Reverse mortgage and elder law experts are saying that many children of parents who are considering a reverse mortgage are openly opposed to the idea, and influence their parents to decline the option. Experts say it is logical for children to be concerned with their inheritance, but many older adults have no other financial option. It is advised that parents, who choose to involve their children, educate them thoroughly about reverse mortgages. Elder law attorney, Deborah S. Ball suggests that when children are completely informed about reverse mortgages, they are more likely to support the decision. More here

According to the latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey released by Freddie Mac, mortgage rates have fallen slightly. The national average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell 0.7% from last week, averaging 4.34% this week. The national average 15-year, fixed-rate mortgage decreased 0.9% from last week, averaging 3.38%. Additionally, the 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage averaged 3.09%, and the 1-year Treasury-index ARM came in at 2.41%.  Frank Nothaft, the vice president and chief economist at Freddie Mac said, “mortgage rates eased a bit following the decline in 10-year Treasury yields. Also, the economy added 192,000 jobs in March, which was below the market consensus forecast, but followed an upward revision of 22,000 jobs in February. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate held steady at 6.7 percent.” More here

Housing market inventory has increased for the first time in four years, and home prices continue to rise. A new report found that the median price per square foot jumped 7.1% from March 2013, and increased 23.2% from 2012. Many markets are experiencing a year-over-year median list per square foot price increase. Inventory is on the rise and has increased considerably since last year, though still remains 40% below March 2010. More here

As consumer confidence continues to increase, and jumbo loan rates look more like conventional loan rates, expensive home sales are rising. According to the National Association of Realtors the number of home sales priced at $500,000 to $750,000 grew by 15% from January 2013 to January 2014. The time it takes to sell a house has shortened recently, making this an attractive time to sell for many.  Additionally, prices for high-end homes also remain lower than in the past, according to CoreLogic economist Sam Khater. More here

The number of homebuyers who believe that now is a good time to sell a home is increasing, according to new information from a Fannie Mae survey. Mortgages are also considered much easier to get at present when compared to recent years. Fannie Mae’s Nation Housing Survey states that the number of participants who consider now a good time to sell a home jumped to 38% last month, and 52% of participants think it is easier to get a mortgage. The senior vice president and chief economist at Fannie Mae, Doug Duncan said, “we see several positive signs going into this year’s spring home buying season, compared with last year. For example, consumers are less pessimistic about their personal finances, and more optimistic about the current selling environment and their ability to get a mortgage.” More here

A recent Realtor survey suggests that many older people in or approaching their retirement years are making plans to buy a new home. The survey found that 57% of baby boomers have plans of moving out of their current residence. Boomers have, on average, become more confident about their retirement and believe they can achieve their ideal retirement plans. The survey also states that many boomers are likely to buy a second home or vacation home. Boomers are expected to fuel the housing market over the coming years. More here

According to experts this spring is shaping up to be a highly competitive selling season as the economy improves, housing confidence rises, and a growing number of homes are expected to go on the market. Experts have compiled a list of valuable tips to take notice of when putting your house up for sale, such as pricing your home correctly, sharing your listing on online sites, making small improvements and repairs, and getting inspections and key reports in advance. Research suggests that once your house is listed, 80% of potential buyers will view your listing in the first four to six weeks. More here

Researchers at CoreLogic predict that the U.S. will see an average home price gain of 4.2% this year. The number of homes for sale is expected to increase, and construction starts are expected to rise. Experts say there is no way to accurately predict a national average for the housing market as some areas will experience higher interest rates than others. More here

According to CoreLogic’s most recent report, home prices have increased in many States. In February, prices increased 12.2% when compared to February 2013, marking the 24th consecutive month that home prices have shown growth in the United States. Fourteen States have experienced double-digit price growth year-over-year. A few of the states with the most gains shown are California, Illinois, Georgia, Arizona, Texas and Florida. Additionally, home sales increased nationally by 10.7% from February of last year. More here

Consumer confidence in the United States jumped to a six-year high last month while home prices also showed measurable gains at the beginning of the year. Many experts suggest that the slump experienced in February was due to extreme winter weather conditions. Ryan Sweet, the senior economist at Moody’s Analytics said, “the economy is showing signs of shaking off the weather effect. We are going to get a big lift to second-quarter growth from the weather.” More here