Buy vs rent: 70% more expensive. What About Real Estate Prices?

Buy vs rent: 70% more expensive. What About Real Estate Prices?

  There is a huge premium to buying a property compared to renting.  It is now 70% more expensive to buy vs rent a property, which is considerably higher than at any time in the last fifty years.  What is causing the large divergence in renting vs buying?  What...
Warning sign? sales drop 34%, impact on real estate

Warning sign? sales drop 34%, impact on real estate

The economy is currently in a “transition” phase.  To determine if the sun is setting on our current cycle, it is critical to watch for leading indicators of where we might be heading.  One of the strongest predictors of a recession is consumer purchases of one...
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...
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...