Word is making the rounds the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will need a U. S. Treasury bailout when the fiscal year ends, as HousingWire has learned from a report by Reuters. There was a suggestion several months ago from FHA and the White House of a possible need for a […]
FHA Bailout may be Impending—Price Tag Nearly a Billlion Read More
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reports August sales of new, single-family homes rose 7.9 percent to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of 421,000 units, offsetting a slight decline in July resulting from a rise in mortgage rates. Says NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe, “We are only about halfway
New Home Sales Rise in August Read More
The Chief Economist of the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University forecasts higher prices, reduced inventory and more home sales in 2014 for the state. Mark Dotzour says, “If you are a real estate professional in Texas, I would suggest that you not take a vacation at all in
Mark Dotzour: Texas Housing Recovery in Full Swing Read More
Of the 30 largest metropolitan areas that the Zillow Real Estate Market report analyzes, 20 experienced annual home value increases of at least ten percent in August, the most significant of which were in California cities—Sacramento rose 34.1 percent—plus Las Vegas and Phoenix. Overall, 85 percent of the 382 markets
Home Values Spike, especially out West Read More
A USA Today survey of Census Bureau data reveals the Millennial Generation, those between 25 and 34, buoyed the renters’ ranks by some one million from 2006 to 2011, while homeownership dropped nearly 1.4 million. For some of that generation renting is a result of liftstyle and finances—they may take
Millennials not Quick to Buy Home Read More
A “future-of-housing” forum sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in Washington, D. C., with housing industry experts and Senators Bob Corker (R-TN), Jon Tester (D-MT) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) indicated most participants agree the private sector should play a greater role in mortgage financing, but with some
Support for Governmental Backstop for Mortgage Financing Remains Read More
According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), builder confidence in the market for new, single-family homes remained unchanged in Sept. at 58. “While builder confidence is holding at the highest level in nearly eight years, many are reporting some hesitancy on the
Builder Confidence Holds Steady in September Read More
In yet another testament to the spreading of manufactured housing sales radiating from the Bakken oil fields in western North Dakota, Shult Homes of Redwood County in southwestern Minnesota is feeling the flourish of the upturn. Shult’s Jeff Wedan says the positive effect is hitting the manufactured home industry in
Bakken Continues to Spur Manufactured Home Industry Read More
As Congress returns from its recess it has a plate full of Syria, possibility of a government shutdown Sept. 30, expiring Farm Bills to consider, and the divisive Keystone pipeline. Unless Congress can agree to pass a continuing funding resolution (CR) by month’s end, federal programs and services will cease.
GSE Reform may be Overshadowed by Shutdown and Debt Limit Debates Read More
Mortgage applications fell 13.5 percent from last week, and the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rate rose from 4.51 percent to 4.57 percent this week, according to HousingWire. Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reports the Refinance Index fell 20 percent from the previous week, and 71 percent from the week of May 3.
Rising Mortgage Rates=an Improved Economy? Read More
Rep. Patrick McHenry, (R-N.C.) rapped Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Director Richard Cordray for suggesting credit unions make mortgages to borrowers they see as a reasonable credit risk even though they fall outside the guidelines of the qualified mortgage (QM) rule. Rep. McHenry says that is opening the door for
Congressman Criticizes Cordray Read More
The lack of first-time homebuyers who are choosing to rent or remain with their parents is causing concern among industry experts. In addition, many young adults only remain at their jobs for two of three years resulting in the lack of interest in being tied to a mortgage. MHProNews has
Housing Recovery Sidetracked by Dearth of First-Time Homebuyers? Read More
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reports 44 markets have been added to the First American Improving Markets Index (IMI) for Sept., bringing the number to 291, the highest number since the index began two years ago. Based on improvement in housing permits, employment and home prices for at
Improving Housing Market Hits Highest Level Read More
According to statistics gathered on behalf of the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), manufactured housing production rose in July, 2013 to 4,793 HUD Code homes, an increase of 13.5 percent over the 4,221 homes produced in July, 2012. The Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform (MHARR)
Manufactured Home Production Continues to Rise Read More
Financial consulting firm D. A. Davidson, which provides advice on a wide range of financial products, has changed their comment on Universal Forest Products Inc. (UFPI) from neutral to buy, according to streetinsider.com. UFPI closed up +2.99% in trading, Thurs., Sept. 5, including after hours, to end at 38.12. The
Bet on Universal Forest Products Inc. Read More
A National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) survey reveals a shortage of buildable lots is contributing to the lack of a more robust housing market recovery. “In our August 2013 survey, 59 percent of builders reported that the supply of lots in their markets was low or very low—up from
Lot Shortage Sidetracks New Home Construction Read More
RSI’s modular home factory in Mira Loma, California has begun production once again, as pent-up demand, rising home prices, low for sale inventory and the need for affordable housing hits southern CA. Acquiring land during the housing downturn, the company has 100 lots in Orange County, plus numerous in-fill lots
Firm Resumes Modular Home Production Read More
The Manufactured Housing Institute reminds industry members that the Preserving Access to Manufactured Housing Act (H.R. 1779) has 50 co-sponsors and needs more support. The measure would preserve access to those seeking financing to purchase manufactured housing. Congress is on recess until Sept. 9, and MHProNews understands many representatives are
Time to Support H.R. 1779 is Now Read More
While 75 of the largest metropolitan housing markets across the country are posting a recovery index of over 100, which according to RealtyTrac means those markets are recovering faster than the national average, 63 markets continue to have at least 20 percent of homes underwater. Foreclosure is beyond its highest
Housing Recovery is Real Despite a Few Bumps in the Road Read More
Adding to a story MHProNews posted August 2, 2013 about June’s production of manufactured homes increasing 5.1 percent year-over-year, and production for the year having risen the same percent over last year, the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) reports production of single and multi-section homes both increased. Additionally, total floors shipped
Total Floors Shipped in June Rose 4.7% Read More
