MortgagePoint ยป Your Trusted Source for Mortgage Banking and Servicing News
80
December 2024
F I N A L T H O U G H T S
"people want to feel safe"
Daryl Fairweather, Chief Economist at Redfin, discussed the severity of homeowners' climate risk
worries, as nearly one in seven house-hunters reported a concern for natural disasters or climate risks in
their area as a reason they are likely to move in the next year.
"a win for working families"
Ali Zaidi, White House National Climate Advisor, expressed his support as the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the final round of its
Green and Resilient Retrofit Program, marking the successful delivery of more than $1.43
billion in housing investments to U.S. citizens.
"more bang for their buck"
Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist and VP of Research for the National Association of Realtors,
discussed how U.S. migration trends are being influenced by homebuyers seeking closer proximity to
family, in addition to more affordability and job opportunities.
"gratifying to see"
Michael Althea, VP of Coldwell Banker Luxury, revealed his sentiments as the demand for luxury
homes continues to increase amid declining mortgage rates, and how sales of $1 million-plus single-
family properties increased by 2.66% in the first six months of 2024.
"rates have leveled off"
Sam Khater, Chief Economist for Freddie Mac, discussed how mortgage rates have moderated
downward after a six-week spike, but prospective homeowners remain concerned about overall
affordability, as mortgage payments are higher than rentals on the same homes over the majority of the
previous three decades.
