Eye On Housing
Author Archives
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Consumer Confidence Surges to One-Year High
After a modest increase in February, consumer confidence surged to the highest level in a year, as consumers reporting a significantly more positive view of the job market and the economic growth. However, concerns about inflation may cause consumers to temper their spending in the coming months. The Consumer Confidence Index, reported by the Conference Board, rose 19.3 points from… Read More ›
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More Consumers Expect to Buy a House over Next 4 Months
The December Household Spending Survey, published by the New York Federal Reserve Bank, showed a modest increase in household spending over the past four months, and a surge in the median expectation for year-ahead household spending to highest level since August 2015. Only 2.2% of households bought house or apartment over the past four months, lower than the 3.8% in… Read More ›
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Existing Home Sales Drop to Six-Month Low Amid Low Inventory
Following two months of gains, existing home sales, as reported by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), dropped to a six-month low in February, as tight inventory continues to strain sales and fuel home prices. Storm effects due to a Southern winter storm also had an effect. Total existing home sales, including single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, fell 6.6%… Read More ›
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Pending Home Sales Dip Again in January
After reaching a record high in August, pending home sales slid for the fifth consecutive month, as surging home prices and low inventory constrain buyers. The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI), reported by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), is a forward-looking indicator based on signed contracts. The PHSI fell 2.8% from 126.4 in December to 122.8 in January, a… Read More ›
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Existing Home Sales Continue to Rise in January
Fueled by low mortgage interest rates and strong demand, existing home sales, as reported by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), increased to three-month high in January. But surging house prices and inventory shortages could limit demand and slow the market. Total existing home sales, including single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, rose 0.6% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate… Read More ›
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Homeownership Remains Primary Driver of Household Wealth
The 2019 Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF) showed improvements in economic well-being for many across income and wealth distributions over 2016 to 2019. The homeownership rate increased from a low of 63.7% in 2016 to 64.9% in 2019. Moreover, the primary residence continued to be the largest asset on the balance sheets of households in 2019 (Figure 1), accounting for about… Read More ›
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Pending Home Sales Continue to Fall Amid Low Inventory and Higher Prices
After reaching a record high in August, pending home sales slid for the fourth consecutive month, as surging home prices and low inventory started to impede the housing market. The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI), reported by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), is a forward-looking indicator based on signed contracts. The PHSI fell 0.3% from 125.9 in November to… Read More ›
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Existing Home Sales Reached 14-year High in 2020
As demand continues to be driven by low mortgage rates and a suburban shift for home-buying preference, existing home sales, as reported by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), ticked up in December and the annual sales tally reached the highest level since 2006. But surging house prices and inventory shortage could limit demand and slow the market. Total existing… Read More ›
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Pending Home Sales Dip in November
After reaching a record high in August, pending home sales slid for the third consecutive month, as fast-rising home prices and low inventory started to impede the housing market. Higher interest rates this week will present an additional challenge in future data. The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI), reported by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), is a forward-looking indicator… Read More ›
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Consumer Confidence Falls to 4-month Low in December
After a strong rebound in September, consumer confidence fell for the second consecutive month in December, as job growth continued to slow and more states re-imposed restrictions on business due to resurgence of COVID-19. The Consumer Confidence Index, reported by the Conference Board, dropped 4.3 points from 92.9 to 88.6 in December, the lowest level since August 2020. The Present… Read More ›