduled economic reports. Among those reports, inflation data is traditionally very important to bonds. And finally, among inflation data, today's Consumer Price Index is probably the most widely followed. Inflation didn't jump in any major way, but the important "core" reading (which factors out food and energy) was slightly higher than expected on an annual

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/2/13/3782

While Seniors Age in Place, Millennials Wait Longer and May Pay More for their First Homes

Eighty-somethings Al and Rose have no desire to leave their home of decades. Meanwhile, thirty-somethings Alex and Rita can't wait to buy their first home. But they have to wait longer-and pay more-than they'd like, as long-time homeowners stay in their homes and keep them off the market. More

from
http://www.freddiemac.com/research/insight/20190206_seniors_age_millennials_wait.html?attr=rssEHR