Pending home sales retreated in August but remained at a healthy level of activity and have now risen year–over–year for 12 consecutive months, according to the National Association of Realtors. A modest increase in the West was offset by declines in all other regions. The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward–looking indicator based on contract signings, decreased 1.4 percent … [Read more...] about Pending home sales retreat again in August but remain at healthy level
real estate
Home buying process involves greater technology, realtor use
Even though more consumers are using the Internet as a tool during their home search, buyers are increasingly utilizing the knowledge and expertise of a real estate agent, according to the National Association of Realtors' Real Estate in a Digital Age report. "Consumers have the ability to do more home buying research online and be more connected during the home search … [Read more...] about Home buying process involves greater technology, realtor use
Getting a mortgage no easier than a year ago
Access to mortgage credit tightened in the first quarter of 2015, according to the Zillow Mortgage Access Index (ZMAI). It had been getting progressively easier to obtain a mortgage since 2012, but the first several months of this year marked a pause in easing access to mortgage credit. Mortgage credit availability is almost unchanged from a year ago, meaning despite … [Read more...] about Getting a mortgage no easier than a year ago
Renting less affordable than ever before
Paying for a mortgage is still affordable, while rent takes up more income than ever in most major metro areas, according to a Zillow analysis of U.S. rental and mortgage affordability in the second quarter of 2015. Rental affordability worsened over the last year, while mortgage affordability stayed essentially the same. Renters in the U.S. can expect to put 30.2 percent of … [Read more...] about Renting less affordable than ever before
Inventory down again, offering home shoppers little relief
There were fewer homes for sale in June than there were a year ago, increasing competition for potential buyers this home shopping season. Most of these declines were among the lowest-valued homes sought by first-time homebuyers, according to the first quarter Zillow Real Estate Market Reports. In the lowest-priced third of homes for sale, the inventory homes on the market … [Read more...] about Inventory down again, offering home shoppers little relief