Author Archives: Bob Phillips

Building Permits Rise In All 4 Regions

According to the Census Bureau, seasonally-adjusted, single-family Housing Starts rebounded in March, increasing 8 percent over February’s 2-year low. Continue reading

Share
Posted in Housing Analysis | Tagged | Leave a comment

As Buyer Traffic Grows, Homebuilder Confidence Slips

According to the National Association of Homebuilders, the Housing Market Index slipped one point to 16 in April. It’s the 5th time in 6 months that the index read 16 — a figure exactly in line with the 1-year average, but still considered “poor”. Continue reading

Share
Posted in Housing Analysis | Tagged | Leave a comment

What's Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week : April 18, 2011

Mortgage markets improved last week, buoyed by two days of out-sized gains. Mortgage rates bounced off their 8-week highs. Continue reading

Share
Posted in Mortgage Rates | Tagged | Leave a comment

Foreclosures Drop 35 Percent Year-Over-Year

According to foreclosure-tracking firm RealtyTrac, the number of national foreclosure filings plunged 35 percent in March 2011 as compared to March 2010, a statistic that reflects a more healthy housing market and more robust outlook for 2011. Continue reading

Share
Posted in Housing Analysis | Tagged | Leave a comment

Inflation Pressures Mounting; Mortgage Rates Rising

The March CPI data is expected to show an increase in the cost of living for the 17th straight month — a reading that would take CPI to an all-time high. This would be awful for mortgage rates. Continue reading

Share
Posted in The Economy | Tagged | Leave a comment

Get Your Applications In : FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums Rising 0.25 Percent April 18, 2011

Beginning with FHA Case Numbers assigned April 18, 2011, mortgage insurance premiums will be higher by 25 basis points per year, or 0.25%. Continue reading

Share
Posted in Mortgage Guidelines | Tagged | Leave a comment

Retail Sales Report Should Spell Higher Mortgage Rates For Wednesday

Wednesday, the Census Bureau will release its March Retail Sales figures and the report is expected to show higher sales receipts for the 9th straight month. A strong reading like that should spell higher mortgage rates nationwide. Continue reading

Share
Posted in The Economy | Tagged | Leave a comment

What's Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week : April 11, 2011

Mortgage markets worsened last week as energy costs remained high, and jobs data looked strong. The safe haven buying that characterized the March mortgage market has subsided. Continue reading

Share
Posted in Mortgage Rates | Tagged | Leave a comment

Military Members : You Have 3 Weeks To Buy A Home, Claim Up To $8,000 In Tax Credits

If you’re an eligible federal employee or qualified military personnel, you have 3 weeks from this Saturday to use the federal home buyer tax credit, and to claim up to $8,000 in federal income tax credits. Continue reading

Share
Posted in Taxes | Tagged | Leave a comment

How Does Your Real Estate Tax Bill Compare To Other Parts Of The Country?

Compiling data from the 2009 American Community Survey, the Tax Foundation, a non-partisan educational organization in Washington D.C., published property taxes paid by owner-occupied households, county-by-county. Continue reading

Share
Posted in Rankings | Tagged | Leave a comment