Housing markets

Affordability improved for a fourth straight month, but questions remain about whether recent trends will bring a significant number of buyers into the housing market.

Rising property values continue to buffer mortgagors against negative equity situations, Corelogic said.

Purchases managed a small rise, but refinance activity held steady, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

About 85% of U.S. homeowners have interest rates below 6%, while a little over 50% of homeowners have a rate below 4%, Redfin's report said.

While the total dollar volume of apartment originations fell last year, the number of companies making loans increased from 2022, the Mortgage Bankers Association said.

The Treasury, CFPB and Federal Trade Commission are joining forces to warn consumers about predatory practices in financing solar energy panels.

The country's renter population is dramatically outpacing the growth in homeowner households due to a multifamily construction boom that's limited price gains.

Moderating price growth and higher wages are leading to affordability relief, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Hugh Frater was one of four appointed to the Bipartisan Policy Center board, along with former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, a co-chair of its Housing Council.

Declining refinance activity offset the growth in government-backed purchases, the Mortgage Bankers Association said.