17
Jul
By
Market Outlook , ,

NAHB: Home Builder Confidence Holds Steady

Home builder confidence remained steady at the highest reading in almost ten years according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Wells Fargo Housing Market Index for July. The latest reading of 60 for the index was identical to expectations and June's reading, which was revised to 60 from an initial reading of 59. The NAHB Wells Fargo Housing Market Index is based on readings of zero to 100 with readings over 50 indicating that a majority of home builders surveyed are confident about housing market conditions. July's reading was the 13th consecutive month of readings above 50. July's…
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20
Apr
By
Market Outlook , ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 20, 2015

Last week's economic reports included the NAHB Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, Housing Starts, and Freddie Mac's weekly survey of mortgage rates. Other news included the weekly jobless claims report and consumer sentiment for April. Mortgage Rates, Jobless Claims Rise Mortgage rates moved up according to Freddie Mac. The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage increased by one basis point to 3.67 percent. The average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage also increased by one basis point to 2.94 percent. The average rate for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages rose by five basis points to 2.88 percent. Discount…
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16
Apr
By
Market Outlook , ,

Home Builder Confidence Rises in April

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported that April's Housing Market Index rose from a reading of 52 in March to 56 for April. This is in line with warmer weather and the peak home buying season in spring and summer. Readings over 50 indicate that more builders view market conditions as positive as those who do not. NAHB members cited lower mortgage rates and better labor market conditions as reasons they expect more home buyers to enter the market. All Components of Builder Confidence Increase The NAHB Home Builder Index is calculated from three components. The reading for…
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