WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 13, 2024) – The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) Builder Application Survey (BAS) data for May 2024 shows mortgage applications for new home purchases increased 13.8% compared from a year ago. Compared to April 2024, applications increased by 1%. This change does not include any adjustment for typical seasonal patterns. “There continues to be […]

The housing markets in Snohomish, Island, and Skagit counties are shifting gears in 2024. While home prices remain high, the breakneck pace of appreciation seen in recent years is starting to slow down. Here are some trends we are seeing: What’s Driving the Change? Rising mortgage rates are making homeownership more expensive, potentially impacting affordability […]

This homebuying season is expected to be extremely competitive, especially for first-time buyers who face the challenge of saving for a down payment. According to a 2024 Bankrate survey, nearly one-third of aspiring homeowners (30%) say it will take at least five years or longer to save enough money for a home, while 10% say it […]

The amount of money a homebuyer puts down to purchase a home hit a historic high at the end of 2023, but that sum is finally falling. A new report from Realtor.com® shows that the median down payment homebuyers laid on the closing table in the first three months of 2024 was an average of 13.6%—which translates […]

Navigating the intricacies of private mortgage insurance (MI) can be a daunting task for borrowers, but the benefits can really add up! They include: ·        Increased buying power: Because MI makes it possible to buy a home with less than 20% down, homebuyers can reach savings goals faster and become homeowners sooner than otherwise possible. ·        Expanded cash […]

Home prices continued their upward trend in February, defying high mortgage rates and low inventory of homes for sale. The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller national housing index rose 6.4% from February a year ago and up from the 6% annual increase registered in January.  San Diego led the way with an 11.4% annual increase, while Chicago and […]

A mortgage rate is highly subjective and can vary for a variety of reasons.  A news story that provides an outright level like 7.5% requires context and qualification.  Some online advertisements (especially among builders) could still be showing rates in the high 6’s.  Some borrowers will be seeing rates of 7.625 or higher.  Loans with less than 25% […]

While the rising cost of auto insurance is pushing up the official inflation rate, there is a stealth insurance cost that isn’t showing up in the consumer price index – homeowners insurance.  Along with high mortgage rates and record home prices, soaring insurance rates are just one more thing putting pressure on the cost of […]

A new report has revealed just how reluctant homeowners are to sell due to the attractiveness of their current mortgage rates.  The April ICE Mortgage Monitor report found that, on average, a homeowner’s payment would more than double if they traded up to a home just 25% more expensive. “After American mortgage holders secured some […]

Young Americans who have the means are turning to family for help with down payments as housing costs soar. Working a second job is also a popular way to save for a down payment, with 2 in 5 millennials and Gen Zers doing so.  More than one-third (36%) of Gen Zers and millennials who plan […]