Last week's economic releases included readings on new and pending home sales, Case-Shiller index readings for September, and construction spending. Weekly readings on new jobless claims and mortgage rates were also released. Home Price Growth Driven by Shortage of Homes for Sale Case-Shiller Home Price Indices reported 6.20 percent growth in home prices year-over-year in September as compared to August's reading of 6.00 percent year-over-year growth for August. September's reading was the … [Read more...]

Last week's economic reports included readings on pre-owned home sales, weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims and consumer sentiment. The weekly news cycle was shorter due to the Thanksgiving holidays on Thursday and Friday. Sales of Previously-Owned Homes Jump in October Sales of previously owned homes grew by 1.20 percent in October as compared to September's reading of 0.10 percent growth month-to-month and indicated a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.48 million sales. … [Read more...]

Last week's economic news included remarks by Fed Chair Janet Yellen about the diversity of opinions in the Federal Open Market Committee, readings on inflation, and the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index. The Commerce Department issued reports on housing starts and building permits issued; Freddie Mac and the Commerce Department issued weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims. Fed Chair Discusses Pros and Cons of Diverse Opinions Among Policymakers During … [Read more...]

Last week's economic news included a survey of senior loan officers, Freddie Mac's average mortgage rates, and new jobless claims. An index reading for consumer sentiment was also reported. Loan Officers: Standards for Residential Real Estate Loans Eased or Unchanged According to the Federal Reserve's Survey of Senior Loan Officers,72 institutions surveyed reported that all types of residential real estate loans saw easing of lending standards or no change in lending requirements. Demand for … [Read more...]