It was a slow Winter in our real estate market but about like any Winter before COVID. Real Estate was still selling and some of our agents enjoyed tremendous success. As Spring settles in and interest rates continue to decline, I think Hampton … [Read more...]
Share of Refinances That Were HARP and 5% or More Underwater
The Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) was initiated in April of 2009 as a means for homeowners to take advantage of lower mortgage rates. Refinances have the double benefit of reducing the likelihood of default by making payments more … [Read more...]
Change in Employment: Q1 2013 vs. Q1 2012
Employment growth has been positive in all but 24 or of the 164 markets tracked by NAR Research over the 4-quarter period ending in March. This trend indicates that 85% of markets experienced an improvement in employment, which is important for the … [Read more...]
Price Recovery Strongest in Non-Judicial States
The price recovery continued to gain momentum in the 1st quarter of 2013. The strongest gains relative to the same time period in 2012 were concentrated in the sand states as well as the industrial Midwest, both of which were hit hard during the … [Read more...]
Monthly Payment as a Percentage of Income
In the wake of the housing recession, the sharp decline in median home prices and record low mortgage rates combined to boost affordability to record levels in nearly all markets. Affordability varies greatly across markets, though, even when … [Read more...]
Change in Personal Bankruptcies: 2012 vs. 2011
Personal bankruptcies tend to rise during periods of economic distress due to job loss and loss or reduction of income. Not surprisingly, this pattern was evident during this most recent economic downturn when bankruptcies rose nationally to a peak … [Read more...]
