Charlie Green / Springfield Mortgage Inc.

Foreclosure sales and short sales made up approximately 16.2% of residential sales in the United States last year, according to RealtyTrac’s 2013 U.S. Residential and Foreclosure Sales Report. That percentage is up 14.5% from 2012, and up 15.2% from

According to newly released data, U.S. home prices increased from November to December by 0.3% and 8.5% from one year prior. The average November home price was up approximately $18,000 from November 2012, averaging $232,000. The state of Florida led

Previously owned home sales jumped last month for the first time in approximately five months, making 2013 the best year for home sales since 2006. Data suggests that the housing market is beginning to adjust to higher borrowing costs. According to

Boston College for Retirement Research found through a recent study that many older Americans are deciding to work longer and put off retirement due to large debt, particularly caused by mortgages. For those Americans who cannot continue to work

American unemployment benefit claims increased marginally last week, but experts say that the labor market is continuing to improve. According to the Labor Department, initial state claims slightly increased to a seasonally adjusted rate of 326,000.

Mortgage applications have increased according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s weekly report while mortgage rates continue to fall. The (MBA) stated that the seasonally adjusted composite index increased 4.7%, and the seasonally adjusted

New research shows that single-family housing may be decreasing while the rental market continues to grow. Many reports in the U.S. have shown that the rental market is increasing. A large amount of investors are betting on multifamily housing as

In the past, reverse mortgages may not have been considered a good idea by many, but as the program grows and continues to improve, the option of a reverse mortgage is becoming more appealing. Amy Hoak, a MarketWatch columnist said, as people live

New data from Freddie Mac states that mortgage rates stayed around the same this week. The 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage for last week averaged 4.51%, up from 3.40% last year, and down 0.2% from the week prior, while the average 15-year, fixed-rate

According to RealtyTrac, foreclosures in the U.S. last year fell 26% from 2012. 2013 saw the lowest level of foreclosures in six years. The total number of foreclosures, scheduled auctions, notices of default and bank repossessions fell to 1.36

According to a new article published in the Huffington Post, the worst cities in which to retire are found in the western and southern parts of the country. Experts suggest that this is due to many factors, but the most common are foreclosure rates,

New research reports that the United States economy is continuing to shape up, and experts expect brighter days to come. Private-sector employment has increased by 200,000 for the last 3 consecutive months, and the trade deficit has decreased to

Home prices in the U.S. increased in November, jumping 11.8% from November 2012. Home sales have gradually increased nationally over the last 21 months, showing positive signs that the housing market is making a comeback. Home prices, including

Recently released data states that new home sales in many locations increased during the holidays, a surprise for many as the holidays are usually considered a slow period for home sales. Experts are hopeful that the positive numbers being reported

Jumbo loans, loans that exceed $417,000, are on the rise as significant changes have been introduced. The new rules contain both negative and positive aspects, according to many experts. Changes to the program are expected to make credit access more

Experts have named 2014 the year of the boomerang buyer. Revised guidelines and updates have made room for many homebuyers, some of whom foreclosed as recently as one year ago, to be able to buy again. In the past, the wait-period to buy after

Experts largely agree that the recent changes made to the Federal Housing Administration-insured reverse mortgage program should be considered positive for those considering, or about to enter into the HECM process. The modifications made to the

New economic data just released shows that 2014 has started off on a very positive note. Housing reports shot up, and manufacturing companies released their largest gain in orders in nearly three years. Reports are also showing that consumer

According to Freddie Mac’s mortgage survey, the average fixed-rate mortgage is continuing to see a slight increase. Pending home sales jumped 0.2% last month, and consumer confidence also experienced additional growth as 2013 came to a close. 30-year

This last year was decidedly positive overall for the housing market, and many experts expect the trend to continue into 2014. Prices, sales, and mortgage rates are all expected to march into the new year on a strong note while slowly increasing

Four cities and 13 states will experience an increase in minimum wage starting on January 1, 2014. Most minimum wage increases amount to approximately 15 cents per hour, while other locations such as New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New

New home sales in the U.S. have taken a slight fall, decreasing 2.1% last month and falling from a five-month high. According to the Commerce Department, sales volume decreased to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 464,000. Although percentages are

A new study has found that some locations may be more desirable than others for baby boomers to live. The study uncovered many factors that play a role in where seniors want to live, such as health care access and climate. Raleigh, NC, Austin, TX,

New data that has been released suggests the housing market will continue to strengthen in 2014. While the predictions for housing market growth are extremely positive, the economy is not expected to expand substantially. Interest rates are expected

According to Lender Processing Services, the U.S. loan delinquency rate rose slightly in November. Overall the delinquency rate this year has dropped compared to the last few years, down approximately 10% year-to-date. Foreclosure inventory rates

Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows that average mortgage rates have increased from the previous week due to housing permits and starts. The recently released data states that 30-year fixed-rate mortgage increased .05% from last week,

According to the National Association of Realtors, home sales fell in November with previously owned home sales dropping to 4.3%, averaging an annual rate of 4.90 million units. Additionally, filings for unemployment and unemployment benefits

According to new data released by the Commerce Department, last month’s housing starts increased 22.7% from the previous month’s revised estimate, and almost 30% from November 2012. Single-family housing starts averaged a rate of 727,000 last month,

According to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, construction demand has increased the housing market confidence level to 58 this month. The market measures conditions, sales expectations, current sales, and

According to market experts, rental prices are expected to increase next year for much of the nation due to rising demand and tight supply. Experts at Axiometrics, an apartment market researching company, expect a 3.1% growth in rental costs, while

New research suggests that home ownership may be decreasing and rentals rising as the number of seniors increases. Rentals are projected to grow by 40% over the next 10 years as baby boomers downsize and those age 75 and above need more accessible

According to Freddie Mac, fixed mortgage rates fell this week. The 30-year fixed rate mortgage averaged approximately 4.42%, down .02% from last week. The 15-year fixed rate mortgage also dropped, falling from 3.47% last week to 3.34% this week.

According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, mortgage applications have increased from last week, jumping approximately 1%. Refinancing also increased, with the refinance index rising 2% from last week, averaging 65%. The 30-year, fixed-rate

A new research survey from RealtyTrac states that 71% of single-family homes in the United States were constructed before the year 1990. 5 years ago when the housing market struggle began, home construction came to a halt, cutting the percentage of

Foreclosure completions in the U.S. fell approximately one third from last year, averaging 48,000 in October according to CoreLogics National Foreclosure Report. As completed foreclosures decrease, experts and consumers are gaining higher confidence

According to a report from the Commerce Department, new U.S. single-family home sales in October soared, jumping to a seasonally adjusted rate of 444,000, a 25.4% increase from earlier months and the highest rate seen since April 2013. The vice

New research released from Boston College has found that 53% of Americans in 2010 were not prepared for retirement even when adding in their home equity. According to the National Retirement Risk Index, many seniors may be at risk for having a low

According to the Commerce Department, U.S. construction spending in October reached the highest level seen in approximately 4 1/2 years. Public construction projects have helped level-out low spending on private projects with an average annual

Consumer confidence is suffering as many are still wary from the financial crisis. Experts say that confidence in the economy is necessary in order for the housing market to continue to strengthen. Many consumers have cut back spending, lowering the

Home prices have dropped from this summer’s high according to the most recent Clear Capital Home Data Index, an index that compares past and present home prices. Prices fell .02% from last quarter averaging approximately 10.8% this quarter. Vice

According to recent data from the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, home prices shot up at the fastest rate seen since early 2006. The data came as a surprise to many experts surpassing forecasted rates. Single-family homes in many metropolitan

The housing market may seem like it is losing steam lately, but many experts expect a jump in momentum as construction plans get underway. According to the Commerce Department, building permits in the U.S. for new homes skyrocketed last month to the

Home prices spiked in September according to a survey showing that single family home prices in the United States experienced the largest annual gain in nearly eight years. Although home prices may scare off potential homebuyers, experts suggest that

Previously owned home contracts decreased in October to the surprise of many economists. October was the fifth consecutive month that contracts dropped while borrowing costs increased. According to the National Association of Realtors, pending home

According to research, approximately 8% of individuals age 62 and above have thought about the possibility of a reverse mortgage while only 2% secured the loan. The survey suggests that many homeowners have had trouble dealing with long-term debt

Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey states that mortgage rates fell this week after 2 weeks of sustained rates. According to the report, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to 4.22%, down from last week’s average of 4.35%. The Vice

Lowe’s, a home improvement retail store, reported a jump in earnings last quarter showing signs that the housing market is still making strides towards recovery. The report showed a 26% increase in earnings, and experts say the rise is due to new

According to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, home-builder confidence has not budged, remaining at a level of 54 this month. November is the 6th month in a row that home builders have agreed that the present

According to new data, declining inventory may be helping to push more buyers to buy, increasing the amount of home sales across the nation. In September, homes listed on Zillow spent an average of 30 days less on the market than in September 2012.

30-year fixed-rate mortgage hit the highest levels since September, averaging approximately 4.35%, and have jumped .19% from last week according to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey. Fixed-rate mortgages overall have increased for the

Coldwell Banker’s annual home listing report was released showing the most expensive places to buy real estate in the country. According to the report, the state of California has the most expensive real estate, and the prices do not seem to decrease

According to recent data released by the National Association of Home Builders, builder confidence has increased in the 55-and-up housing market. Experts say that the single family housing market demand has grown considerably with the help of senior

According to the National Association of Realtors, home sales and prices are expected to continue to rise over the next year as mortgage rates increase. Many experts are worried that the increase will cause housing affordability to decrease. Home

According to the National Association of Realtors report, many metropolitan cities in the U.S. showed exceptionally high year-over-year home price gains. The report also states that the median price posting was the best rates seen in approximately

Over the last few years, an increasing number of home-buyers are planning to stay in their houses long-term. According to a recent study conducted by the National Association of Realtors, in 2012, 27% of home-buyers, age 25 to 44, said they plan to

Home prices in the United States are increasing at a slower rate due to higher mortgage rates according to CoreLogic. Home prices have increased slightly, averaging approximately 0.2% growth from August to September. Prices for homes are considered

The housing market is speeding up in certain locations faster than others. Recent data shows that housing market recovery can be seen at its best in ten metropolitan cities and is ranked by measuring how many days houses are on the market, supply,

According to past data, homebuilders are entering their peak season, as November, December and January make up more than 75% of homebuilders’ annual returns. Experts suggest that the jump in supply is due to anticipation for the spring selling

The housing market has been taking a lot of heat over the last few months as inventory decreased and mortgage rates increased, but many experts say the housing market is on the right track. Home prices jumped 12.8% in August according to Robert

Monthly premiums for approximately 1 million homeowners living in flood zones have increased due to the new flood insurance plan many coastal states require their homeowners to have. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Florida,

Existing home sale contracts dropped considerably, falling to the lowest level seen in over three years. Mortgage rates have also continued to increase over the past months, though rates have recently leveled off. According to the National

As the reverse mortgage rules have changed, many older Americans are unsure of what the changes actually mean. The program was initially intended to help senior homeowners keep their homes by turning their mortgages into usable money, although the

Zillow’s Real Estate Market Report showed that home prices have jumped approximately 6% year-over-year. The Home Value Index increased to $163,000 by the end of last quarter, a 6.4% growth from 2012. Although home prices and mortgage rates have grown

According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, mortgage applications grew last week, increasing 0.6% while refinancing activity fell 1%, averaging 65% of applications. Data also shows that home purchasing is increasing, averaging an increase of 1%.

An increasing number of single family homes are being used as rental properties across the nation. According to USA Today’s analysis of the U.S. Census Bureau data, in 2012 1/5 of all single family homes in many metropolitan cities were rentals.

U.S. mortgage rates and home prices continue to increase causing existing home sales to fall. Existing home sales in September fell from August and experts have suggested that mortgage rates and rising home prices may play a key role in the decline.

New research has found that baby boomers left with empty nests are much more likely to provide their children with financial aid than to invite them back into their homes. The study suggests that boomers are happy with their empty nests, and many are

According to Trulia, asking home prices across the nation were not negatively affected by the government shutdown. Experts analyzed the nation’s home prices from October 1st to October 15th and found that home prices actually increased, jumping 1%

According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, mortgage applications increased, growing 0.3% last week. The refinance index also grew by 4%, while the purchase index fell 5%. The average 30-year, fixed rate mortgage with a conforming loan limit