Every time there’s a news segment about the housing market, we hear about the affordability challenges buyers are facing today. Those headlines are focused on how much mortgage rates have climbed this year. And while it’s true rates have risen dramatically, it’s important to remember they aren’t the only factor in the affordability equation. Here are three measures used to establish home affordability: home prices, mortgage rates, and wages. Let’s look closely at each one. 1. Mortgage ...
Every time there’s a news segment about the housing market, we hear about the affordability challenges buyers are facing today. Those headlines are focused on how much mortgage rates have climbed this year. And while it’s true rates have risen dramatically, it’s important to remember they aren’t the only factor in the affordability equation. Here are three measures used to establish home affordability: home prices, mortgage rates, and wages. Let’s look closely at each one. 1. Mortgage ...
For the first time in more than 13 months, the Housing Affordability Index (HAI) has dropped below 100. As recently as September 2021, the index was soaring at 149. For reference, the number 100 is the benchmark used to determine whether homeownership is affordable. Anything above 100 means the average American household has just enough money to afford a median-priced home. The higher it goes, the ampler the funds. But, while the real estate market has been riding high throughout the pandemic, i...
For the first time in more than 13 months, the Housing Affordability Index (HAI) has dropped below 100. As recently as September 2021, the index was soaring at 149. For reference, the number 100 is the benchmark used to determine whether homeownership is affordable. Anything above 100 means the average American household has just enough money to afford a median-priced home. The higher it goes, the ampler the funds. But, while the real estate market has been riding high throughout the pandemic, i...
As home ownership becomes more expensive due to rising housing prices and higher interest rates, U.S. regions that are relatively more affordable — like the Milwaukee area — have an opportunity to attract residents by building more new housing that's affordable, National Association of Home Builders chief economist Robert Dietz told members of the Milwaukee-area home building industry Thursday.
As home ownership becomes more expensive due to rising housing prices and higher interest rates, U.S. regions that are relatively more affordable — like the Milwaukee area — have an opportunity to attract residents by building more new housing that's affordable, National Association of Home Builders chief economist Robert Dietz told members of the Milwaukee-area home building industry Thursday.
According to NAR, the Housing Affordability Index measures whether or not a typical family earns enough income to qualify for a mortgage loan on a typical home at the national and regional levels based on the most recent price and income data. Housing Affordability Index data are provided by NAR solely for use as a reference. Zillow's June report shows that the housing affordability crisis is mounting, but buyers who can weather the storm have more time and options. The previous report in May s...
According to NAR, the Housing Affordability Index measures whether or not a typical family earns enough income to qualify for a mortgage loan on a typical home at the national and regional levels based on the most recent price and income data. Housing Affordability Index data are provided by NAR solely for use as a reference. Zillow's June report shows that the housing affordability crisis is mounting, but buyers who can weather the storm have more time and options. The previous report in May s...
Over the past two years, national housing values grew by 33%. The market was pushed by record-low borrowing rates in 2020 and 2021, as well as a supply constraint due to underbuilding. The enormous demand from first-time buyers is almost as important as the limited fresh supply. The present housing market is also being driven by extraordinarily favorable age demographic trends. Freddie Mac reports 18% more 25-34-year-olds than in 2006. This is a 6.6 million growth from 2006 to now. The number of...
Over the past two years, national housing values grew by 33%. The market was pushed by record-low borrowing rates in 2020 and 2021, as well as a supply constraint due to underbuilding. The enormous demand from first-time buyers is almost as important as the limited fresh supply. The present housing market is also being driven by extraordinarily favorable age demographic trends. Freddie Mac reports 18% more 25-34-year-olds than in 2006. This is a 6.6 million growth from 2006 to now. The number of...
