Real Estate Blog LA

The borrowing costs required for average mortgage rates rose today, in some cases high enough to nudge the actual interest rate an eighth of a point higher. This is the first time in over a week that we've seen recent rates threatened. Good economic data or news headlines will cause market volatility sufficient to send rates higher.  ...

The number of price-reduced homes on the market increased 5.3% in July 2010 as compared to June, according to a monthly review of MLS-listed properties within 26 of the country’s largest housing markets. Although the number of price-reduced homes increased in July, the median price reduction across the 4,500 cities and communities in 26 ...

As the real estate market continues its bumpy road toward recovery, the vacation home market is heating up, causing homeowners around the country to seriously consider buying the vacation home they’ve been eyeing. Whether you’re looking for a charming beach bungalow or a high rise condo with spectacular views, a host of market ...

This morning's GDP revision for the 4th quarter came in a little higher or stronger than last month's previous estimate of 5.7%. Today's release showed a 5.9% rate of growth, meaning economic activity was stronger than many had thought. This headline number is bad news for bonds and mortgage rates because a strengthening economy ...

Market ReportClear Capital Reports 7.3% U.S. Home Price Gains, Softening REO InfluencesNational price gains continue positive climb; real estate owned (REO) saturation rates decline; Los Angeles and Fresno markets show positive quarterly price gains for the first time since 2006; and Chicago achieves its largest quarterly gain this decade.TRUCKEE, ...

Bonds and home loan rates definitely showed some serious energy and persistence this week, despite some serious headwinds, including additional supply flooding the market from this week's big Treasury auctions. The Treasury unloaded an enormous supply of paper onto the markets this week...and remember, anytime there is more supply than demand, ...

It is with great pleasure to post my Interview with one of my favorite Lenders Dean Wong at First Capital Mortgage. (His contact is at the end of my post). Tom: Hello Dean. How are you doing? Dean:Great Tom Tom: 1).I have heard that there are some changes in the Appraisal Process for new sales. What are they and how does that impact my Buyer and ...

As I mentioned before, added supply has been one of the main culprits behind the recent sell-off in Bonds and corresponding climb in home loan rates. So where is that supply coming from? First, all those refinances you've heard about lately are actually turned into Mortgage Backed Securities after they're closed, which adds more Bonds to ...

(Remember, inflation is the archenemy of Bonds and home loan rates, so I will be keeping a close eye on this in the coming months.) The Department of Housing and Urban Development's Federal Housing Administration making a very interesting announcement that ultimately appeared to be slightly premature. They announced a new plan to allow ...

Notices of Default, the first step in the foreclosure process, reached a record level – nearly 26 percent higher than the previous historic peak in April 2008. Notices of Trustee sale, which set the auction date and time, rose 82.3 percent from the prior month, though not yet reaching the prior record level set in July 2008. While ...