Last week's readings on new and existing home sales provided further evidence of strengthening housing markets. Both categories of home sales exceeded December's readings. Consumer sentiment was lower in February than for January and average rates were mixed with fixed rates higher and the rate for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages lower. Consumer sentiment lower in February. New and Previously-owned Home Sales Higher in January Home sales volume rose in January regardless of obstacles including … [Read more...]

Last week's economic releases included readings on housing starts, building permits issued and the National Association of Home Builders/ Wells Fargo Housing Market Index. Fed Chair Janet Yellen testified before the House Finance Committee and consumer spending and core consumer spending reports were also released. Mortgage rates and new jobless claims were little changed week-to-week. Home Builder Sentiment Slows as Industry Faces Obstacles NAHB reported lower reading for its January Housing … [Read more...]

Last week's scheduled economic readings were limited and included new jobless claims and Freddie Mac's mortgage rates survey. In other news, all types of mortgage applications rose by 2.30 percent this week as compared to the prior week. Mortgage Rates Lower, Home Loan Applications Rise Freddie Mac reported lower mortgage rates for fixed rate and 5/1 adjustable mortgages; the average rate for 30-year fixed rate mortgages dropped two basis points to 4.17 percent. Average rates for 15-year … [Read more...]

Last week's economic news included several good signs for U.S. Labor Markets with higher than expected readings for private and public sector job creation. The Federal Reserve announced its decision not to raise the target federal funds range, and inflation rose. Mortgage rates held steady and pending home sales rose. Private and Public Sector Jobs Post Unexpected Gains ADP, which tracks private-sector job growth, showed a gain of 246,000 jobs in January against expectations of 168,000 new jobs … [Read more...]