House prices hit another record, what is now driving house prices?

House prices hit another record, what is now driving house prices?

It is astonishing that house prices continue higher in the face of high interest rates and a slowing economy.  The media keeps pinning the continued appreciation on lack of supply even while listings in places like Denver have jumped 33% year over year.  What is...
Inflation cools in June, what about interest rates and house prices?

Inflation cools in June, what about interest rates and house prices?

When I was writing this article mortgage rates were hovering right around 7%.  At the same time June showed the first real slowdown in inflation in the last year.  The stock market soared on the slowdown in inflation while the federal reserve took a much more...
Warning sign? sales drop 34%, impact on real estate

Warning sign? sales drop 34%, impact on real estate

The economy is currently in a “transition” phase.  To determine if the sun is setting on our current cycle, it is critical to watch for leading indicators of where we might be heading.  One of the strongest predictors of a recession is consumer purchases of one...
Will mortgage rates fall significantly in 2024?

Will mortgage rates fall significantly in 2024?

When I was writing this article mortgage rates were hovering right around 7%.  At the same time economists are predicting a sharp decline in mortgage rates and a booming 2024 real estate market.  On the other hand, the chart above shows a much different picture. ...
Why are home prices rising while mortgage rates stay high?

Why are home prices rising while mortgage rates stay high?

It is a bit perplexing; mortgage rates are over 7%, well over double their lows, and yet real estate prices are once again heading higher after a minor pullback late last year.  Prices have pivoted from last fall to make a strong comeback and approach new highs.  What...
What does higher for longer rates mean for real estate?

What does higher for longer rates mean for real estate?

  Wow, what a year.  In December the market was anticipating as many as 4 rate cuts this year. At the same time the federal reserve was doing a victory dance on pulling of a soft landing.  Fast forward and inflation is still hot and there is now a question of if...