Dick Hughes's (americanbrokers) Blog

  The National Association of Realtors' Pending Home Sales Index is a forward-looking indicator that tracks contract signings, not closings. The index, which is released monthly, is a predictor of future existing-home sales. In December, the index fell 8.7 percent from November's downwardly revis...

  According to the Mortgage Bankers Association's Weekly Applications Survey, the average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages dropped again last week, falling to the lowest level since November. Rates decreased for loans with conforming and jumbo balances, as well as mortgages...

  Though prices usually weaken at the end of the year, the most recent S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices show year-over-year increases of nearly 14 percent in both the 10-city and 20-city Composites through the end of November 2013. The gains continue the upward trend of year-over-year improvem...

Fabulous, Large 1900 sq ft. third Floor condo with elevator in nice convenient area of North Fort Myers. Spacious grounds with community heated pool, Clubhouse, Barbecue, and much more!!.Community laundry Room on premises.55+ Community. No pets. 2 Flat screen TV's, 2 full bedrooms + Family Room w...

The Mortgage Credit Availability Index is a report from the Mortgage Bankers Association that calculates the availability of mortgage credit based on factors related to borrower eligibility, including credit score and loan type. In December, the index increased slightly, moving up 0.6 percent to ...

Homeowners are now above water for the first time in years.  The number of homeowners who owe more on their mortgage than their home is worth has fallen 47.5 percent since the beginning of 2012. According to the federal government’s most recent Housing Scorecard, released by the U.S. Department o...

  An estimated 428,000 new homes were sold in 2013, according to figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Last year, sales reached their highest level since 2008 and beat year-before figures by 16.4 percent. But despite the year-over-year imp...

  Economic growth is expected to gain momentum in the new year, according to Fannie Mae's Economic & Strategic Research Group. A rebound in consumer sentiment, an improving labor market, and the continued housing recovery are all expected to drive economic activity and boost consumer and business...

  According to the Mortgage Bankers Association's Weekly Applications Survey, the average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages fell last week, reaching its lowest level since November 2013. It was the second consecutive week of decreases after ending 2013 on an upward swing. Th...