Low Inventory Greatest Obstacles for Homebuyers

Low Inventory Greatest Obstacles for Homebuyers

Mortgage Rates, Ascending mortgage rates are starting to weigh on homebuyers nearly as much as low inventory, 

For its report,  surveyed 1,772 active homebuyers across the 22 markets it covers. Respondents hailed from all over the country. Out of those polled, 56 percent said rising rates have impacted their ability to buy a home “somewhat,” while an additional 7 percent said rates are impacting them “a lot.” When asked how rates have affected their home search, 33 percent said they’re speeding up their search before rates get too high, 20 percent said they’re slowing their search, and 1 percent have stopped looking altogether. 
Strengthening Economy Lifts Mortgage Rates  Signs of a stronger economy drove fixed-rate mortgages up near their highs for the year, Freddie Mac reports. 
See rates....

Equity-Backed Home Owners Resurface

Equity-Backed Home Owners Resurface

Ready for a Sell-Off? In the next 15 months, 8.3 million home owners — about 18 percent of home owners who have a mortgage — are expected to gain enough equity to be in a better position to sell their homes, September report on home equity. 

“Steadily rising home prices are lifting all boats in this housing market and should spill over into more inventory of homes for sale in the coming months,

”“Home owners who already have ample equity are quickly building on that equity, while the 8.3 million homeowners on the fence with little or no equity are on track to regain enough equity to sell before 2015 if home prices continue to increase at the rate of 1.33 percent per month that they have since bottoming out in March 2012.  Learn more...

We definitely see the investor market cooling.

We definitely see the investor market cooling.
Investors have placed high bets on housing in recent years, purchasing distressed homes in bulk. Now it may be time for them to prove that their bets are going to pay off. 

Investors have been cooling on the market recently because of rising home prices and a more limited inventory of distressed properties. Investors made up 16 percent of home buyers in June, a drop from 22 percent in February, according to the National Association of REALTORS(R). Instead of continuing on a home-buying spree, investors are now focusing on making sure the houses they have snatched up are profitable and occupied by renters, CNBC reports. 
Can Investors Make Good on Housing Bets? 

8.3M Homeowners on Verge of Positive Equity

8.3M Homeowners on Verge of Positive Equity

Study Finds: Home prices continue to appreciate nationwide, even amid rising borrowing costs due to an increase in mortgage rates. However, home prices may be showing some signs of slowing in the coming months, according to 2 housing reports released Tuesday.

Home prices nationwide rose 12.4 percent year over year in July, according to the latest report by CoreLogic. That marks the 17th consecutive month of growth in home prices. 

Home prices have rebounded so rapidly that RealtyTracis reporting 8.3 million borrowers who’ve been underwater are on track to have enough equity to sell their home within the next 15 months-without resorting to a short sale. Metro markets that boast the highest percentage of homes with resurfacing equity. See Markets

All-Time High 'Confidence in Multifamily'

All-Time High 'Confidence in Multifamily'

The apartment and condominium market continued to gain momentum in the second quarter with builders’ and developers’ confidence in the sector soaring to an all-time high, according to the National Association of Home Builders’ multifamily index. 

The index rose to its highest reading since 2003, which is the year the index began. 

The index of builders’ perceptions on market-rate rental properties rose to 67 during the second quarter, marking the 11th consecutive quarter above 50. The index also saw increases in builder sentiment over for-sale units and low-rent units in the apartment and condo market.  Learn more

Eagle Mountain, Utah 1 of 10 Youth Towns

Eagle Mountain, Utah 1 of 10 Youth Towns
These small towns from the Best Places database play host to the next gen of America. In Eagle Mountain, Utah, for example, the median age is just under 20 years old. Utah provides a wholesome, family friendly environment for its residents. 
All of the best qualities of life in Utah can be found in and around Eagle Mountain. 
Many real estate experts are pointing to Millennials as a major force behind the housing recovery. If that's true, then these 10 towns are in great shape.

Money Magazine recently ranked the youngest towns in America as part of its 'Best Places to Live' series. 

1. Eagle Mountain, Utah: 19.9 years old 

Residents frequently see abundant wildlife, including rabbits, foxes, coyotes, pronghorn antelope, elk, deer and bald eagles.

Down Payments Still An Issue

Down Payments Still An Issue

In QRM Plan: Banking regulators recently unveiled a new proposal on securitization standards, leaving out a controversial 20 percent minimum down payment requirement. The agencies have signaled, however, that the issue of down payments is still on the table.
New, softer proposed criteria for qualified residential mortgages (QRMs) include a question about whether regulators should reinstate a down payment restriction, with an even more stringent ratio of 30 percent. The 're-proposal' did not actually include a down payment requirement; but some of the discussion signals that the agencies could possibly restore some kind of down payment restriction in a final rule.
 All Eyes are on Mortgage Rates:'