The latest Mortgage Banker Association’s (MBA) Forbearance and Call Survey reports that the total number of loans now in forbearance decreased by 6 basis points from 2.21% of servicers’ portfolio volume in the prior week to 2.15% as of October 24, 2021. According to MBA’s estimate, 1.1 million homeowners are in forbearance plans.
News in end use
U.S. Construction Spending in September Rose 7.8% Year-Over-Year But Fell Slightly Month-Over-Month
The U.S. Census Bureau has announced on Monday (11-1-21) that total construction spending during September 2021 was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of $1,573.6 billion, -0.05% below the revised August estimate of $1,582.0 billion.
Housing Market Speeding Up — Uncommon for this Time of Year
Redfin, the Seattle-based technology-powered real estate company, is reporting that during the four-week period ending October 28, 2021, one-third of homes sold in that period went under contract within seven days of hitting the market.
Potential Home Buyers’ Perception of Housing Affordability Declines for Third Consecutive Quarter
According to the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) latest Housing Trend Report (HTR), buyers’ perception of home affordability declined further in Q3 of 2021. In Q3, 73% of buyers estimated that they could afford less than half the homes available for sale in their markets.
Canada’s Industrial Product Price Index Increases Month-Over-Month and Year-Over-Year in September
Statistics Canada (StatsCan) reported today (10-29-21) that the price of products manufactured in Canada, as measured by the Industrial Product Price Index (IPPI), increased 1.0% month-over-month in September and 14.9% year-over-year.
Prospective Buyers’ Expectations of Housing Availability Decline for Third Consecutive Quarter
According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) latest Housing Trends Report (HTR), there has been significant changes in buyers’ perceptions in regard to the challenges of the easier home availability. Today, 66% expect that finding the right home will be harder or not change much, up from 54% in Q4 of 2020.
Canada’s GDP Increased 0.4% in August
Statistics Canada (StatsCan) reported today (10-29-21) that Canada’s real gross domestic product (GDP) rose 0.4% in August. This was result of the continued easing of public health restrictions and further reopening across the country, as well as increased demand across many close contact service industries.
University of Michigan’s Final Consumer Sentiment Index for October 2021 Falls Month-Over-Month and Year-Over-Year
The University of Michigan today (Friday 10-29-21) released its Final Consumer Sentiment Index (CSI) for October. The Index of Consumer Sentiment declined to a reading of 71.7. This is down from a reading of 72.8 in September, a month-over-month decrease of -1.5% and -12.3% year-over-year (81.8 in October 2020).
Personal Income Declines While Outlay Increased in September 2021
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reported on Friday (10-29-21) that personal income (PI) decreased -$216.2 billion, or -1.0%, in September, according to their estimates. Disposable personal income (DPI) decreased -$236.9 billion, or -1.3%, in September.
U.S. Home Price Appreciation Sets New Record for Third Consecutive Month, Rising 20.7% Year-Over-Year
Year-over-year the RHPI reports that the nominal price appreciation reached 20.7%, the third consecutive month it has set a record. Real house prices increased 1.2% between July 2021 and August 2021. Consumer house-buying power, how much one can buy based on changes in income and interest rates, increased 0.5% between July 2021 and August 2021, and increased 3.5% year-over-year, according to the RHPI.