Daily Dose

Employment grew at a rate higher than the national average (3 percent, as opposed to 2 percent) for the 25 to 29 age group, which is good news for housing, because this age group is the key first-time homebuyer segment. Steadily falling oil prices, which are down 45 percent since June, provide more economic growth tailwind going into next year. The drop in oil prices reduces energy-related expenses not just for driving, but for residential real estate also, according to Khater.

November's reading had been a disappointment for the Consumer Confidence Index following a post-recession high of 94.5 for October. The Present Situation Index jumped up to 98.6 in the latest reading from its November level of 93.7, while the Expectations Index fell slightly from 89.3 down to 88.5.

Home prices in the U.S. increased at a slower pace in October than in September, although eight cities experienced growth at a faster rate, according to the latest S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index released by S&P/Dow Jones Indices on Tuesday.

It has never been more en vogue to be a critic of the GSEs. From politicians to private citizens to watchdogs within the federal government, if you want to score political points or push an agenda, calling for an end to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac or just castigating the conservatorship itself as somehow unfair is a popular way to get there.

The subprime meltdown was like a waterspout on the ocean—breaking masts and sending ships crashing onto the rocks. When the winds finally settled, changes were instituted to protect consumers who ventured into mortgage waters and also to protect communities from housing bubbles that burst and could lead to waves of foreclosures.

Freddie Mac's latest Multi-Indicator Market Index (MiMi) report finds the U.S. market weak but stabilizing at year's end. The index, released Tuesday, shows that 70 markets are inching upwards, including San Jose and Pittsburgh, which have finally joined the forward momentum.

The Mortgage Bankers Association's (MBA) seasonally adjusted mortgage application index ticked up 0.9 percent for the week ending December 19, the trade group reported Wednesday. Unadjusted, the index rose 0.4 percent.

It's been a rollercoaster year for the U.S. housing market, but analysts at Realtor.com say the patterns seen in 2014 could be the foundation for more stable growth in the coming year. In its year-end review, Realtor.com outlined some of the major trends seen in 2014 that signal a strengthening housing recovery.

A day after Ocwen Financial Corp. announced a multi-million dollar agreement to resolve investigations by New York's top regulator, investors and market watchers remain skeptical that the company's problems are settled.

Amid reports of subdued home sales in the year's closing months, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) delivered a piece of good news in the form of continued house price gains. The agency's latest House Price Index (HPI) showed a month-to-month gain of 0.6 percent in October, picking up steam after posting no change in September.