Question #8 for 2018: What will happen with house prices in 2018?

Earlier I posted some questions for next year: Ten Economic Questions for 2018 . I'll try to add some thoughts, and maybe some predictions for each question. 8) House Prices:  It appears house prices - as measured by the national repeat sales index ( Case-Shiller , CoreLogic ) - will be up over 6% in 2017.   What will happen with house prices in 2018? The following graph shows the year-over-year change through October 2017, in the seasonally adjusted Case-Shiller Composite 10, Composite 20 and National indices (the Composite 20 was started in......(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2ll4YsH
via IFTTT

The No. 1 sign that you can afford to buy a home in 2018

Could you afford to move this year? There's an easy way to figure it out....(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2lllrwT
via IFTTT

Realtors® Housing Minute: A Video Recap of Market Activity in November

WASHINGTON, Dec. 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Fueled by strong job growth and the strengthening economy, existing-home sales and contract signings both increased in November. Visit http://ift.tt/2k6zk43 watch a 50-second, animated video from the National Associ......(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2BWJyIs
via IFTTT

Chicago PMI "Rises" in December "to Six-and-a-Half Year High"

From the Chicago PMI: December Chicago Business Barometer Rises to 67.6 The MNI Chicago Business Barometer rose to 67.6 in December , up from 63.9 in November, closing the year at the highest level since March 2011. On a calendar quarter basis, the Barometer rose to 65.9 in Q4 from 61.0 in Q3, the best quarterly performance since Q1 2011, only the second time in the last decade there have been three consecutive above-60 readings in the Oct-Dec period. ... "Sentiment among businesses started 2017 in good shape and only impressed more as the year progressed. December's result secured the MNI......(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2lqGbm4
via IFTTT

Hawaii, Colorado See Biggest Luxury Price Surges of 2017

A surge in wealth in the United States over the past 12 months has stimulated second-home markets in states like Hawaii and Colorado, realtor.com data show. The post Hawaii, Colorado See Biggest Luxury Price Surges of 2017 appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com® ....(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2pX6A0B
via IFTTT

Former HUD Secretary Henry Cisneros says new tax code threatens the 'fragility' of the US system

Former HUD Secretary Henry Cisneros shared his thoughts on the new tax law as it relates to the housing market....(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2pQ5Bz4
via IFTTT

Last-minute rush to prepay taxes causes confusion and anger

The IRS called into question a strategy of prepaying property taxes before the new tax law goes into effect. That could be just the beginning of the confusion. NYT reports....(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2EcJExd
via IFTTT

Zillow Case-Shiller Forecast: More Solid House Price Gains in November

Friday: • At 9:45 AM ET, Chicago Purchasing Managers Index for December. The consensus is for a reading of 61.8, down from 63.9 in November. The Case-Shiller house price indexes for October were released on Tuesday. Zillow forecasts Case-Shiller a month early, and I like to check the Zillow forecasts since they have been pretty close. From Svenja Gudell at Zillow: Case-Shiller October Results and November Forecast: Still Defying Gravity The last few months of 2017 have clearly demonstrated the extent to which the housing market refuses to be knocked off its stride. Sales of......(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2zMkqCx
via IFTTT

Homes in US Gained $2 Trillion in Value This Year, Zillow Says

Bloomberg Homes in US Gained $2 Trillion in Value This Year, Zillow Says Bloomberg Your home may not have made the same gains as stocks or bitcoin, but it still was a robust year for the U.S. housing market. The value of the entire U.S. housing stock increased by 6.5 percent -- or $2 trillion -- in 2017, according to a report from ... and more »...(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2pN6SXH
via IFTTT

Freddie Mac: Mortgage Serious Delinquency rate up sharply in November

Freddie Mac reported that the Single-Family serious delinquency rate in November was at 0.95%, up sharply from 0.86% in October.  Freddie's rate is down from 1.03% in November 2016. Freddie's serious delinquency rate peaked in February 2010 at 4.20%. These are mortgage loans that are "three monthly payments or more past due or in foreclosure".  Click on graph for larger image This increase in the delinquency rate was due to the hurricanes - and we might see a further increase over the next month (These are serious delinquencies, so it takes three months late to be counted).......(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2E7sIbo
via IFTTT

I question anyone who says there's no inflation, billionaire restaurateur Tilman Fertitta says

Billionaire Tilman Fertitta pointed to inflation trends he's seeing in his sprawling restaurant business Thursday on CNBC's "Power Lunch."...(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2CiM3Zh
via IFTTT

Yes or No? Simple answers to your tax questions

The changes to the new tax law are complex, and difficult even for experts to unpack. But some of the plan's provisions are straightforward enough for simple "yes" or "no" answers....(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2pOolyS
via IFTTT

Reis: Apartment Vacancy Rate increased in Q4 to 4.5%

Reis reported that the apartment vacancy rate was at 4.5% in Q4 2017, up from 4.4% in Q3, and up from 4.2% in Q4 2016.  This is the highest vacancy rate since Q4 2012 (although the increase has been small).  The vacancy rate peaked at 8.0% at the end of 2009, and bottomed at 4.1% in 2016. From Reis: The apartment market continued to face pressure from added supply in the fourth quarter as the national vacancy rate increased 10 basis points to 4.5% in the quarter . Asking rents increased 0.4% in the fourth quarter, while effective rents grew 0.3%. Effective rents net out......(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2BPexX4
via IFTTT

Homeowners Rush to Prepay 2018 Property-Tax Bills

Homeowners across the nation are rushing this week to prepay their property taxes for 2018 before the Republican tax law kicks in Jan. 1 and effectively raises the levy on higher-end homes. The post Homeowners Rush to Prepay 2018 Property-Tax Bills appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com® ....(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2lf6ZGI
via IFTTT

CFPB launches new HMDA online tool, continues rate spread calculator

The CFPB has launched a new online “Digital Check Tool” to be used by companies reporting HMDA data starting January 1, 2018. More specifically, the new tool supports the Universal Loan Identifier (ULI) requirements of the revised HMDA rule.  The CFPB states on its website that the new tool can be used for two functions. ... Continue Reading…...(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2pQKc90
via IFTTT

The US Inflation Mystery Made Economists Look Bad in 2017

Bloomberg The US Inflation Mystery Made Economists Look Bad in 2017 Bloomberg A year ago, Bloomberg asked economists to predict how 2017 would unfurl. With the year almost over, we compared those forecasts to actual performance and, well, the results weren't pretty. This was the year that the textbook connection between ... and more »...(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2pNiWID
via IFTTT

US apartment vacancy rate rises in fourth quarter

The U.S. apartment vacancy rate increased marginally in the fourth quarter from the third as supply exceeded demand, according to a report from Reis....(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2E60A8L
via IFTTT

US jobless claims steady in latest week

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits was unchanged last week and the underlying trend remained consistent with a tightening labor market....(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2pR23Nb
via IFTTT

IRS says 2018 property taxes are deductible only if assessed and paid in 2017

IRS says 2018 property taxes are deductible only if assessed and paid in 2017|| 104864112...(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2pJIDJT
via IFTTT

Surging Demand Sends Investment-Grade Bond Spread to 2007 Levels

Bloomberg Surging Demand Sends Investment-Grade Bond Spread to 2007 Levels Bloomberg The strengthening economy has stoked demand for high-grade corporate bonds, dropping the spread on investment-grade debt to levels last seen before the financial crisis. Demand for the bonds has been insatiable in 2017, with investors seeking out ... and more »...(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2DlZzbm
via IFTTT

When the economic news is this good, history shows the gains are smaller for stocks

The economy could be signaling too much of a good thing for stocks....(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2C0KCPU
via IFTTT

San Francisco landlords are turning ‘crappy old storage rooms' into apartments—and it's good news

Bay Area buildings added hundreds of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) this year, which could help with the city's housing crisis....(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2DZOePn
via IFTTT

Tax Law Could Further Slow Down a Bank Favorite: Jumbo Mortgages

The jumbo-mortgage market has been a bright spot for the banking industry in recent year, but the new tax law could take some of the shine off it. The post Tax Law Could Further Slow Down a Bank Favorite: Jumbo Mortgages appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com® ....(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2l5Lw3a
via IFTTT

Q4 Review: Ten Economic Questions for 2017

At the end of last year, I posted Ten Economic Questions for 2017 . I followed up with a brief post on each question. The goal was to provide an overview of what I expected in 2017 (I don't have a crystal ball, but I think it helps to outline what I think will happen - and understand - and change my mind, when the outlook is wrong). Here is a Q4 review. I've linked to my posts from the beginning of the year, with a brief excerpt and a few comments: 10) Question #10 for 2017: Will housing inventory increase or decrease in 2017? right now my guess is active inventory will increase in 2017......(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2BIHPqn
via IFTTT

CFPB adjusts HMDA data collection, TILA mortgage escrow thresholds

In notices published in today’s Federal Register, the CFPB adjusted the thresholds of the asset-size exemptions for collecting HMDA data and establishing an escrow account for certain mortgage loans under TILA. Pursuant to Regulation C, which implements HMDA, depository institutions with assets below an annually adjusted threshold are exempt from HMDA data collection requirements.  In... Continue Reading…...(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2BYo4iJ
via IFTTT

CFPB to amend prepaid rule and extend effective date

The CFPB announced last Thursday that it expects to issue a final rule amending its final prepaid accounts rule “soon after the new year.”  In June 2017, the CFPB issued proposed amendments to the rule. In its announcement, the CFPB also stated that, as part of that process, it expects to further extend the rule’s... Continue Reading…...(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2C0hDMd
via IFTTT

Consumer confidence slips from 17-year highs

Consumer optimism slipped in December, after hitting historic highs in the previous month....(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2CdWcUC
via IFTTT

Mortgage Banking Experts Call on North Carolina Delegation to Address Housing Finance Reform

RALEIGH, N.C., Dec. 27, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- As tax reform negotiations come to an end and a bill is finalized, Congress must shift toward reforming the nation's unsustainable housing finance system, according to mortgage bankers across North Carolina who say housing finance reform is the......(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2lgjOzM
via IFTTT

Measurement Tool Used In New Tax Bill Will Impact Deductions And Brackets

The government tracks prices on consumer goods - eggs, shoes, gasoline, etc. But when prices rise, people often make substitutions, like buying chicken if beef gets expensive. So economists have come up with the notion of "chained inflation" to take substitutions into account. That's the measurement the new tax bill uses, and it makes the consumer price index smaller, with an impact on deductions and brackets....(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2zCMhVG
via IFTTT

Oil remains near 2015 highs on tight market outlook

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Oil prices on Wednesday remained near two-and-a-half year highs from the previous session as the market outlook for 2018 is relatively tight, although the gradual resumption of flows through a major North Sea pipeline prevented crude from rising....(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2Cf9Gzp
via IFTTT

Monetary policy decisions in 2018: Here's what to expect

As 2018 approaches, CNBC takes a look at what central bankers in the U.S., euro zone, U.K. and Japan might have on the books for the new year....(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2DlB7qt
via IFTTT

How Tax Law Will Help Some Housing Markets

The tax overhaul is expected to create winners and losers among housing markets across the U.S., dealing a blow to high-cost coastal regions but potentially fueling demand in places in the middle of the country. The post How Tax Law Will Help Some Housing Markets appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com® ....(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2BV93yg
via IFTTT

Real House Prices and Price-to-Rent Ratio in October

Here is the earlier post on Case-Shiller: Case-Shiller: National House Price Index increased 6.2% year-over-year in October It has been more than ten years since the bubble peak. In the Case-Shiller release this morning, the seasonally adjusted National Index (SA), was reported as being 5.7% above the previous bubble peak. However, in real terms, the National index (SA) is still about 12.2% below the bubble peak (and historically there has been an upward slope to real house prices). The year-over-year increase in prices is mostly moving sideways now around 6%. In October, the index was up......(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2C9NGZ6
via IFTTT

U.S. Economic Confidence Index Up Slightly

Americans' confidence in the economy improved slightly before Christmas, raising Gallup's U.S. Economic Confidence Index to +8 for the week ending Dec. 24....(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2BEeBZL
via IFTTT

What to expect from the U.S. economy in 2018

The end of the year is a good time to look back at the economy for 2017 and, more importantly, to look ahead to 2018. In a conversation on NPR, I took a look back at the economy in 2017, what we learned, and what to expect economically in 2018. Here's a summary of the…                ...(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2BVjMIU
via IFTTT

2017 — a year of disaster

It was a devastating year with natural disasters, such as catastrophic floods, wildfires and earthquakes affecting millions....(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2DgC8QH
via IFTTT

Judge's questions highlight serious concerns he has over English's bid to claim the Acting Director role at the CFPB

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia held oral arguments on Leandra English's preliminary injunction motion through which she seeks to block Mick Mulvaney from continuing to serve as the Acting Director of the CFPB. Judge Timothy Kelly presided over the hearing. Deepak Gupta argued for English. Deputy Assistant Attorney General... Continue Reading…...(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2BDOGBe
via IFTTT

Richmond and Dallas Fed: Manufacturing Expansion Solid in December

From the Richmond Fed: Fifth District Manufacturing Firms Reported Moderate Growth in December According to the latest survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Fifth District manufacturing firms saw moderate growth in December. The composite index moved down from its record high November reading of 30 to 20 but remained positive, indicating continued growth . The decrease in the composite index resulted from declines in the indexes for shipments and new orders; but the third component, employment, increased in December. Indicators of wages and inventories also rose. emphasis added From ......(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2BEyFeg
via IFTTT

Case-Shiller: National House Price Index increased 6.2% year-over-year in October

S&P/Case-Shiller released the monthly Home Price Indices for October...(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2BSIwkP
via IFTTT

Mortgage Lenders Approach 2018 with Negative Outlook on ...

News Release. Share This: December 26, 2017. Mortgage Lenders Approach 2018 with Negative Outlook on Profit Margin, Refinance Activity. ......(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2BS72Tf
via IFTTT

Bond funds hit by biggest outflows since Trump election

Please use the sharing tools found via the email icon at the top of articles. Copying articles to share with others is a breach of FT.com T&Cs and Copyright Policy. Email licensing@ft.com to buy additional rights. Subscribers may share up to 10 or 20 articles per month using the gift article service. More information can be found at https://www.ft.com/tour. http://ift.tt/2kWBMXW Bond funds have suffered their biggest withdrawals since the turmoil that followed the presidential election of Donald Trump last year, as investors grow more......(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2DfcGuP
via IFTTT

Black Knight HPI: October 2017 Transactions

Black Knight HPI: October 2017 Transactions<br/>http://ift.tt/2lbR1fL...(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2lbzmVs
via IFTTT

Redfin Housing Demand Index Fell 6.2% from October to November

The Redfin Housing Demand Index fell 6.2 percent from 136 in October to 127 in November. Compared to last year, the Demand Index increased 29.1 percent. The post Redfin Housing Demand Index Fell 6.2% from October to November appeared first on Redfin Real-Time ....(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2BTZP50
via IFTTT

The Next Big Trade for Bond Investors Is Betting on US Homeowners

Bloomberg The Next Big Trade for Bond Investors Is Betting on US Homeowners Bloomberg One of the best bond trades of 2018 might one of the top from this year: betting that U.S. homeowners won't default on their mortgages. Money managers piled into relatively new Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac bonds known as "credit risk transfer" securities ......(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2zxjt0U
via IFTTT

Orders for US Capital-Goods Ease After Robust October

Bloomberg Orders for US Capital-Goods Ease After Robust October Bloomberg Orders placed with U.S. factories for business equipment fell in November after a sharp upward revision to the previous month, consistent with an upswing in corporate investment that's helping propel the economy. Bookings for non-military capital goods ... and more »...(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2CZl7un
via IFTTT

Trump signs tax, government spending bills into law

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump signed Republicans' massive $1.5 trillion tax overhaul into law on Friday, cementing the biggest legislative victory of his first year in office, and also approved a short-term spending bill that averts a possible government shutdown....(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2pft7oP
via IFTTT

Kansas City Fed: Regional Manufacturing Activity "Growth Continued at a Solid Pace" in December

From the Kansas City Fed: Tenth District Manufacturing Growth Continued at a Solid Pace The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City released the December Manufacturing Survey today. According to Chad Wilkerson, vice president and economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, the survey revealed that growth in Tenth District manufacturing activity continued at a solid pace, and optimism remained high. "Factories in our region remain upbeat about hiring and capital spending as we head into 2018, following strong growth in recent months," said Wilkerson. ... The month-over-month composite......(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2pcBAta
via IFTTT

Consumer sentiment: 95.9 vs. 97.1 expected

Consumer confidence was expected to fall to 97.1 in December....(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2l06hwd
via IFTTT

Tax bill may squash your dreams of a vacation home

Tax rules affecting the ownership of a second home will change in 2018....(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2zhG95e
via IFTTT

Personal Income increased 0.3% in November, Spending increased 0.6%

The BEA released the Personal Income and Outlays report for November: Personal income increased $54.0 billion (0.3 percent) in November according to estimates released today by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Disposable personal income (DPI) increased $50.9 billion (0.4 percent) and personal consumption expenditures (PCE) increased $87.1 billion (0.6 percent). Real DPI increased 0.1 percent in November and Real PCE increased 0.4 percent. The PCE price index increased 0.2 percent. Excluding food and energy, the PCE price index increased 0.1 percent. The November PCE price index increased 1.8......(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Around The Web http://ift.tt/2CX5Rhy
via IFTTT