According to the NAHB Multifamily Market Survey, as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, multifamily builders and developers confidence in their markets softened substantially in the first quarter of 2020.
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FEA’s Weekly Order Survey Reports that Sales Remain Slow but Steady
Many dealers are reporting that in spite of a poor U.S. Housing Starts and Permits report for April, their sales remain slow but steady and showing some very small signs of improvement.
Weekly Jobless Claims Rise Another 2.438 Million for Week Ending May 16th
The U.S. Department of Labor is reporting that an additional 2.438 million Americans made their initial filing for unemployment benefits during the week ending on Saturday, May 16th.
Canadian Inflation Level Moves into Negative Territory – First Time Since 2009
According to Statistics Canada, Canada’s annual inflation rate fell by 0.2% in April, moving into negative territory for the first-time since 2009.
Canadian Home Prices Experience Strong Gains in April
In April, home prices in Canada increased at a greater pace than typical for the month. Led by sales in the metropolitan markets of Ottawa-Gatineau and Toronto areas.
Mortgage Rates Continue to Hold Steady
The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey for the week ending May 21st, 2020 shows that 30-year fixed-mortgage rate averaged 3.24% percent with an average 0.7 point, down from last week when it averaged 3.28%.
Existing Home Sales Tumble 17.8% in April
he National Association of Realtors® is reporting that total existing-home sales declined -17.8% from March, to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 4.33 million in April.
Custom Home Building Posts Modest Gains in First Quarter of 2020
A deeper dive into the U.S. Census Bureau’s Quarterly Starts and Completion by Purpose and Design report reveals that custom home building posted a small increase during the first quarter of 2020.
22% of Builders Nationwide Cut Prices in April 2020
According NAHB Housing Market Index, about 22% of builders nationwide cut their home prices, approximately 5%, in April, trying to rejuvenate sluggish sales and avoid cancellations.
Mortgage Refinancing Poised to Set 17-year High
With mortgage rates at near record low levels, Fannie Mae is expecting to see refinance (refis) volumes spike this year to a 17-year high.