According to new housing market research, baby boomer homeowners may be pushing young homebuyers out of the market. As home values and prices continue to increase, many younger Americans are unable to afford down payments due to low income jobs and school debt. Home builders are now targeting an older generation, age 55 and up, who are more likely to have equity. Older homeowners are expected to help home sales this year as it is a prime time for the age group to buy, according to experts. More here

The housing market has made significant strides toward recovery since the recession, but experts say there is still room for improvement. Home prices have slightly increased according to the S&P Case-Shiller home price index. Sales of existing homes fell from 408,300 last year to 405,800. New home sales have increased from the end of 2012 averaging 33,000. Additionally, delinquency rates and foreclosure starts have also fallen from last year. More here

Reverse mortgage endorsements have picked up speed this year according to Reverse Market Insight. Last month, reverse mortgage volume increased 19.8%, averaging 5,061 loans, the highest average seen since August 2013.  According to data, reverse mortgage activity was significantly down in November and December, and many experts think the boost in endorsements could be due to the recent rule changes made to the program. The New England region saw a 59% increase and the Pacific/ Hawaii region experienced a 27% increase, the largest monthly endorsement volume gains in the nation. More here

Mortgage rates fell this week from last week as new housing data was revealed. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged approximately 4.23%, down 0.10% from the previous week. The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.33%, down from 3.4% that was reported last week. The vice president and chief economist at Freddie Mac, Frank Nothaft said, “mortgage rates fell further this week following the release of weaker housing data. The pending home sales index fell 8.7% in December to its lowest level since October 2011. Fixed residential investment negatively contributed to GDP in the fourth quarter for the first time since the third quarter of 2010.” Additionally, the 5-year and 1-year Treasury-indexed ARM also fell this week with an average 0.5 point. More here

According to the National Association of Realtors, many metropolitan areas are experiencing strong year-over-year home price increases. The median single-family existing home price jumped in 73% of the measured markets. Approximately 119 metropolitan areas experienced price gains in the fourth quarter of last year when compared to the fourth quarter of 2012. Data states that  26% of metros saw double digit increases, and while this new data is positive, many experts express concern that housing affordability may fall. More here