January’s National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index dipped two points from December’s revised reading of 69 to 67; the index reading forecast for January was also 69.Analysts said that January’s reading was the second highest (after December 2016) since the peak of the housing bubble in 2005. January’s dip in builder sentiment was attributed to easing of builder enthusiasm, which spiked right after the U.S. presidential election. To put January’s home builder confidence reading in context, NAHB says that any index reading over 50 indicates that more builders than fewer have confidence in housing market conditions.
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Wondering How Much Mortgage You Can Afford? Here’s How to Calculate It
Many people are aware of the financial commitment that is involved when investing in a home, but what that amounts to is different for every person. From what you can afford to what a lender will allow, there are plenty of details involved in determining the right home for you. If you’re not quite sure what the right price is, here’s how to approach home ownership and determine your debt-to-income.
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 17, 2017
Last week’s economic reports included readings on job openings, retail sales and consumer sentiment in addition to weekly reports on new jobless claims and Freddie Mac’s survey of mortgage rates.
Understanding the Reverse Mortgage and How to Use It to Pay Off a Regular Mortgage
There are a variety of mortgage products out there that serve the needs of different homeowners, but for the uninitiated it can be hard to know what will work best for them. If you happen to be close to retirement and are looking at options that will be more financially beneficial for you, here are the details on a reverse mortgage and how this product can work for you.
Buying Real Estate vs. Buying Stocks: Here’s Why a Home Should Be Your Priority
Once you’re done with debt and you’ve started to save, it’s commonly the case that you’ll start hearing about the risks and rewards of investing in stocks or real estate. Unfortunately, it can be difficult for many people to know what type of investment is going to work better for them down the road. If you’re currently considering what you should put your money into, here are some reasons you may want to turn to real estate.
The Pros and Cons of ‘Mortgage Before Marriage’ for Young Couples
There was a time when a higher percentage of people were married before they committed to buying a home together, but it’s a lot more common to co-habit and invest in a home together. If you’re considering the commitment of a mortgage without being married, here are some things to be aware of before you start searching the market.
Considering a Spring Home Sale? Learn How to Appraise Your Selling Chances Like a Pro
The springtime is known to be one of the best times to put your home up for sale. However, if you’re not necessarily planning on engaging a real estate agent, it’s important to be prepared for all of the hard work involved in putting your home up for sale. Whether you’re new to the market or you’ve never sold a home on your own before, here are some questions to ask yourself so you’re prepared for selling in the coming season.
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 9, 2017
2017 started with good news; fixed mortgage rates were lower, but the national unemployment rate ticked upward and labor reports showed fewer openings for public and private sector jobs. Construction spending was higher in November.
4 Things You Absolutely Should Not Do After You Apply for a Mortgage
If you have a good credit history and are prepared to invest in a home, you may be feeling pretty confident about the mortgage process. However, it’s important to be aware that there are things that can have a negative impact on your application.
Making the Grade: How to Research Local Schools Before Buying Your Next Home
There are so many things involved in moving into a new home in a different neighborhood that it can be easy to forget about the proximity of many nearby amenities. If you’re wondering how you can find out more about the local school, let the following tips be your guide.