House prices hit another record, what is now driving house prices?

House prices hit another record, what is now driving house prices?

It is astonishing that house prices continue higher in the face of high interest rates and a slowing economy.  The media keeps pinning the continued appreciation on lack of supply even while listings in places like Denver have jumped 33% year over year.  What is...
70 Percent more expensive to buy vs rent.  What does this mean for real estate prices?

70 Percent more expensive to buy vs rent.  What does this mean for 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 does...
70 Percent more expensive to buy vs rent.  What does this mean for 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...
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...
Will mortgage rates fall significantly in 2024?

Will mortgage rates fall significantly in 2024?

When I was writing this article 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.  Where do...