房屋贷款, 地产新闻

http://seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/2019275764_apuspendinghomesales.html

The number of Americans who signed contracts to buy previously occupied homes fell in August from a two-year high in July.

The National Association of Realtors said Thursday that its index of sales agreements dropped 2.6 percent last month to 99.2. In July, the index rose to 101.9. That was the highest level since April 2010, when the market benefited from a federal home-buying tax credit.

Sales have been boosted by ultra-low mortgage rates. The average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage fell to a new record low this week of 3.40 percent. The average rate has been below 4 percent all year.

详细历史记录请参看：Rates History

http://seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/2019255089_homepricesxml.html

根据S&P Case-Shiller 发布的房价指数显示，西雅图地区的房价进入7月份以来，已是连续第五个月上涨。与六月份相比增幅为1.4%，与2011年同期相比增幅为3.1%。 这也是自五年前房屋市场崩溃以来最大的增幅。

历史低点的利率帮助着房屋销售，同时有限的房源也刺激着房价的进一步攀升。

http://seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/2019189404_apusbuildersentiment.html

Confidence among U.S. home-builders rose this month to its highest level in six years and many expect the housing recovery will strengthen in the next six months.

The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo builder sentiment index released Tuesday increased to 40 in September. That’s up from 37 in August and the highest reading since June 2006, just before the housing bubble burst.

A measure of builders’ outlook for sales in the next six months rose to 51. That’s up from 43 in August and also the highest level since June 2006.

Sales of both new and previously occupied homes are running ahead of last year. Home prices are increasing more consistently.