Economy

 

Bloomberg
Housing starts in U.S. increased more than forecast in June

New-home construction in the U.S. rose more than forecast in June, providing some momentum for residential real estate near the end of its busy selling season.

Bloomberg
U.S. home prices rose 5.6% in May from year earlier, FHFA says

U.S. home prices rose 5.6 percent in May from a year earlier as buyers competed for a scarcity of listings.

The Wall Street Journal
Dollar rises on housing data

The dollar rose to a four-month high against other major currencies Tuesday after a report showed U.S. home-building rose more than expected in June. (Subscription may be required.)

 

HousingWire
The future of mortgage rates in a post-Brexit world

Near the end of June, Brexit came, then it went and, according to Capital Economics, that's where the story ends. No more effect on the housing market, no more lowering the mortgage rates, according to Capital Economics.

 

The Washington Post
It takes way too long to build new housing in expensive cities

Rising home prices are a signal to builders: As housing gets more expensive, it's time to create more of it. Then as new buildings rise, the competition for scarce housing falls. And that keeps prices and rents from going crazy.

 

The Wall Street Journal
Building permit delays choke U.S. housing supply, study shows

The supply of new housing in the U.S. isn't keeping up with demand in part because of local delays in getting building permits approved, according to new research set to be released next week by real estate tracker Trulia. (Subscription may be required.)

 

MarketWatch
It's cheaper to rent a home than buy in just eight U.S. states

Is it a better deal for you to rent or buy a home? That may depend on the state you live in.

 

The Washington Post
Mortgage rates move higher for second week in a row

Mortgage rates moved higher for the second week in a row as financial markets leveled off after a rocky start to the summer.

 

Product News

 

Professional Warranty SC

Warranty Protection Generates Positive Results

By including a home warranty in the total sales price, builders increase home buyer confidence, minimize callbacks and decrease liability for years to come. Can you afford NOT to incorporate warranties in your offering?

 

MP Global
The Market is Warming Up for Electric Radiant Heat under Hard Surface Floors

While electric radiant under-floor heat systems for supplemental warmth started out years ago as a luxury option in new homes and high end renovations, they are now an increasingly popular perk for many types of new construction and remodeling projects. The concept is popular in bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, family rooms, entryways, laundry areas, sunrooms, and other spaces where a bit of extra warmth underfoot would be appreciated.  

 

Sherwin-Williams
Sherwin-Williams offers tips on integrating popular gray hues in your homes

Stay one step ahead of the trends with Sherwin-Williams. In this informative article, our experts offer advice to help you refresh your color palettes by incorporating gray hues in interesting ways. Learn how to create dimension, impact and warmth using today's most popular color.

 

Housing and the Election

 

Bankrate.com
GOP: Shrink Uncle Sam's role in housing

As Republicans gather in Cleveland, we don't know a whole lot about where Donald Trump stands on housing issues.

 

HousingWire
Republican Party calls for significant changes to housing in 2016

Lost amid the uproar over Melania Trump's supposed plagiarism of Michelle Obama on Monday night, the Republican Party actually conducted some official party business during the first night of its convention, when it approved its 2016 party platform.

 

Overtime Rule

 

Woodworking Network
New bill aims to slow down Department of Labor's dramatic hike in overtime pay

With the Department of Labor Overtime Rule scheduled to go in effect December 1, 2016, a new bill was recently introduced in Congress to slow down the ruling announced in May.

HOUSING FINANCE NEWS

National Mortgage News
High refinancings and loan runoffs raise issues for FHA

Federal Housing Administration borrowers have been refinancing faster than expected and the run off is creating a drag on efforts to build up the capital reserves of the agency's mortgage insurance fund. (Subscription may be required.)

 

FLOOD INSURANCE BILL

National Mortgage News
Private flood insurance bill has Fannie, Freddie on edge

A private flood insurance bill passed by the House is making Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac uneasy because they fear it could lead to greater losses, according to a recent report by the Government Accountability Office. (Subscription may be required.)

MORTGAGE NEWS

The Wall Street Journal
A reverse mortgage to buy a home? Here's how

Reverse mortgages are typically seen as a way for seniors to remain in their homes while drawing income from their property. But a reverse mortgage can also be used to buy a home. (Subscription may be required.)

 

FORECLOSURE NEWS

USA Today
Fraud complaints cloud foreclosure relief

In 2012, after a heart attack left him too ill to work and unable to make his mortgage payments on time, John Green turned to the Litvin Law Firm for help.