Home prices are increasing at a slower pace which many experts say is good for prospective buyers, as it keeps an increasing number of properties affordable longer. According to the S&P/Case-Shiller index, property values jumped 13.4 from the end of 2012 in 20 U.S. cities. The housing market is still well on its way to a full recovery according to economists. Michael Feroli, chief U.S. economist at JPMorgan Chase & Co said, “the housing recovery continues, but perhaps not as vigorously as it did in the first half of last year. Even so, appreciation trends still look pretty good even though they may not be as strong as they were.” More here

New data suggests that 2014 is the prime time to take out jumbo mortgages. This year, jumbo mortgage rates decreased and are now nearly as low as rates for conventional mortgages and in some cases lower. The drop in jumbo mortgage rates is a result of lower economic conditions, according to experts. Also, new federal regulations that were made to conventional mortgages last month do not apply to jumbo mortgages, making them much more popular among buyers who have high net worth or want interest-only loans. More here

Recent data suggests that the economy has declined in certain areas due to the severe winter weather conditions. The National Association of Home Builders has stated that the housing market took a hit this month, decreasing 10 points and averaging 46, the lowest number seen since May of 2013. Kevin Kelly, NAHB Chairman said, “significant weather conditions across most of the country led to a decline in buyer traffic last month, builders also have additional concerns about meeting ongoing and future demand due to a shortage of lots and labor.” More here

According to data released by CoreLogic, completed foreclosures decreased to 45,000 units in December 2013, a 14% fall from the previous year, but still considered high when compared to pre-recession foreclosure rates. The president and chief executive officer of CoreLogic, Anand Nallathambi said, “clearly, 2013 was a transitional year for residential property in the United States. Higher home prices and lower shadow inventory levels, together with a slowly improving economy, are hopeful signals that we are turning a long-awaited corner.” The National Foreclosure Inventory listed 12 states with the lowest foreclosure rates. Wyoming, Alaska, and North Dakota were the top three states with the lowest foreclosure rates. More here

New data from the Zillow Home Price Expectations Survey suggests that housing market demand will decrease over the coming years as large-scale investors run out of inventory. Experts expect the change to help first-time homebuyers and others looking for single-family rentals. Dr. Stan Humphries, Zillow’s Chief Economist said, “buyers entering the market in the next few months will not be competing with cash-rich investors like they were last year which should be some small solace given the higher prices and mortgage rates that they will encounter.” More here