Mortgage rates dropped to the lowest level in decades this week, and home affordability is very favorable. Uncertainty about the extent of global economic growth and continued low inflation levels have helped mortgage rates reach these levels.

 

After months of debate, Congress reached agreement on the Financial Reform bill, and it is expected to pass next week. The bill includes many provisions which will affect mortgage lending and the home buying process, but the impact will not be fully known for some time as many of its changes are subject to regulatory discretion. Separately, the larger bill containing an extension to the home buyer tax credit "close-by" deadline failed to pass this week. Lawmakers will continue to debate the bill, but it appears unlikely that the "close-by" deadline will be changed before the current June 30 deadline is reached.

 

The performance difference in this week's two housing reports was stark, but it was mostly due to measurement methods. May Existing Home Sales fell 2% from April, and were up 19% from one year ago. May New Home Sales dropped 33% from April, which was about 13% lower than one year ago, and a record low level. There's an important difference between the two reports, though. Existing Home Sales measure transaction closings, while New Home Sales are based on contract signings. The April 30 contract signing deadline to receive the home buyer tax credit pulled many contract signings forward into April, and some of these deals closed in May. As a result, Existing Home Sales were still boosted by the tax credit in May, while New Home Sales were not.

 

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