The HomeArea.com Real Estate Market Monitor
Key Metrics and News for the Housing Industry in One Place

Market Indexes for December 2021

Months Supply

-26.57% YoY

At 0.95 (-23.55% MoM)
Historical

New Listings

-13.53% YoY

At 340,421 (-27.27% MoM)
Historical

Homes For Sale

-33.15% YoY

At 548,856 (-24.07% MoM)
Historical

New Construction

+11.82% YoY

At 153,200 (+16.24% MoM)
Historical

Home Sales

-8.96% YoY

At 575,418 (-0.68% MoM)
Historical

Sale Price

+15.36% YoY

At $383,000 (0.00% MoM)
Historical

Sale Price Per Sqft

+17.32% YoY

At $210 (0.00% MoM)
Historical

30yr-Fixed Mortgage

+15.67% YoY

At 3.10% (+0.98% MoM)
Historical

Headlines

Mortgage Coach and Sales Boomerang snag new investor

Jan 26, 2022 via housingwire.com LLR Partners announced its investment in Sales Boomerang and Mortgage Coach, two companies focused on borrower relationships. The post Mortgage Coach and Sales Boomerang snag new investor appeared first on HousingWire.

Will 2022 be a good year for real estate investors?

Jan 26, 2022 via housingwire.com Whether a real estate investor is a developer or a fix-and-flip expert, the good news is that demand isn't going away anytime soon. The post Will 2022 be a good year for real estate investors? appeared first on HousingWire.

New home sales rebound, but builders are still wary

Jan 26, 2022 via housingwire.com My rule of thumb for anticipating homebuilder behavior is based on the three-month average of housing supply. The post New home sales rebound, but builders are still wary appeared first on HousingWire.

FOMC indicates taper end in March, rate hike soon

Jan 26, 2022 via housingwire.com High inflation and a strong labor market has convinced FOMC officials of the need to raise interest rates "soon," though an exact timetable has not yet been disclosed. The post FOMC indicates taper end in March, rate hike soon appeared first on HousingWire.

UWM to credit borrowers up to $600 for their appraisal costs

Jan 26, 2022 via housingwire.com For the next two months, United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) will credit borrowers up to $600 for their appraisal costs, the lender said in a statement Wednesday. The post UWM to credit borrowers up to $600 for their appraisal costs appeared first on HousingWire.

'The Fed got the memo.' Here's what you can do to prepare for the coming rate hike

Jan 26, 2022 via cnbc.com The Fed will raise interest rates this year. Here's what that means for you.

Tech firm Polly bulks up to help modernize mortgage industry

Jan 26, 2022 via housingwire.com Polly, a Saas technology firm that operates a loan-trading platform, has raised $37 million through a new funding round, bringing the total raised from investors to $57 million. The post Tech firm Polly bulks up to help modernize mortgage industry appeared first on HousingWire.

Fintech startup Tomo breaks into jumbo mortgages

Jan 26, 2022 via housingwire.com Tomo, a fintech mortgage startup, is breaking into jumbo loans and looking to expand its territory to include Florida, Connecticut and Colorado. The post Fintech startup Tomo breaks into jumbo mortgages appeared first on HousingWire.

Freddie Mac updates risk mitigation requirements for the industry due to elevated cybersecurity threats

Jan 26, 2022 via housingwire.com According to a Q4 analysis by MISMO-certified wire and prevention fintech FundingShield, 42% of loans reviewed by the fintech firm had at least one risk finding, and of those loans, an average of 2.1 risk findings existed per transaction. The post Freddie Mac updates risk mitigation requirements for the industry due to elevated cybersecurity threats appeared first on HousingWire.

Consumer watchdog signals broad crackdown on hidden fees for banks, credit cards

Jan 26, 2022 via cnbc.com The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is asking consumers for input on so-called "junk" fees from a broad array of financial entities.

December New Home Sales: Overcoming Obstacles

Jan 26, 2022 via zillow.com New home sales rose in each of the final two months of 2021, a hopeful sign that builders are starting to overcome supply chain disruptions. The post December New Home Sales: Overcoming Obstacles appeared first on Zillow Research.

Mortgage refinance demand plunges 13% as interest rates climb toward two-year high

Jan 26, 2022 via cnbc.com As mortgage rates continue to rise, demand for refinances is plunging and homebuyers are struggling.

Rate pressure pushes down mortgage applications

Jan 26, 2022 via housingwire.com Mortgage apps fell 7.1% from the previous week, following an increase in rates to the highest level since the pandemic onset, MBA says. The post Rate pressure pushes down mortgage applications appeared first on HousingWire.

Opinion: Don't shrink the GSEs' market footprint ?

Jan 25, 2022 via housingwire.com The CHLA's Scott Olson asks: What is the proper role of the GSEs and what authority should FHFA have to shrink the GSEs' market footprint? The post Opinion: Don't shrink the GSEs’ market footprint ? appeared first on HousingWire.

Old Republic joins in on the title acquisition fun

Jan 25, 2022 via housingwire.com Another week, another sign of consolidation in the housing title industry. Old Republic Title announced Monday that its subsidiary, Old Republic National Title Insurance Company, acquired the operating assets of Mountain View Title & Escrow, Inc. on Friday. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. This acquisition adds nine office locations and 86 […] The post Old Republic joins in on the title acquisition fun appeared first on HousingWire.

Zillow's Open Market Home Price Appreciation Forecasting Methodology

Jan 25, 2022 via zillow.com What drives open market house price appreciation? Where will it be in a month or in a year? How about seasonal effects? Why do otherwise similar homes in some markets appreciate at different rates than in other areas? The post Zillow's Open Market Home Price Appreciation Forecasting Methodology appeared first on Zillow Research.

How will appraisal technology evolve in 2022?

Jan 25, 2022 via housingwire.com With desktop appraisals becoming a permanent fixture in the appraisal landscape, and the continued prevalence of appraisal waivers and alternative products, we can expect to see a lot of change in the coming year or two. The post How will appraisal technology evolve in 2022? appeared first on HousingWire.

Home prices surged in November, but at a slower rate than in October, S&P Case-Shiller says

Jan 25, 2022 via cnbc.com Even as the housing market entered its traditionally slower season in November, home prices showed big gains from a year ago.

Real estate billionaire Sam Zell says office space will recover 'much faster' than retail

Jan 25, 2022 via cnbc.com Demand for office space is likely to rebound from depressed Covid pandemic levels long before retail properties, Sam Zell told CNBC on Tuesday.

No Shot in the Arm: Why COVID Vaccination Rates Have Little Impact on Local Housing Dynamics

Jan 25, 2022 via zillow.com With the widespread rollout of COVID-19 vaccines beginning in early 2021, local vaccination rates were found to have little impact on housing market performance or long-term, strategic housing decisions - but did lengthen transaction times in less-vaccinated areas. The post No Shot in the Arm: Why COVID Vaccination Rates Have Little Impact on Local Housing Dynamics appeared first on Zillow Research.

'Cash is king' should be mantra for mortgage leaders

Jan 25, 2022 via housingwire.com In a challenging mortgage industry climate, it's vital to conserve cash. Here are some strategies to implement. The post ‘Cash is king’ should be mantra for mortgage leaders appeared first on HousingWire.

Private-label RMBS deals continue their hot streak

Jan 24, 2022 via housingwire.com The number of private-label RMBS offerings in January has climbed to 19, and we still have a week to go before the month is out. The post Private-label RMBS deals continue their hot streak appeared first on HousingWire.

What is a Condo? What You Need to Know Before Buying One

Jan 24, 2022 via redfin.com Condo ownership is a great fit for a variety of homebuyers. Find out the pros and cons of owning a condo and how to make the right investment for your homeownership goals. The post What is a Condo? What You Need to Know Before Buying One appeared first on Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling & More.

Most Popular Paint Colors to "Swatch" Out for in 2022

Jan 24, 2022 via redfin.com To help you pick the best interior hues for your home, we surveyed industry experts to share their popular paint color picks for 2022. Keep reading to see which hues and tones we'll be seeing more of this year. The post Most Popular Paint Colors to "Swatch" Out for in 2022 appeared first on Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling & More.

Stearns Lending to lay off 348 workers

Jan 24, 2022 via housingwire.com Stearns Lending will lay off 348 workers following the decision by Guaranteed Rate to discontinue its third-party wholesale channel. The post Stearns Lending to lay off 348 workers appeared first on HousingWire.

Rocket rolls out mortgage teams for brokers

Jan 24, 2022 via housingwire.com Rocket Pro TPO will pair each of its broker partners with a team of in-house mortgage experts, made up of underwriters, closing specialists and purchase title coordinators, to help brokers navigate the loan closing process. The post Rocket rolls out mortgage teams for brokers appeared first on HousingWire.

11 Lawn Care Tips to Fix Everyday Landscaping Problems

Jan 24, 2022 via redfin.com A healthy, green lawn goes a long way in giving your home major curb appeal. But maintaining a beautiful lawn can often be a difficult task. Every lawn is different, and with so many different variables to consider, it's easy to find yourself facing some common lawn care problems. Luckily, you can use these easy … 11 Lawn Care Tips to Fix Everyday Landscaping Problems Read More >> The post 11 Lawn Care Tips to Fix Everyday Landscaping Problems appeared first on Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling & More.

Caliber Home Loans CEO Sanjiv Das steps down

Jan 24, 2022 via housingwire.com Sanjiv Das, CEO of Caliber Home Loans, is stepping down as CEO of the company, less than one year after New Residential Investment Corp. (Newrez) acquired the mortgage lender and servicer, sources familiar with the situation confirmed. The post Caliber Home Loans CEO Sanjiv Das steps down appeared first on HousingWire.

The Mediterranean Style House: Blending Italian and Spanish Architecture

Jan 24, 2022 via redfin.com The Mediterranean style house embraces natural materials and indoor-outdoor living. Find out what other characteristics define this home style, making it a popular choice for homebuyers. The post The Mediterranean Style House: Blending Italian and Spanish Architecture appeared first on Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling & More.

The appraisal industry's governance problem

Jan 24, 2022 via housingwire.com A report, commissioned by the Appraisal Subcommittee and led by the National Fair Housing Alliance, found that the appraisal industry, in sharp contrast to other sectors in housing finance, has been allowed to police itself. The post The appraisal industry's governance problem appeared first on HousingWire.

Here's why it's so hard to buy a home right now

Jan 22, 2022 via cnbc.com The past year may have been a wild ride for homebuyers, but reports indicate that the housing market in 2022 could be even more competitive than in 2021.

Airbnb CEO says a future of flexible work and travel will give company a boost

Jan 21, 2022 via cnbc.com "If I can do my job from a house in Atlanta, that means a lot of people could travel all over the world and live, not just travel," Airbnb's CEO said Friday.

Flagstar to pay $3.6M over flood insurance violations

Jan 21, 2022 via housingwire.com The regulator said Flagstar violated the Flood Disaster Protection Act to "make, increase, extend, or renew loans" secured by properties in special flood hazard areas only after obtaining proof of adequate insurance. The post Flagstar to pay $3.6M over flood insurance violations appeared first on HousingWire.

Court authorizes class action against Carrington over servicing fees

Jan 21, 2022 via housingwire.com A federal appeals court ruled on Wednesday that borrowers can pursue a class action lawsuit against Carrington Mortgage Services regarding the fees it applied when collecting payments online or by phone. The post Court authorizes class action against Carrington over servicing fees appeared first on HousingWire.

The emerging ESG market is a diamond in the rough

Jan 21, 2022 via housingwire.com Hidden among all the fears of ESG greenwashing may be a framework for green RMBS, according to some experts working to develop investment standards. The post The emerging ESG market is a diamond in the rough appeared first on HousingWire.

Purchase mortgage volume projected to clear $2.1T in '22, '23

Jan 21, 2022 via housingwire.com Freddie Mac expects that home purchase mortgage originations will grow to $2.1 trillion in 2022 from $1.9 trillion in 2021. The GSE expects $2.2 trillion in purchase volume in 2023. The post Purchase mortgage volume projected to clear $2.1T in ’22, ’23 appeared first on HousingWire.

More than 5 million borrowers just missed their chance to save on a mortgage refinance

Jan 21, 2022 via cnbc.com Higher interest rates knocked out millions of borrowers from potential savings on a mortgage refinance.

How rookie agents are faring during the pandemic

Jan 21, 2022 via housingwire.com Lack of hands-on experience and unprecedented market conditions spurred by the pandemic pose biggest challenges to new real estate agents. The post How rookie agents are faring during the pandemic appeared first on HousingWire.

What Does TLC Mean in Real Estate? Why Agents Often Use this Subjective Term

Jan 21, 2022 via redfin.com TLC is a term in real estate that tells prospective buyers that the property requires some "tender loving care," but if you are willing to get your hands dirty, you may have found a good deal. The post What Does TLC Mean in Real Estate? Why Agents Often Use this Subjective Term appeared first on Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling & More.

Coalition pushes big changes to GSE Duty to Serve proposals

Jan 21, 2022 via housingwire.com On the heels of the Federal Housing Finance Agency's rejection of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's Duty to Serve plans, a coalition of housing groups have some ideas for how to beef them up. The post Coalition pushes big changes to GSE Duty to Serve proposals appeared first on HousingWire.

"I don't want to say we're archaic": Appraisal Institute president vows reform

Jan 20, 2022 via housingwire.com Appraisal Institute president Jody Bishop spoke to HousingWire about what he would like to change about the profession, while still advocating for its members. The post “I don’t want to say we’re archaic”: Appraisal Institute president vows reform appeared first on HousingWire.

December home sales drop 4.6%, as supply hits record low

Jan 20, 2022 via cnbc.com Home sales were weaker than expected in December as mortgage rates rise.

December Existing Home Sales: Starved for Choice

Jan 20, 2022 via zillow.com Existing home sales fell back to earth in December, proving it's very hard for sales to meaningfully grow when there's simply nothing available to buy. The post December Existing Home Sales: Starved for Choice appeared first on Zillow Research.

Jobless claims jump to 286,000, the highest level since October

Jan 20, 2022 via cnbc.com Initial filings totaled 286,000, well above the estimate of 225,000 and a substantial gain from the previous week's 231,000.

Inventory Down 40% from Pre-Covid Level as Price Growth Intensifies (December 2021 Market Report)

Jan 20, 2022 via zillow.com There were fewer options for would-be home buyers on the market at the end of 2021 than any time in recent memory. The post Inventory Down 40% from Pre-Covid Level as Price Growth Intensifies (December 2021 Market Report) appeared first on Zillow Research.

Real estate is the most 'zombified' sector and rate hikes will be a big risk, says consultancy

Jan 20, 2022 via cnbc.com There's a "big risk" of real estate companies filing for insolvency when interest rates rise, said Nils Kuhlwein of consulting firm Kearney.

Mortgage Rates Increase to Highest Level Since March 2020

Jan 19, 2022 via zillow.com Mortgage rates continued to increase last week, reaching their highest levels since March of 2020. The post Mortgage Rates Increase to Highest Level Since March 2020 appeared first on Zillow Research.

Zillow December 2021-December 2022 Home Value & Sale Forecast

Jan 19, 2022 via zillow.com Existing home sales are expected to continue growing through 2022, while annual home value growth is likely to peak and plateau in the early months of 2022. The post Zillow December 2021-December 2022 Home Value & Sale Forecast appeared first on Zillow Research.

December Housing Starts: A Fitting Conclusion to 2021

Jan 19, 2022 via zillow.com Housing starts had one last push to end 2021, rising from November against expectations for a small decline -- a fitting conclusion to a solid year. The post December Housing Starts: A Fitting Conclusion to 2021 appeared first on Zillow Research.

Homebuyers are rushing to get mortgages before higher rates price them out

Jan 19, 2022 via cnbc.com Fast-rising mortgage rates are causing homebuyers to rush into the housing market before they get priced out.

Housing Prices

House Price Index

A weighted, repeat-sales index which measures average price changes on the same properties for single-family homes whose mortgages go through Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

Latest: 277.37 (August 2019), MoM change: +0.17%, YoY change: +4.61%

Source: Federal Housing Finance Agency

Sale Prices

Median Sale Price Latest: $383,000 (December 2021), MoM change: 0.00%, YoY change: +15.36%

Source: Redfin.com

Sale Price Per Square Foot

Median Price Per Square Foot Latest: $210 (December 2021), MoM change: 0.00%, YoY change: +17.32%

Source: Redfin.com

Sale to List Price

Latest: 100.50% (December 2021), MoM change: -0.13%, YoY change: +1.13%

Source: Redfin.com

Sold Above List Price

Latest: 42.79% (December 2021), MoM change: -3.30%, YoY change: +27.36%

Source: Redfin.com

Price Changes

Price Drops Latest: 7.86% (December 2021), MoM change: -25.11%, YoY change: -5.83%

Source: Redfin.com

Mortgage Rates

30-Year Fixed-Rate Loans

Only includes first-lien prime conventional conforming home purchase mortgages with a loan-to-value of 80 percent. For the past several decades, more than half of consumers choose 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages.

Rate Latest: 3.10% (December 2021), MoM change: +0.98%, YoY change: +15.67%

Points Latest: 0.60% (December 2021), MoM change: -14.29%, YoY change: -14.29%

Source: Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS)

Listings

Active, New, and Sold Listings

Active Listings Latest: 548,856 (December 2021), MoM change: -24.07%, YoY change: -33.15%

New Listings Latest: 340,421 (December 2021), MoM change: -27.27%, YoY change: -13.53%

Home Sales Latest: 575,418 (December 2021), MoM change: -0.68%, YoY change: -8.96%

Source: Redfin.com

Months Supply

Latest: 0.95 (December 2021), MoM change: -23.55%, YoY change: -26.57%

Source: Redfin.com

Days on Market

Median Days On Market Latest: 24 (December 2021), MoM change: +9.09%, YoY change: -22.58%

Source: Redfin.com

New Construction

Housing Units Authorized by Building Permits

Only includes new, privately owned housing units in roughly 20,000 permit issuing places in the U.S. According to the Census Bureau, permit issuing places account for 98% of new construction. The data is not seasonally adjusted.

Latest: 153,200 (December 2021), MoM change: +16.24%, YoY change: +11.82%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

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