National Mortgage Rate Virtually Unchanged

The national average mortgage rate is 4.48% this week for 30 year fixed-rate loans; it was 4.47% last week. 15-year rate average is 3.52%. Buyers should always investigate the possibility of a 15-year loan. In some cases a few more dollars each month can translate to thousands saved over the life of a mortgage.

Slow growth in consumer spending is keeping inflation at bay but as the economy improves it will be necessary to raise rates. (the opinion of this charlatan economist). What this means to you is; it is unlikely rates will be any more favorable than they are right now.  If you've been putting off refinancing or making a purchase, now is the time to make your move.

National Average Mortgage Rate

The national average mortgage rate is 4.42% this week for 30 year fixed-rate loans; it was 4.46% last week. 15-year rate average is 3.32%. Buyers should always investigate the possibility of a 15-year loan. In some cases a few more dollars each month can translate to thousands saved over the life of a mortgage.

Slow growth in consumer spending is keeping inflation at bay but as the economy improves it will be necessary to raise rates. (the opinion of this charlatan economist). What this means to you is; it is unlikely rates will be any more favorable than they are right now. If you've been putting off refinancing or making a purchase, now is the time to make your move.

Average Mortgage Rate Edges Up

The national average mortgage rate is 4.46% this week for 30 year fixed-rate loans; it was 4.29% last week. 15-year rate average is 3.47%. Buyers should always investigate the possibility of a 15-year loan. In some cases a few more dollars each month can translate to thousands saved over the life of a mortgage.

Slow growth in consumer spending is keeping inflation at bay but as the economy improves it will be necessary to raise rates. (the opinion of this charlatan economist). What this means to you is; it is unlikely rates will be any more favorable than they are right now.  If you've been putting off refinancing or making a purchase, now is the time to make your move.

Case Shiller Value Index

The Case Shiller Value Index report for September was released today. Single Family Home value in South Florida rose 0.78% between August and September.

This report and statistics from Realtors suggest the market may be cooling a bit, but it's still a great recovery!  If you have thoughts of selling your property, now would be a very good time.  Prices are much higher than a year or so ago but we can't depend on the trend continuing indefinitely and increasing interest rates may shut buyers out eventually.  So sell now while prices and affordability are high.

Stocks UP UP UP...National Average Mortgage Rate Down

The national average mortgage rate is 4.22% this week for 30 year fixed-rate loans; it was 4.35% last week. 15-year rate average is 3.27%. Buyers should always investigate the possibility of a 15-year loan. In some cases a few more dollars each month can translate to thousands saved over the life of a mortgage.

Slow growth in consumer spending is keeping inflation at bay but as the economy improves it will be necessary to raise rates. (the opinion of this charlatan economist). What this means to you is; it is unlikely rates will be any more favorable than they are right now.  If you've been putting off refinancing or making a purchase, now is the time to make your move.

National Average Mortgage Rate

The national average mortgage rate is 4.35% this week for 30 year fixed-rate loans; it was 4.16% last week. 15-year rate average is 3.35%. Buyers should always investigate the possibility of a 15-year loan. In some cases a few more dollars each month can translate to thousands saved over the life of a mortgage.

Slow growth in consumer spending is keeping inflation at bay but as the economy improves it will be necessary to raise rates. (the opinion of this charlatan economist). What this means to you is; it is unlikely rates will be any more favorable than they are right now. If you've been putting off refinancing or making a purchase, now is the time to make your move

National Average Mortgage Rate

The national average mortgage rate is 4.16% this week for 30 year fixed-rate loans; it was 4.10% last week. 15-year rate average is 3.27%. Buyers should always investigate the possibility of a 15-year loan. In some cases a few more dollars each month can translate to thousands saved over the life of a mortgage.

Slow growth in consumer spending is keeping inflation at bay but as the economy improves it will be necessary to raise rates. (the opinion of this charlatan economist). What this means to you is; it is unlikely rates will be any more favorable than they are right now.  If you've been putting off refinancing or making a purchase, now is the time to make your move.

National Average Mortgage Rate

The national average mortgage rate is 4.10% this week for 30 year fixed-rate loans; it was 4.13% last week. 15-year rate average is 3.20%. Buyers should always investigate the possibility of a 15-year loan. In some cases a few more dollars each month can translate to thousands saved over the life of a mortgage.

Slow growth in consumer spending is keeping inflation at bay but as the economy improves it will be necessary to raise rates. (the opinion of this charlatan economist). What this means to you is; it is unlikely rates will be any more favorable than they are right now.  If you've been putting off refinancing or making a purchase, now is the time to make your move.

Case Shiller Value Index for South Florida

The Case Shiller Value Index report for August was released today. Single Family Home value in South Florida rose 0.79% between July and August.  This report and statistics from Realtors suggest the market may be cooling a bit, but it's still a great recovery!  If you have thoughts of selling your property, now would be a very good time.  Prices are much higher than a year or so ago but we can't depend on the trend continuing indefinitely and increasing interest rates may shut buyers out eventually.  So sell now while prices and affordability are high.

4-Month Low for the Average National Mortgage Rate

The national average mortgage rate is 4.13% this week for 30 year fixed-rate loans; it was 4.28% last week. 15-year rate average is 3.24%. Buyers should always investigate the possibility of a 15-year loan. In some cases a few more dollars each month can translate to thousands saved over the life of a mortgage.

Slow growth in consumer spending is keeping inflation at bay but as the economy improves it will be necessary to raise rates. (the opinion of this charlatan economist). What this means to you is; it is unlikely rates will be any more favorable than they are right now.  If you've been putting off refinancing or making a purchase, now is the time to make your move.

Average Mortgage Rate Edges Up

Despite the madness in Washington this week, the average national mortgage rate edged up only slightly.  The rate is 4.28% this week for 30 year fixed-rate loans; it was 4.23% last week. 15-year rate average is 3.33%. Buyers should always investigate the possibility of a 15-year loan. In some cases a few more dollars each month can translate to thousands saved over the life of a mortgage.

Slow growth in consumer spending is keeping inflation at bay but as the economy improves it will be necessary to raise rates. (the opinion of this charlatan economist). What this means to you is; it is unlikely rates will be any more favorable than they are right now.  If you've been putting off refinancing or making a purchase, now is the time to make your move.

National Average Mortgage Rate

The national average mortgage rate is 4.23% this week for 30 year fixed-rate loans; it was 4.22% last week. 15-year rate average is 3.31%. Buyers should always investigate the possibility of a 15-year loan. In some cases a few more dollars each month can translate to thousands saved over the life of a mortgage.

Slow growth in consumer spending is keeping inflation at bay but as the economy improves it will be necessary to raise rates. (the opinion of this charlatan economist). What this means to you is; it is unlikely rates will be any more favorable than they are right now.  If you've been putting off refinancing or making a purchase, now is the time to make your move.

So Much for my Assertion that Rates are on an Inexorable Climb....

The national average mortgage rate is 4.22% this week for 30 year fixed-rate loans; it was 4.32% last week. 15-year rate average is 3.29%. Buyers should always investigate the possibility of a 15-year loan. In some cases a few more dollars each month can translate to thousands saved over the life of a mortgage.

Slow growth in consumer spending is keeping inflation at bay but as the economy improves it will be necessary to raise rates. (the opinion of this charlatan economist). What this means to you is; it is unlikely rates will be any more favorable than they are right now. If you've been putting off refinancing or making a purchase, now is the time to make your move.

Average National Mortgage Rate

The national average mortgage rate is 4.32% this week for 30 year fixed-rate loans; it was 4.50% last week. 15-year rate average is 3.37%. Buyers should always investigate the possibility of a 15-year loan. In some cases a few more dollars each month can translate to thousands saved over the life of a mortgage.

Slow growth in consumer spending is keeping inflation at bay but as the economy improves it will be necessary to raise rates. (the opinion of this charlatan economist). What this means to you is; it is unlikely rates will be any more favorable than they are right now. If you've been putting off refinancing or making a purchase, now is the time to make your move.

Case/Shiller Value Index Continues Upward Trend-Lovin' the Recovery!

The Case Shiller Value Index report for July was released Yesterday. Single Family Home value in South Florida rose 1.18% between June and July.  Compiling the increases through July, values are up just under 11% for 2013.  If you have thoughts of selling your property, now would be a very good time.  Prices are much higher than a year or so ago but we can't depend on the trend continuing indefinitely since increasing interest rates will shut buyers out eventually.  So sell now while prices and affordability are high.

National Average Mortgage Rate

The national average mortgage rate is 4.57% this week for 30 year fixed-rate loans; unchanged from last week. 15-year rate average is 3.59%. Buyers should always investigate the possibility of a 15-year loan. In some cases a few more dollars each month can translate to thousands saved over the life of a mortgage.

Slow growth in consumer spending is keeping inflation at bay but as the economy improves it will be necessary to raise rates. (the opinion of this charlatan economist). What this means to you is; it is unlikely rates will be any more favorable than they are right now.  If you've been putting off refinancing or making a purchase, now is the time to make your move.

National Average Mortgage Rate 4.57%

The national average
mortgage rate is 4.57% this week for 30 year fixed-rate loans; it was 4.51% last week. 15-year rate average is 3.59%. Buyers should always investigate the possibility of a 15-year loan. In some cases a few more dollars each month can translate to thousands saved over the life of a mortgage.

Slow growth in consumer spending is keeping inflation at bay but as the economy improves it will be necessary to raise rates. (the opinion of this charlatan economist). What this means to you is; it is unlikely rates will be any more favorable than they are right now.  If you've been putting off refinancing or making a purchase, now is the time to make your move.

National Average Mortgage Rate Reacts to "Taper Turbulence"

The national average mortgage rate is 4.51% this week for 30 year fixed-rate loans; it was 4.58% last week. 15-year rate average is 3.54%. Buyers should always investigate the possibility of a 15-year loan. In some cases a few more dollars each month can translate to thousands saved over the life of a mortgage.

Slow growth in consumer spending is keeping inflation at bay but as the economy improves it will be necessary to raise rates. (the opinion of this charlatan economist). What this means to you is; it is unlikely rates will be any more favorable than they are right now. If you've been putting off refinancing or making a purchase, now is the time to make your move.

Case Shiller Value Index for South Florida-June

The Case Shiller Value Index report for June was released today. Single Family Home value in South Florida rose 2.06% between May and June.  This month's increase shows a bit of cooling off from the previous three months.  So let's enjoy the recovery!  If you have thoughts of selling your property, now would be a very good time.  Prices are much higher than a year or so ago but we can't depend on the trend continuing indefinitely since increasing interest rates will shut buyers out eventually.  So sell now while prices and affordability are high.

Average Mortgage Rate Rises with Treasury Yields

The national average mortgage rate is 4.58% this week for 30 year fixed-rate loans; it was 4.40% last week. 15-year rate average is 3.60%. Buyers should always investigate the possibility of a 15-year loan. In some cases a few more dollars each month can translate to thousands saved over the life of a mortgage.

Slow growth in consumer spending is keeping inflation at bay but as the economy improves it will be necessary to raise rates. (the opinion of this charlatan economist). What this means to you is; it is unlikely rates will be any more favorable than they are right now.  If you've been putting off refinancing or making a purchase, now is the time to make your move. http://ow.ly/i/2xkt0 undefined

Average Mortgage Rate

The national average mortgage rate is 4.40% this week for 30 year fixed-rate loans; it was 4.29% last week. 15-year rate average is 3.43%. Buyers should always investigate the possibility of a 15-year loan. In some cases a few more dollars each month can translate to thousands saved over the life of a mortgage.

Slow growth in consumer spending is keeping inflation at bay but as the economy improves it will be necessary to raise rates. (the opinion of this charlatan economist). What this means to you is; it is unlikely rates will be any more favorable than they are right now. If you've been putting off refinancing or making a purchase, now is the time to make your move.

South Florida Home Values Up Again-Now Would be a Very Good Time to Sell

The Case Shiller Value Index report for May was released today. Single Family Home value in South Florida shot up 2.58% between April and May. Just for a little context, the hi

ghest month-over-month increase during the boom was 2.76% in April and June 2005. I'm a bit wary of the numbers but not overly concerned yet since the toxic outside cause of the mid-decade boom (securitized mortgages) is not present this time. So let's enjoy the recovery! If you have thoughts of selling your property, now would be a very good time. Prices are much higher than a year or so ago but we can't depend on the trend continuing indefinitely since increasing interest rates will shut buyers out eventually. So sell now while prices and affordability are high.

Average Mortgage Rate Up Substantially

The national average mortgage rate is 4.46% this week for 30 year fixed-rate loans; it was 3.93% last week. 15-year rate average is 3.50%. Buyers should always investigate the possibility of a 15-year loan. In some cases a few more dollars each month can translate to thousands saved over the life of a mortgage.

Slow growth in consumer spending is keeping inflation at bay but as the economy improves it will be necessary to raise rates. (the opinion of this charlatan economist). What this means to you is; it is unlikely rates will be any more favorable than they are right now.  If you've been putting off refinancing or making a purchase, now is the time to make your move. 

BIG Spike in Month-Over-Month Home Value

The Case Shiller Value Index report for April was released today. Single Family Home value in South Florida shot up 2.41% between March and April.  The last time we saw an increase at this level was September 2005.  Savvy readers will recall that September 2005 was the peak of the boom that preceded the now-legendary bust in real estate and most of the rest of the economy.  I'm a bit wary of the numbers but not overly concerned yet since the toxic outside cause of the mid-decade boom (securitized mortgages) is not present this time.  So let's enjoy the recovery, make purchases quickly to take advantage of still-low mortgage interest rates....and tune in next month.

Home Values Up Throughout the Country

Joining the chorus of rosy housing reports, March 2013 Data from the Case-Shiller Home Value Index were released today with all 20 cities measured reporting annual gains.  Fort Lauderdale/Miami registered a healthy 1.25% increase month-to-month and a 10.75% increase compared to March of last year.

Home Value News Still Rosy

The Case-Shiller Home Value Index for February 2013 was released today and the picture is still bright for homeowners.  The index, which monitors home values in 20 cities (including Miami/Fort Lauderdale) states that values have recovered to 2003 levels (just before the boom) which is great since we were seeing values down in the 2000 to 2001 range at the market's bottom in the third quarter of 2011.

In February (the most recent month measured by the Index) values rose 10.38% over February 2012 and 2.48% compared to the month before.

Home Value Recovery Continues

The value of single family homes in South Florida increased just under eight-tenths of one percent between December and January.  Results of the Case Shiller Value Indices released today record an increase of 10.77% since January 2012.  Our area is strongly participating in the national recovery with all 20 cities (metropolitan statistical areas-MSAs) measured by the Indices experiencing year-over-year increases with 19 of the 20 increasing at an accelerating rate.

Home Values UP over 10% in 2012!

The headlines and sound bytes have finally been substantiated by my favorite real estate yardstick, the Case Shiller Value Index:  2012 was a very good year.  I like the CSVI because rather than comparing aggregate sales amounts, the CSVI compares the price of each property sold in a period (e.g. December 2012) to that property’s previous selling price and crunches it into an index with all other sales in that month. I report the change in these index figures in these updates.   

The attached graphic shows month-over-month value change.  As you can see, 2012 had 11 months of increasing value and ended with 10.65% growth for the year.  This is the first year the index hasn’t declined since 2006.  Some may be concerned that growth at this rate suggests the beginning of another bubble, but I’m not too concerned since the methodology of the index reflects purchases of distressed homes that were rehabilitated and sold at market value.  As we work through the inventory of foreclosures/short sales, the market should return to a sustainable (dare I say healthy) level. 

Is the LOW Mortgage Rate Party Over?

The national average mortgage rate is 3.54% this week for 30 year fixed-rate loans; it was 3.34% last week. The repeated record-low rates over the last several months have, in reality, been indicators of how bad the economy was.  Solid year-end housing numbers and other positive economic news pushed rates higher this week. While low rates have been nice, (still) reasonable rates AND an improving economy are much better.

15-year rate average is 2.81%. Buyers should always investigate the possibility of a 15-year loan. In some cases a few more dollars each month can translate to thousands saved over the life of a mortgage.

Home Prices Up

The Case Shiller Home Price Indices for November 2012 were released this morning with South Florida back in positive territory in the month-over-month measurement (there was a slight decline in last month's report).  Prices rose three-fourths of one percent in the month, were just under 10% above November 2011 and racks up an increase of 9.75% for January-November 2012.

This study includes 20 metropolitan areas with 19 increasing in November.  The greatest increases are being experienced in Phoenix where prices were up almost over 23% over the twelve months ending in November.

Canadians Sense Chinese Competition for Florida Real Estate

Here's an interesting article from Toronto addressing concern that Florida real estate isn't as easy to pick up as it used to be.  http://www.thestar.com/business/article/1313408--snowbirds-facing-new-headwinds-in-florida-real-estate-markets