Social Links Widget

Click here to edit the Social Media Links settings. This text will not be visible on the front end.

Real Estate • January 17, 2024

Outdoor Living Spaces Now More Important

by Joanne Fishman

Beautiful wooden terrace with garden furniture surrounded by greenery on a warm, summer day

Here’s a tip to enhance the value of your home as well as your enjoyment of living there. Functional exterior living spaces are growing more important and have become a valuable add-on to any home, according to the National Association of Realtors. Who doesn’t desire an at-home retreat filled with lovely gardens, lounging areas, a full kitchen and bar, outdoor TV and sustainable furnishings? It’s all about finding solitude and peace to create that “vacation at home” space.

Related Articles
Real Estate Pending Home Sales And Home Prices Rise The National Association of Realtors reported this week that pending home sales increased 3.4 percent in March and that existing home sales are expected to rise by 9 percent this year. The Northeast, South and West posted gains in transactions while the Midwest recorded a loss. “March’s Pending Home Sales Index…marks the best performance in […]
Real Estate Mortgage Rates Continue Rising Mortgage rates continued rising this week with the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage reaching 7.17 percent, according to Freddie Mac. Despite rates increasing more than half a percent since the start of the year, home buying demand remains steady. With rates staying higher for longer, many homebuyers are adjusting, as evidenced by this weeks report that sales […]
Real Estate When Mortgage Rates Drop, Look For Buyers To Step Up Mortgage rates continue to move in a narrow range with the average interest rate for the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage declining slightly this week to 6.79 percent, according to Freddie Mac.  This is down from last week’s average of 6.87 percent.  Comparatively, a year ago the rate averaged closer to the bottom of the 6 percent […]
Real Estate • January 11, 2024

Mortgage Rates Remain In The Mid-6% Range

by Joanne Fishman

Freddie Mac, which operates in the US secondary mortgage market buying loans from approved lenders, reported today that mortgage rates have remained in the mid-six percent range for the past three weeks.  This has “marginally increased” home buyer demand, it said. This week it reported the average 30-year fixed rate mortgage was 6.66 percent, up 0.33 percent from a year ago.

However, the report goes on to say: “Even this slight uptick in demand, combined with inventory that remains tight, continues to cause prices to rise faster than incomes, meaning affordability remains a major headwind for buyers.”  Potential home buyers should look closely at existing state and local resources, such as down payment assistance programs, which can help defray closing costs, according to Freddie Mac.

Related Articles
Real Estate Pending Home Sales And Home Prices Rise The National Association of Realtors reported this week that pending home sales increased 3.4 percent in March and that existing home sales are expected to rise by 9 percent this year. The Northeast, South and West posted gains in transactions while the Midwest recorded a loss. “March’s Pending Home Sales Index…marks the best performance in […]
Real Estate Mortgage Rates Continue Rising Mortgage rates continued rising this week with the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage reaching 7.17 percent, according to Freddie Mac. Despite rates increasing more than half a percent since the start of the year, home buying demand remains steady. With rates staying higher for longer, many homebuyers are adjusting, as evidenced by this weeks report that sales […]
Real Estate When Mortgage Rates Drop, Look For Buyers To Step Up Mortgage rates continue to move in a narrow range with the average interest rate for the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage declining slightly this week to 6.79 percent, according to Freddie Mac.  This is down from last week’s average of 6.87 percent.  Comparatively, a year ago the rate averaged closer to the bottom of the 6 percent […]
Real Estate • December 15, 2023

Mortgage Rates Drop Below 7 Percent

by Joanne Fishman

For the first time since August the 30-year fixed rate mortgage has dropped below 7 percent.  However, low inventory continues to keep home prices high.  Considering that the Federal Reserve is expend to lower the federal funds target rate next year, there is likely to be a gradual thawing of the housing market next year, according to Freddie Mac’s report yesterday.

The 30-year fixed rate mortgage average now stands at 6.95 percent while a month ago it was 7.12 percent, according to Freddie Mac.  

The Mortgage Bankers Association reported Wednesday that mortgage applications have increased for six weeks straight as mortgage rates continued to lower.  However, purchase volume remained 18 percent lower than a year ago.  Many homeowners who are locked in at much lower rates are deciding to remain in their homes rather than sell, which contributes to the low inventory.  According to Realtor.com, some two-thirds of the outstanding mortgages have rates below 4 percent.  

Related Articles
Real Estate Pending Home Sales And Home Prices Rise The National Association of Realtors reported this week that pending home sales increased 3.4 percent in March and that existing home sales are expected to rise by 9 percent this year. The Northeast, South and West posted gains in transactions while the Midwest recorded a loss. “March’s Pending Home Sales Index…marks the best performance in […]
Real Estate Mortgage Rates Continue Rising Mortgage rates continued rising this week with the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage reaching 7.17 percent, according to Freddie Mac. Despite rates increasing more than half a percent since the start of the year, home buying demand remains steady. With rates staying higher for longer, many homebuyers are adjusting, as evidenced by this weeks report that sales […]
Real Estate When Mortgage Rates Drop, Look For Buyers To Step Up Mortgage rates continue to move in a narrow range with the average interest rate for the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage declining slightly this week to 6.79 percent, according to Freddie Mac.  This is down from last week’s average of 6.87 percent.  Comparatively, a year ago the rate averaged closer to the bottom of the 6 percent […]
Real Estate • November 20, 2023

Happy Thanksgiving

by Joanne Fishman

Thank you to my wonderful clients for allowing me to help guide you home! Have a Happy Thanksgiving full of gratitude and love! 🏡💙

Related Articles
Real Estate Pending Home Sales And Home Prices Rise The National Association of Realtors reported this week that pending home sales increased 3.4 percent in March and that existing home sales are expected to rise by 9 percent this year. The Northeast, South and West posted gains in transactions while the Midwest recorded a loss. “March’s Pending Home Sales Index…marks the best performance in […]
Real Estate Mortgage Rates Continue Rising Mortgage rates continued rising this week with the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage reaching 7.17 percent, according to Freddie Mac. Despite rates increasing more than half a percent since the start of the year, home buying demand remains steady. With rates staying higher for longer, many homebuyers are adjusting, as evidenced by this weeks report that sales […]
Real Estate When Mortgage Rates Drop, Look For Buyers To Step Up Mortgage rates continue to move in a narrow range with the average interest rate for the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage declining slightly this week to 6.79 percent, according to Freddie Mac.  This is down from last week’s average of 6.87 percent.  Comparatively, a year ago the rate averaged closer to the bottom of the 6 percent […]
Real Estate • October 5, 2023

Mortgage Rates Now Highest In A Generation

by Joanne Fishman

Mortgage rates continued to move higher while mortgage applications dropped to the lowest level since 1996, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA).  Meanwhile Freddie Mac reported today the average 30-year fixed rate mortgage reached 7.49 percent, up from 6.09 percent a year ago.  This was just a fraction below the MBA’s reported average of 78.53 percent, the highest level since 2000.

Despite the rise in rates, home prices have barely moved, largely due to a lack of homes for sale.  Many potential sellers who locked in a low mortgage rate before the pandemic began are now hesitant to sell.

In its report, Freddie Mac notes: “Mortgage rates maintained their upward trajectory as the 10-year Treasury yield, a key benchmark, climbed.  Several factors, including shifts in inflation, the job market and uncertainty around the Federal Reserve’s next move, are contributing to the highest mortgage rates in a generation.  Unsurprisingly, this is pulling back buyer demand.”

Related Articles
Real Estate Pending Home Sales And Home Prices Rise The National Association of Realtors reported this week that pending home sales increased 3.4 percent in March and that existing home sales are expected to rise by 9 percent this year. The Northeast, South and West posted gains in transactions while the Midwest recorded a loss. “March’s Pending Home Sales Index…marks the best performance in […]
Real Estate Mortgage Rates Continue Rising Mortgage rates continued rising this week with the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage reaching 7.17 percent, according to Freddie Mac. Despite rates increasing more than half a percent since the start of the year, home buying demand remains steady. With rates staying higher for longer, many homebuyers are adjusting, as evidenced by this weeks report that sales […]
Real Estate When Mortgage Rates Drop, Look For Buyers To Step Up Mortgage rates continue to move in a narrow range with the average interest rate for the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage declining slightly this week to 6.79 percent, according to Freddie Mac.  This is down from last week’s average of 6.87 percent.  Comparatively, a year ago the rate averaged closer to the bottom of the 6 percent […]
Real Estate • Uncategorized • October 4, 2023

How To Take Advantage Of The Fall Market

by Joanne Fishman

Can you believe it’s already October? 🍁🍂🎃 Let’s get together for a Pumpkin Spice Latte and discuss the Autumn market! Give me a call today! 📲

#FallHomeSearch #AutumnRealEstate #FallIntoHomeOwnership #CBSocial #lamorindarealestate #eastbayrealestate #lafayettecalifornia #orinda #walnutcreek 

Related Articles
Real Estate Pending Home Sales And Home Prices Rise The National Association of Realtors reported this week that pending home sales increased 3.4 percent in March and that existing home sales are expected to rise by 9 percent this year. The Northeast, South and West posted gains in transactions while the Midwest recorded a loss. “March’s Pending Home Sales Index…marks the best performance in […]
Real Estate Mortgage Rates Continue Rising Mortgage rates continued rising this week with the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage reaching 7.17 percent, according to Freddie Mac. Despite rates increasing more than half a percent since the start of the year, home buying demand remains steady. With rates staying higher for longer, many homebuyers are adjusting, as evidenced by this weeks report that sales […]
Real Estate When Mortgage Rates Drop, Look For Buyers To Step Up Mortgage rates continue to move in a narrow range with the average interest rate for the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage declining slightly this week to 6.79 percent, according to Freddie Mac.  This is down from last week’s average of 6.87 percent.  Comparatively, a year ago the rate averaged closer to the bottom of the 6 percent […]
Real Estate • September 22, 2023

Mortgage Rates Remain Flat

by Joanne Fishman

 

Mortgage rates continued to stay above seven percent this week as the Federal Reserve paused its interest rate hikes, according to Freddie Mac.  With these high rates, housing demand is cooling off and homebuilders are feeling the effect, Fannie Mae said in its report yesterday. For the first time in serval months builder sentiment has declined and construction levels have dropped to a three-ear low.  This, too, is likely to have an impact on the housing supply, the report noted

Presently, the average 30-year fixed rate mortgage stands at 7.19 percent, said Freddie Mac. A year ago it was 6.64 percent.  Meanwhile, the 15-year fixed rate mortgage now is 6.54 percent, up from 5.93 percent a year ago.

Related Articles
Real Estate Pending Home Sales And Home Prices Rise The National Association of Realtors reported this week that pending home sales increased 3.4 percent in March and that existing home sales are expected to rise by 9 percent this year. The Northeast, South and West posted gains in transactions while the Midwest recorded a loss. “March’s Pending Home Sales Index…marks the best performance in […]
Real Estate Mortgage Rates Continue Rising Mortgage rates continued rising this week with the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage reaching 7.17 percent, according to Freddie Mac. Despite rates increasing more than half a percent since the start of the year, home buying demand remains steady. With rates staying higher for longer, many homebuyers are adjusting, as evidenced by this weeks report that sales […]
Real Estate When Mortgage Rates Drop, Look For Buyers To Step Up Mortgage rates continue to move in a narrow range with the average interest rate for the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage declining slightly this week to 6.79 percent, according to Freddie Mac.  This is down from last week’s average of 6.87 percent.  Comparatively, a year ago the rate averaged closer to the bottom of the 6 percent […]
Real Estate • September 20, 2023

Tips To Help Create A Secure Home

by Joanne Fishman

 

Your home is a place you want to feel safe and secure from the outside world. Implementing simple security practices helps create a secure environment for your loved ones. #safetyfirst #homesecuritytips #cbsocial

Related Articles
Real Estate Pending Home Sales And Home Prices Rise The National Association of Realtors reported this week that pending home sales increased 3.4 percent in March and that existing home sales are expected to rise by 9 percent this year. The Northeast, South and West posted gains in transactions while the Midwest recorded a loss. “March’s Pending Home Sales Index…marks the best performance in […]
Real Estate Mortgage Rates Continue Rising Mortgage rates continued rising this week with the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage reaching 7.17 percent, according to Freddie Mac. Despite rates increasing more than half a percent since the start of the year, home buying demand remains steady. With rates staying higher for longer, many homebuyers are adjusting, as evidenced by this weeks report that sales […]
Real Estate When Mortgage Rates Drop, Look For Buyers To Step Up Mortgage rates continue to move in a narrow range with the average interest rate for the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage declining slightly this week to 6.79 percent, according to Freddie Mac.  This is down from last week’s average of 6.87 percent.  Comparatively, a year ago the rate averaged closer to the bottom of the 6 percent […]
Real Estate • August 11, 2023

Housing Affordability Falls To 16 Year Low

by Joanne Fishman

 

Housing affordability in California fell to the lowest level in nearly 16 years as interest rates remained above 6 percent for the third straight quarter and home prices remained high due to the limited supply of homes on the market,  the California Association of Realtors reported today.  Fewer than one in five home buyers, or 16 percent, could afford to buy a median-priced existing single-family home in the state in the second quarter of 2023.  This is down from 19 percent in the first quarter.

A minimum annual income of $208,000 was needed to make the monthly payments of $5,200 for a $830,620 median priced home, CAR said. The monthly payment included principal, interest and taxes with a 30-year-fixed rate mortgage at 6.61 per cent interest rate.  The $5,200 payment also assumes a 20-percent downpayment.

In Contra Costa County, a home buyer needed a minimum income of $225,000 to purchase the average median home of $900,000 with monthly payments of $5,640, according to CAR.   The Bay Area county with the highest median home price in the second quarter was San Mateo, coming in at $2,012,500 which would require a minimum income of $504,400.

Related Articles
Real Estate Pending Home Sales And Home Prices Rise The National Association of Realtors reported this week that pending home sales increased 3.4 percent in March and that existing home sales are expected to rise by 9 percent this year. The Northeast, South and West posted gains in transactions while the Midwest recorded a loss. “March’s Pending Home Sales Index…marks the best performance in […]
Real Estate Mortgage Rates Continue Rising Mortgage rates continued rising this week with the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage reaching 7.17 percent, according to Freddie Mac. Despite rates increasing more than half a percent since the start of the year, home buying demand remains steady. With rates staying higher for longer, many homebuyers are adjusting, as evidenced by this weeks report that sales […]
Real Estate When Mortgage Rates Drop, Look For Buyers To Step Up Mortgage rates continue to move in a narrow range with the average interest rate for the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage declining slightly this week to 6.79 percent, according to Freddie Mac.  This is down from last week’s average of 6.87 percent.  Comparatively, a year ago the rate averaged closer to the bottom of the 6 percent […]
Real Estate • August 4, 2023

Mortgage Rates Rise Again

by Joanne Fishman

Mortgage rates rose this week with the 30-year fixed rate average now at 6.9 percent, according to Freddie Mac. A year ago it stood at 5.13 percent. The combination of upbeat economic data and the U.S. credit rating downgrade were behind the upside move, it said.

“Despite higher rates and lower purchase demand, home prices have increased due to very low unsold inventory,” the report stated.   Freddie Mac operates in the U.S. secondary mortgage market, buying loans from lenders who are then able to provide more loans.  Freddie Mac then pools the mortgages it buys into securities which it sells to investors.

Related Articles
Real Estate Pending Home Sales And Home Prices Rise The National Association of Realtors reported this week that pending home sales increased 3.4 percent in March and that existing home sales are expected to rise by 9 percent this year. The Northeast, South and West posted gains in transactions while the Midwest recorded a loss. “March’s Pending Home Sales Index…marks the best performance in […]
Real Estate Mortgage Rates Continue Rising Mortgage rates continued rising this week with the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage reaching 7.17 percent, according to Freddie Mac. Despite rates increasing more than half a percent since the start of the year, home buying demand remains steady. With rates staying higher for longer, many homebuyers are adjusting, as evidenced by this weeks report that sales […]
Real Estate When Mortgage Rates Drop, Look For Buyers To Step Up Mortgage rates continue to move in a narrow range with the average interest rate for the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage declining slightly this week to 6.79 percent, according to Freddie Mac.  This is down from last week’s average of 6.87 percent.  Comparatively, a year ago the rate averaged closer to the bottom of the 6 percent […]

Coldwell Banker - Orinda

© 2024 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC

Terms Of Use | Privacy Policy

Accessibility Statement | Fair Housing Notice

© Coldwell Banker 2023 – 2024. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.