Shore Mortgage Team Branch's Blog - Greenway Mortgage Funding Corp.

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MarketMinute | How Much Did Mortgage Application Volume Jump?

Jan 20

7:20

Category | Markets in a Minute

Market Minute - Economy and Housing News - Erin Carvelli

A recent Fed survey showed the economy held steady in early January. Some regions experienced modest declines in activity.

Prices for wholesale goods and services fell sharply in December, providing another sign that inflation is beginning to ease, though still high.

December's retail sales fell by the most in a year, and business equipment production slumped, indicating the economy may be losing momentum.

Homebuilder sentiment posted an unexpected gain in January, rising for the first time in 12 months.

Single-family homebuilding rebounded with an 11.3% increase in December. Total new home construction fell for a 4th straight month.

Mortgage application volume jumped nearly 28% for the week, with purchase apps rising 25% over the previous week.

MarketMinute | Looking For Rate Predictions?

Jan 13

2:17

Category | Markets in a Minute

Market Minute - Economy and Housing News - Erin Carvelli

More new jobs than forecast were created in December. However, wage growth was lower than expected, helping mortgage rates.

Inflation continued to slow in December, signaling prices have peaked and giving markets hope the Fed will slow the pace of interest rate hikes.

Weakening demand in December led to the first services industry contraction in more than 2-1/2 years, signaling a slowing economy.

Mortgage applications rose 1.2% last week over the previous week, although purchase applications were down 1% on the week.

NAR's Nadia Evangelou, director of forecasting, predicts mortgage rates likely will settle below 6% and experience less volatility this year.

In December, 21% of survey respondents told Fannie Mae now is a good time to buy a home, up from 16% in November.

MarketMinute | How Does 2023 Look for Refinances?

Jan 6

3:22

Category | Markets in a Minute

Market Minute - Economy and Housing News - Erin Carvelli

Demand for employment remained high in November as companies looked for workers to fill positions despite worries of a looming recession.

Minutes from last month's Fed meeting showed officials were still focused on stamping out inflation but gave few clues about future rate hikes.

A December reading of the manufacturing sector showed factory activity slowing down. The prices producers paid their suppliers fell.

A large drop in mortgage applications last week made headlines. Higher rates were blamed, though apps typically fall some at year’s end.

Cash-out refinances will cost consumers more in 2023 due to higher fees from the FHFA. Refis still make up almost one third of mortgage apps.

Beginning in March, Freddie Mac will require a first lien mortgage to be at least 12 months old before it can be paid off by a cash-out refinance.

MarketMinute | How are the markets finishing the year?

Dec 30

6:56

Category | Markets in a Minute

Market Minute - Economy and Housing News - Erin Carvelli

The dollar is ending the year on the defensive, having given back roughly half of its 2022 gains, as investors bet inflation is slowing.

Jobless claims rose only modestly last week and held near prepandemic levels, suggesting the labor market remains historically tight.

Purchasing power of middle-income household paychecks fell 2.9% in 2022, as inflation hit middle earners harder than other groups.

Month-over-month house prices were flat in October, changing 0.0%, according to FHFA. Prices rose 9.8% over October 2021.

Pending home sales fell 4% in November, more than expected. Higher mortgage rates and tight inventory continue to affect the housing market.

Mortgage applications rose 0.9% last week. Refinance apps were up 6% week over week, and purchase apps were down 0.1% for the week.

MarketMinute | How Much Did The Fed Raise Policy Rates?

Dec 16

3:00

Category | Markets in a Minute

Market Minute - Economy and Housing News - Erin Carvelli

Consumer prices came in better than expected in November, up just 0.1% from October and up 7.1% over last year, signaling inflation is ebbing.

Consumers pulled back on spending in November, with retail sales for the month declining 0.6%, more than the expected 0.3% drop.

The Fed raised policy rates 0.5% this week and signaled more rate hikes to come in 2023 as it continues to fight inflation.

Although still lower than a year ago, purchase mortgage applications were up 4% last week. Refinance applications rose 3%.

Home office updates and induction cooktops are in for 2023, while high pile carpet, subway tiles, and open shelves are losing popularity.

NAR predicts a total of 4.78 million existing home sales in 2023, down from the 5.13 million existing home sales expected to close in 2022.