The U.S. mortgage and real estate market is shifting significantly as of December 18, 2024, which affects sellers, buyers, and investors alike. Here’s a comprehensive overview:

Mortgage Rates and Predictions

Let’s look at the current averages step by step. These include the 30-year fixed mortgage, which sits at around 6.78%; the 15-year fixed rate, which sits at 5.94%; and the 5/6 adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), which average 7.35%. While all this was happening, the Federal Reserve steadily implemented cuts by scaling the benchmark rate to around 4.3%. However, because of the economic woes and low inflation, mortgage rates remained high, above 6%, as many analysts calculated.

Housing Market Activity

7.35% fixed mortgage rates, along with inflation and remodeling costs, severely restricted builders and home buyers alike from pursuing new projects. Most builders’ optimistic stance, hoping for a turn in market conditions, along with the continued price rise even as remodeling costs rose from $350,000 to $370,000 between 2020 and 2021, further restricted activity in the industry.

NewHome Construction

As housing construction felt the initial effects of the CR2 storm in 2021, the sudden rise in temperatures in the fall of 2022, coupled with the lack of consistent supply, felt like a final unlocking of the keyhole to this issue, with building starts in November having risen by 6.4% to an annual rate of an estimated 1 million units.

Although prices have risen, the rate of increase has been moderated compared to previous years.

Home Price Forecast for 2024-2029

Due to increased listings enabling a relatively higher home sales rate, home prices are predicted to remain flat. However, home prices will gradually rise between 2025 and 2029, with an estimated 1% increase yearly.

Housing Market Forecast for 2024

Substantial growth is anticipated in metropolitan housing markets, such as Oxnard, CA, Rochester, NY, and San Diego, CA. Prices and sales will ideally grow due to good economic conditions and stable prices.

Consumer Insights and Issues in the MarketMillennials as Homebuyers

One of the biggest blocks preventing millennials from fully engaging in the market is high home prices and higher mortgage rates. Based on current trends, 30-year-olds have a 43% homeownership rate, compared to 52% for baby boomers of the same age. Perceptions of homeownership or wealth due to economic imbalance within the generation heavily impact the decision-making process.

Concerns About Affordability: Today, as before, affordability continues to be an issue due to increased home prices and high mortgage interest rates. This led to elevated monthly repayments on existing mortgages. The increasing inventory levels would assist many prospective buyers, but the financial problem would remain.

Investment Opportunities

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT): Analysts say total returns on U.S. REITs should fall between 5 and 15 percent in 2025.

American Healthcare REIT, Extra Space Storage, and Cousins Properties are the best choices. These have made sensible investments and displayed steady occupancy rates. Still, their performance could be influenced by high valuations and anticipated changes in tax policies.

The American mortgage and real markets are adjusting to a trying period defined by high rates, low appreciation of home prices, and shifting consumer habits and behaviors. Operators must keep abreast of economic indicators to operate effectively in this economy, including the Federal Reserve’s decisions, policies, and market trends.

U.S. Headline News Summary Between December 16th-22nd 2024 Weekend Wrap Up. This is a detailed overview of the US headlines news of December 16 to December 22 for the year 2024:

February 16, 2024

Abundant Life Christian School Shooting:

• An unfortunate event occurred on February 16, 2024, at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison.
• A school teacher and a student were brutally murdered, along with multiple others getting injured during the life firing.
• It was brought to notice that the shooter was a 15-year-old student who killed herself after the incident.
• It is being investigated if she has any connections with a man living in California who was detained for planning another mass shooting.

February 17, 2024

Investigation Further:

• The Wisconsin shooting was reported to the authorities on February 14, 2024.
• They are investigating the shooter’s personal life, including their social media accounts, to look for any information that could provide insights into her motives for the attack.
• The malefactors of the country paid condolences to the deceased.
• The families of the deceased were offered counseling services to help with the process.

Donald Trump Remarks On Transition

• Donald Trump, who was elected president, held a press conference.
• He shared with the nation his administration’s plans, which included focusing on the general welfare of the people, reforming education, and increasing the budgets for public safety.
• The potential distribution of pardons and the current administration status regarding the polio vaccine were also re-touched.

February 18, 2024

Alerts Concerning Harsh Weather Conditions:

• The National Weather Service issued warnings for Extreme Winter conditions across the northern areas of the United States, including North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, between February 16, 2024, and February 22, 2024.
• Light rainfall and thunderstorms predicting torrential rainfall across the southern parts were also expected.

Legislative Measures Against Gun Violence:

• On December 19, 2024, in the wake of tragic incidents, the government commenced deliberations seeking to implement measures aimed at regulating the sale of firearms and tightening the background checks to prevent the sale of guns to minors.

Logistical Challenges:

• The adverse weather conditions brought thunderstorms alongside severe winter weather, resulting in massive road hazards.
• The severe winter hampered travel further, leading to widespread flight cancellations.
• Southern states were also warned about an incoming storm, with snow warnings.

Economic Outlook:

• Economic worries commenced when the approaching holiday season led to slight increases in unemployment claims being reported.

Gun Violence:

• On December 20, 2024, community members, alongside officials, participated in a vigil in Madison to honor the victims of the school shooting.
• They provided their perspectives regarding the tragedy, gun violence, and contemporary gun laws.

Shopping Trends:

• Fractured retail activity was noted due to the volatility within the economy.
• While spending during the holidays shot up, sectors exhibiting strong sales could not compete with the stragglers.

Travel Chaos:

• The storm’s movement out of the Midwest left many issues, including travel disruptions and power outages.
• Southern states suffered due to severe thunderstorms, which led to damaging flood waters, resulting in localized flooding.

Political Dynamics:

• The Trump Administration finalized cabinet appointments, with additional discussions around significant positions in education, public safety, and several other sectors.

December 22, 2023

Present Recovery Actions:

• The communities affected by the winter storm have started recovering.
• Their aim was to clear the roads and get the power back on.
• Emergency services evaluated the damage to any infrastructure.

National Insights:

• Once more, various media outlets were writing about significant developments of the year,
• This refers to the end of 2024, which does not seem to have ended gun violence, climate change, or political unrest.

This summary outlines the relevant news and developments related to the US events from December 16 to December 22, 2024, emphasizing the school shooting and its consequences, extreme weather events, and political changes within the country.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQlziWgJ6aI&ab_channel=EVAArtesManuais

In this section, we will go over the best German Shepherd Training Videos and the best-paid version of the German Shepherd Training DVD Series. Exercising proper training for your German shepherd will ensure they are well-behaved and their memories are firmly embedded to guarantee lasting happiness. Here are some of the best-rated, free YouTube channels and DVD series that offer such training materials and workshops:

Best-selling DVD series:

• “The German Shepherd Dog the German Way”—This multiple-part instructional DVD series is a comprehensive course on German shepherd dog training experts. The series covers overlapping topics like gait and locomotion, conditioning, biomechanics, and show culture. This tool will appeal to amateurs interested in the breed’s culture.
• “Training Your German Shepherd Dog” by Brandy Eggeman and Joan Hustace Walker—This book is part of the Training Your Dog Series. It is listed as a must-have in dog-owning manuals. Alongside the well-explained details on the DVD are advice on picking up a dog puppy, characteristics that must be considered, and dog training tips.

Approved Youtube Channels:

• German Shepherd Man official channel—If you are looking for a healthy and more controlled German shepherd puppy that fits your lifestyle, this channel is perfect. It has numerous training tips, older German shepherd demonstrations, and a pet showcase, making it a perfect fit for antisocial kids.
• German Shepherd Dog USA – Cleverness, options, and loyalty are usually not words associated with the breed of German Shepherd Dog. Through tips, this channel showcases king dogs and motivation and emphasizes the diversity of this breed.
• Star the German Shepherd Dog (puppy training series) – Star, a German shepherd dog star, in her very own YouTube puppy series that reveals a step-by-step approach to German shepherd puppy training through skill demonstration videos.

Tom Davis Dog Training: Tom Davis is a professional dog trainer whose videos target training German Shepherds by practicing various exercises and demonstrating effective training techniques.

Dog World: This channel targets puppy owners and provides them with strategies for preparing their German Shepherd puppies for professional training.

Some are free, others are features, but these tools give you more systematic German Shepherd training options.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Nr0DbztwUE&list=PLL9CA3Yl8kWGbBe2m7lTnSEYa2UcFgcMa&index=1

With Mortgage Rates Jumping from 2.0% to 8% in 2 years, inflation out of control, coronavirus pandemic outbreak, home values surging to all time highs, voter fraud, out of control political corruption, is the Mortgage Industry struggling?

How do you get into the Marijuana business?

Mortgage rates are dropping the past three weeks. Many borrowers who have closed their home loans with rates in the 7% should maximize their credit scores to be ready to refinance in the coming months

https://www.youtube.com/live/eGIq0UNH4MQ?si=wr8gXeDb8hZrRc5T

The USDA has cleared and approved Americans to sell lab grown meat. This brings up controversy among Americans. We will cover more on this topic.

Would you recommend to buy an existing home or a new construction home for your first home? Many so called experts I talk to say that I can save over 40% of the market value of a single family home if I built a single family home ground up. How difficult is it to get financing on building a new construction home?

Cody. It’s a great pleasure speaking with you today about TPO GO government and conventional renovation mortgage loans. You can do a purchase or refinancing on renovation loans on FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans. 30 day close. Looking forward to learning more about this government and conventional mortgage loans.

Where are Mortgage Interest Rates at now and where are Mortgage Interest Rates headed?

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I have been self-employed for 8+yrs, and my wife is W-2, My question is I want to qualify for a mortgage loan only using 1 year of tax returns, What would be the best solution for us, I have read that Freddie mac, if allowed, would accept 1 year of tax returns but is there any other options available for us, Thank you!

Congratulations to former President Donald Trump. On November 5th, 2024, Former President Donald J. Trump and Senator JD Vance won the Republican ticket to the White House. Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Waltz lost the Democrat ticket to the Presidency after Kamala Harris spent $1 billion dollars and is $20 million in debt. There are still staff members who are due their paychecks and are waiting.

Here are a few relevant points to consider:

Political Implications of Election Results

Impact on the Republican Party: Trump’s nomination could unify different factions within the GOP or exacerbate divisions, depending on how his campaign is received by various voter demographics.

Democratic Strategy Moving Forward: The outcome of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz may prompt the Democratic Party to reassess its strategies, messaging, and candidate selection for future elections.

Campaign Financing: The mention of significant campaign spending and debt raises questions about campaign finance regulations and money’s political influence.

Staff and Campaign Management: The situation with unpaid staff can affect morale and the overall effectiveness of a campaign. It highlights the importance of financial management in political campaigns.

Voter Sentiment: Understanding voter sentiments and the issues that matter most to them will be crucial for both parties’ preparations for the general election.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iCphDSLvVQ

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Is Kamala Harris the best candidate The Democrats have to face former President Donald Trump for 2024 Presidential Election? Are the Democrats that desperate of having a semi-descent candidate for President? Do Democrats think the American people are that stupid? Do Democrats need to name Kamala Harris, the person who slept her way up the political latter? Kamala Harris slept with former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown to kick off her political career. Kamala Harris is not too smart. Many people cannot believe how she even became a lawyer let alone District Attorney of San Francisco, Attorney General of California, United States Senator, and Vice President of the United States. Now she is running for President? OMG. What has Kamala Harris ever achieved in her political career. Watch this video clip about Kamala Harris.

https://www.youtube.com/live/RcsRfo16ZC8?si=gFA0rsAlw8iu0KLU

How is the National Realtor Association ruling affect real estate agents making money especially buying agents. Thank you in advance.

I live in Texas. Does your company offer loans on manufactured or modular homes using a VA loan? I own my home outright. 100% equity. Would like to do a cash out refinance for some upgrades.

Does anyone know if there Down Payment Assistant programs in the state of California that also cover the real estate agent commission fee? With the recent NAR settlement, I’m wondering if buyers with no cash on hand may have this as an option if the seller will not agree to a buyer agent fee concession. Thanks.

Has anyone here ever purchased a condo with a land lease that was set to expire within 10-15 years? If so, were you able to use a lender for financing, and if yes, what type of loan did you get? I’m curious to hear about any experiences or challenges with securing financing in this situation. Thanks!

I filed bankruptcy and got it discharged two years ago. I know different loan programs have waiting period after Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. I worked hard in re-establishing my credit and am successful with my job as a digital media marketing consultant. I can put $300,000 down payment on a home purchase and want to buy a $1.2 million dollar luxury home. I am worried about qualifying for a jumbo loan after Chapter 7 Bankruptcy due to the waiting period requirements. How many years will you have to wait after filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy for Jumbo loan?

HOW TO DEAL WITH CHARGE OFFS ON YOUR CREDIT REPORT?

Many homebuyers with less than perfect credit or marginal credit and/or income are afraid of entering into a real estate purchase contract in the event they get denied. However, mortgage lenders like GCA FORUMS MORTGAGE GROUP, powered by Gustan Cho Associates offers TBD Mortgage Approval, which is a full loan commitment issued by the underwriter with the exception of the subject property. Our viewers and borrowers get a lot of Frequently Asked Questions from homebuyers on how TBD Mortgage Approval works. Can you please detail the most FAQs on To Be Determined Mortgage Approval from consumers, renters, first-time homebuyers, and homebuyers with bad credit?

Can you please explain in detail what is the NAR Settlement for 2024? How will the NAR Settlement affect realtors? What is the ruling against the National Realtors Association? Who is going to benefit and receive money from the NAR settlement? Walk me Through August 17th, Buyers Now Pay Their Realtor’s Commissions. I started reading more into the August 17th 2024 date where suddenly homebuyers now pay the buyer real estate agent. Home sellers are only responsible to pay their seller real estate agent. As someone who plans to be both a seller and a buyer sometime in the near future, I am interested in both sides of this. This is really complicated and many real estate agents think they will be out of business. Maybe there are no real answers yet, but I want to hear other’s thoughts.

https://youtu.be/QKItI0C3K6M?si=X5fPAt7i4sEd783H

• This discussion was modified 9 months, 3 weeks ago by  Lilly.
• This discussion was modified 9 months, 3 weeks ago by  Gustan Cho.

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