Why are home prices rising while mortgage rates stay high?

Why are home prices rising while mortgage rates stay high?

It is a bit perplexing; mortgage rates are over 7%, well over double their lows, and yet real estate prices are once again heading higher after a minor pullback late last year.  Prices have pivoted from last fall to make a strong comeback and approach new highs.  What...
What does higher for longer rates mean for real estate?

What does higher for longer rates mean for real estate?

  Wow, what a year.  In December the market was anticipating as many as 4 rate cuts this year. At the same time the federal reserve was doing a victory dance on pulling of a soft landing.  Fast forward and inflation is still hot and there is now a question of if...
US government plans to unlock 850 billion in homeowners equity

US government plans to unlock 850 billion in homeowners equity

You have to hand it to the Federal government, they are always working to solve problems that do not exist.  Currently there is a new proposal from the federal government (via Freddie Mac) to insure second mortgages/home equity lines of credit similar to first...
Economy not as solid as headline numbers suggest

Economy not as solid as headline numbers suggest

It is interesting that the market continues to focus on interest rates and employment as the barometer for the economy while totally ignoring one metric.  As a lender I just did an analysis on our portfolio and one metric jumped off (chart above is my portfolio).  In...
Will realtors’ settlement lower home prices?

Will realtors’ settlement lower home prices?

The big premise of the commission lawsuit against the national association of realtors is that high commission fees were one of the leading drivers of real estate prices.  How true is this statement?  Will the new commission structure for realtors lead to a reduction...
Interest rates jump again, are they really going to decline this year?

Interest rates jump again, are they really going to decline this year?

As suspected the March consumer price index came in hotter than expected which should be no surprise to anyone buying groceries, going out to eat, or traveling, everything is considerably more expensive and there continues to be insatiable demand.  What does this mean...