Housing and Economic Research
Original research and analysis on housing trends, the economy and the mortgage market
-
Research Note | May 10, 2022
Racial & Ethnic Valuation Gaps in Home Purchase Appraisals - A Modeling Approach
This Research Note builds on our previous Note published in September 2021 to report on a refined and expanded modeling approach that Freddie Mac adopted in the racial valuation gap context. Our first Note analyzed tract averages as little research existed on this important topic and we wanted to spark a discussion and receive feedback on our approach leading to subsequent work. This Note reflects much of the feedback we have received. More
-
Research Brief | May 6, 2022
Homebuyers in Coastal Florida Are Not Factoring Sea Level Rise Risk into Home Prices
Our analysis showed that home prices in coastal Florida may not be taking into account the future risk of rising sea levels. More
-
Research Note | April 25, 2022
Trends in Mortgage Refinancing Activity
This Research Note covers recent developments in the U.S. mortgage market. We review trends in mortgage refinancing activity, including a detailed look at payment savings and equity extraction through cash-out refinances. We also examine recent trends in mortgage origination discount points and fees and close with a discussion of heterogeneity in the mortgage market. More
-
Research Brief | April 21, 2022
Did COVID-19 Affect Urban Renters’ Living Plans?
Our survey showed urban renters’ feelings about city living remain consistent, but renters assigned more value to certain aspects of their communities than early in the pandemic. More
-
Forecast | April 18, 2022
Quarterly Forecast: The Purchase Market Will Remain Solid Even as Mortgage Rates Rise
Rising rates will lead to moderation in homebuyer demand and house price appreciation. But overall, the housing market will remain a bright spot in the U.S. economy. More
-
Research Brief | April 11, 2022
Housing Sentiment in the First Quarter of 2022
In the first quarter of 2022, we found that people remain confident in the strength of the U.S. housing market, a view that was catalyzed by low interest rates. More