1.Homebuilder confidence perks up in June
“Home builders have a sunnier disposition these days, though they’re not quite fully confident in the housing market just yet.”
2.Home equity is soaring, yet many owners are still underwater on loans
“WASHINGTON — If you’re like most homeowners, it’s your biggest asset. You can’t track it online or check monthly statements sent to you by a bank, but it’s crucially important for your personal financial well-being and your retirement planning.”
3.Applications for New Home Purchases Decreased in May 2014
“The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) Builder Application Survey (BAS) data for May 2014 shows mortgage applications for new home purchases decreased by 8 percent relative to the previous month. This change does not include any adjustment for typical seasonal patterns. By product type, conventional loans composed 69.3 percent of loan applications, FHA loans composed 15.5 percent, RHS/USDA loans composed 1.7 percent and VA loans composed 13.6 percent. The average loan size of new homes decreased from $299,094 in April to $296,427 in May. “
4.U.S. Homebuilder Confidence Rises Most in Almost a Year
“Confidence among U.S. homebuilders rose in June by the most in almost a year, a sign the residential real estate market is stabilizing after reeling from severe winter weather earlier this year. “
5.Homebuilder confidence up in June, remains low
“U.S. homebuilders are feeling more confident about the housing market but don’t think it is healthy yet.”
6.IMF Lowers Estimate of US Economic Growth in 2014
“The International Monetary Fund foresees the U.S. economy growing a modest 2 percent this year, below its previous estimate of 2.7 percent.”
7.Gas Prices Up as Mideast Turmoil Threatens US Economy
“U.S. motorists are already paying more for gasoline as the turmoil spreads in Iraq. Prices may continue to rise in the coming weeks. West Texas Crude reached $107 a barrel this morning on futures markets. Iraq is the world’s second largest oil producer, but output has fallen this year. The main pipeline from Iraq to Turkey has been closed since March because of the insurgency. The jihadist group ISIS surrounded the large Baiji refinery, which is responsible for domestic production. Large Shiite-controlled oilfields in southern Iraq are not threatened by the Sunni insurgency, but the fighting has led to jitters on financial markets.”
8.Apartment rent hikes are slowing — finally
“Good news for apartment renters: Rent hikes are finally starting to slow, a huge relief for those who have put up with annual increases over recent years. “
9.2014 real estate market looking good so far
“Steady sales, along with a strong number of inquiries, have been prevalent in Telluride’s real estate market so far this year, making the past five months the best in recent years.”
10.Real estate journalists get in-depth appraisal of local market
“The impact of millennials on the property market and the historically low supply of housing inventory were among the key issues facing the commercial and residential real estate industry highlighted last week during a national conference for real estate journalists in Houston”
11.California captures hot real-estate market list, including Sacramento
“California’s real estate market continues to rebound and sizzle, and Forbes takes notice in a list of America’s top fastest-moving housing markets. Sacramento makes the list at No. 9, based on Trulia data.”
12.June home builder confidence jumps
“Home builder sentiment jumped 4 points in June, reports CNBC’s Diana Olick. The NAHB Housing Market Index read 49 in June, versus 45 in May. “