Data

Fannie Mae’s newest Home Purchase Sentiment Index report shows overall consumer confidence back to where it was in February. More people are bullish on buying and more feel safer in their jobs. And more than ever, survey respondents feel better about getting a mortgage today.

A new study from Northwestern Mutual paints a dim view of American debt. While mortgages make up the largest share of monthly debts, credit cards and student expenses aren’t far behind. And plenty of Americans expect long-term debt in their futures.

Fannie Mae’s first quarter net income was down sharply from that in Q4. Gains in risk management derivatives were overshadowed by smaller increases in interest rates and less income from fees. Lower refinancing activity also contributed to the smaller bottom line.

Americans by and large are confident in the housing market. But a new survey by ValueInsured shows some fissures in the foundation. Slowly and quietly, more Americans are having their doubts about buying a home this year.

New data shows that August is the best time for homebuyers. According to recent analysis, housing inventory is up significantly by the end of summer, causing many sellers to reduce their listing price. In fact, buyers who wait until late summer may actually pay less than if they’d bought during other times of the year.

Mortgage rates remained fairly steady this week, even as the Financial Open Market Committee met to discuss potential hikes in the federal funds rate. These low rates may not stay for long, however. Reports found that the rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has stayed flat, but experts noted that the Fed's "half-full" economic outlook may mean rates will rise again at some point this year.

Mortgage applications decreased from a week earlier, according to a recent survey. This is a substantial difference compared to last week, when applications rose 2.7 percent. Refinances had increased 7 percent that week, as well, but fell 5 percent this week.

According to recent data, St. Louis is the ideal spot for millennial homebuyers, boasting a short commute time and good local schools. Parts of West Palm Beach, Florida, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, took the No. 2 and 3 spots, while Milwaukee was deemed the best place for millennial renters.

Markets in the West led national housing price gains over the year. CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Index shows that March prices rose steadily from February and sharply from a year ago. And prices should keep rising through the next 12 months.

A new report suggests that business analysts play a vital role in lender success. But finding mortgage-savvy ones? That’s not always easy. Lenders should take action to develop BA candidates internally for best results. / According to a new report, business analysts are crucial to a lender’s success. But a “dearth” in the industry makes mortgage-savvy BA candidates hard to find. In most cases, developing BAs internally is the best course of action for a lender.