Gary Pierpont Blog

Experts largely agree that the recent changes made to the Federal Housing Administration-insured reverse mortgage program should be considered positive for those considering, or about to enter into the HECM process. The modifications made to the program will help protect both the federal government and borrowers, and should also offer a better experience for consumers. Experts have suggested that the HECM changes were necessary to address retirees’ growing needs. Many say that the updates will aid in borrowers feeling better prepared and safer in the face of possible future financial hardships. More here

New data from Freddie Mac states that mortgage rates stayed around the same this week. The 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage for last week averaged 4.51%, up from 3.40% last year, and down 0.2% from the week prior, while the average 15-year, fixed-rate mortgage came in at 3.56% up 0.1% from last week. The chief economist and vice president of Freddie Mac, Frank Nothaft said, “mortgage rates were little changed amid a week of light economic reports.” Additionally, job reports showed a slight improvement, growing by 238,000 from November to December, up from 229,000 in November. More here

According to a new article published in the Huffington Post, the worst cities in which to retire are found in the western and southern parts of the country. Experts suggest that this is due to many factors, but the most common are foreclosure rates, vacancy rates, high crime rates, public transit and air pollution levels. Grandparents.com named Las Vegas, St. Louis and Modesto, California as the top worst retirement locations. Atlanta and Little Rock also made the list. More here

Home prices in the U.S. increased in November, jumping 11.8% from November 2012. Home sales have gradually increased nationally over the last 21 months, showing positive signs that the housing market is making a comeback. Home prices, including distressed sales, inched up 0.1% from October 2013 to November 2013. The chief economist for CoreLogic, Mark Fleming said, “the housing market paused as expected in November for the holiday season with very low month-over-month appreciation. Year-over-year home prices are up an impressive 11.8%.” More here

Recently released data states that new home sales in many locations increased during the holidays, a surprise for many as the holidays are usually considered  a slow period for home sales. Experts are hopeful that the positive numbers being reported in numerous locations may be a sign of what’s to come in 2014. The Sacramento area experienced large gains during the holidays having a burst of activity. Experts say the rise in new home sales in many areas could be due to home buyers’ uncertainty of what interest rates and prices may hold in 2014. More here

New economic data just released shows that 2014 has started off on a very positive note. Housing reports shot up, and manufacturing companies released their largest gain in orders in nearly three years. Reports are also showing that consumer confidence has risen considerably, increasing business spending. Additionally, job growth has picked up, and experts expect all of these positive trends to carry on throughout the new year. More here

According to Freddie Mac’s mortgage survey, the average fixed-rate mortgage is continuing to see a slight increase. Pending home sales jumped 0.2% last month, and consumer confidence also experienced additional growth as 2013 came to a close. 30-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged approximately 4.53%, up from 4.48% last week, and the average 15-year-fixed rate mortgage increased from 3.52% to 3.55%. More here

This last year was decidedly positive overall for the housing market, and many experts expect the trend to continue into 2014. Prices, sales, and mortgage rates are all expected to march into the new year on a strong note while slowly increasing throughout the coming year. Housing construction is also expected to improve in 2014. Investment manager Goldman Sachs Asset Management said ”Construction won’t return to normal this year, but it will strengthen enough to be the main driver of the housing recovery as home price gains shrink.” More here 

Four cities and 13 states will experience an increase in minimum wage starting on January 1, 2014. Most minimum wage increases amount to approximately 15 cents per hour, while other locations such as New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Jersey will see a larger increase. Experts say the jump in minimum wage in certain locations is due to a rise in annual cost of living. More here

New home sales in the U.S. have taken a slight fall, decreasing 2.1% last month and falling from a five-month high. According to the Commerce Department, sales volume decreased to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 464,000. Although percentages are down from the previous month, November’s rates still exceeded many expectations and remain near a five-year high. More here