Mortgage Blog - September 7, 2021

Last week’s economic news included readings on home prices from Case-Shiller, construction spending, and pending home sales. Weekly data on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released.

Case-Shiller Posts New Record for Home Price Growth in June

U.S. home prices continue to increase, according to June’s reading of the S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Indices. The National Home Price Index rose from May’s seasonally adjusted annual reading of 16.80 percent growth to 18.60 percent year-over-year home price growth in June.

On the other hand, Case-Shiller’s 20-City Home Price Index reported no change in the top three cities for home price growth in June. Phoenix, Arizona, San Diego, California, and Seattle, Washington retained the top three positions in the 20-City Home Price Index. Analysts said that the current pace of home price growth isn’t sustainable. Moreover, demand for homes slowed in June as affordability sidelined would-be buyers. Less demand for homes was expected to ease home price growth and provide an additional inventory of available homes.

Pending Home Sales Slow in July as Construction Spending Increases

According to the National Association of Realtors®, pending home sales also slowed in July. In general, pending sales are sales for which purchase offers are received but are not yet closed. That said, pending sales of previously-owned homes fell by -1.80 percent in July. However, analysts expected pending sales to rise by 0.50 percent from June’s reading of -1.90 percent. Overall, pending home sales fell by 8.50 percent year-over-year in July. Note, pending home sales provide real estate pros a compass for estimating home sales completed in the future.

Furthermore, homebuilders faced with an ongoing shortage of available homes for sale increased construction spending in July. Here, the good news is that lumber and material prices have stabilized from earlier in 2021 and should help builders complete more homes. Nonetheless, shortages of buildable land and skilled labor continued to impact optimum home-building conditions.

Mortgage Interest Rates Hold Steady as Jobless Claims Fall

Looking at current mortgage interest rates, Freddie Mac reported no change in rates for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages, which averaged 2.87 percent. In contrast, rates for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 2.18 percent, which was one basis point higher than in the previous week. Rates for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages also averaged one basis point higher at 2.43 percent. Lastly, discount points averaged 0.60 percent for fixed-rate mortgages and 0.30 percent for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages.

In other news, jobless claims fell last week as 340,000 first-time claims were filed as compared to the previous week’s reading of 354,000 initial claims filed. Continuing jobless claims were also lower, with 2.75 million continuing claims filed as compared to the previous week’s reading of 2.91 million ongoing claims filed.

What’s Ahead for the Week of September 7, 2021

This week’s scheduled economic reports will be limited due to the Labor Day holiday. Readings on job openings and the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book report will be released. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims will also be published.

​Cheers!

Scott Synovic
AnnieMac Home Mortgage
Colorado's Mortgage Expert
www.coloradosmortgageexpert.com
@coloradosmortgageexpert
303-668-3350 Direct

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