Will mortgage rates fall significantly in 2024?

Will mortgage rates fall significantly in 2024?

When I was writing this article mortgage rates were hovering right around 7%.  At the same time economists are predicting a sharp decline in mortgage rates and a booming 2024 real estate market.  On the other hand, the chart above shows a much different picture. ...
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...
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...
President Biden’s national rental regulations announced

President Biden’s national rental regulations announced

States have traditionally set rental regulations including zoning, evictions, etc… but that is all set to change with the president’s new proposal.  The federal government will now be assuming many of the powers that were granted to the states. The biggest change is...
Clearest sign yet commercial real estate is in big trouble

Clearest sign yet commercial real estate is in big trouble

Foreclosures are surging in a risky corner of commercial real-estate finance, offering one of the most profound signs yet that turmoil in the commercial property market is just beginning.  Lenders this year have issued a record number of foreclosure notices for...