Housing and Economic Research

Consumer Research | Mar 22, 2021

Confidence in Housing Market High as Concerns about Finances Linger

New Freddie Mac research shows the uncertainty renters and homeowners have about their ability to pay their rent or mortgage during the pandemic.

Read More>Confidence in Housing Market High as Concerns about Finances Linger

• Research Note | Mar 5, 2021

  Refinance Trends in 2020

  This past year was a busy year for the mortgage market. While the economy was in recession, record low mortgage interest rates contributed to refinance activity reaching near record highs. Many borrowers saved thousands of dollars by lowering their mortgage rate through refinances. This Research Note highlights some of the key trends defining refinance mortgage activity in 2020. More

  
• Research Note | Feb 8, 2021

  Mortgage Forbearance and Performance during the Early Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic

  During the COVID-19 crisis, mortgage forbearance plans have played an important role in helping households manage their finances by providing short-term liquidity to mortgage borrowers. Mortgage forbearance plans temporarily remove the obligation of borrowers to make their monthly mortgage payment. More

  
• Insight | Jan 28, 2021

  U.S. Population Growth: Where is housing demand strongest?

  What is the main driver of demand for housing in the United States? The answer is simple: people. The American population is a diverse group with multifaceted and individualistic housing needs. More

  
• Forecast | Jan 14, 2021

  Quarterly Forecast: Housing Market Continues to Perform Strongly Primarily Driven by Historically Low Mortgage Rates

  It’s been close to a year since the pandemic began, and economic growth continues to remain uncertain. The availability of a COVID-19 vaccine and its widespread distribution should steer the economy towards recovery, but the timelines remain unknown. The labor market has recovered from the lows it reached in April of last year but continues to be weak. As of mid-December of 2020, jobless claims were still around 20 million, remaining well above the pre-pandemic levels. The unemployment rate was 6.7% in December with more permanent job losses and less labor force participation signaling a slowdown in the current labor market recovery. More

  
• Insight | Nov 17, 2020

  Mortgage Forbearance Rates during the COVID-19 Crisis

  Bob and Jane purchased their home three years ago. Now, in the midst of the pandemic, Jane is furloughed from her job as a purchasing manager, and Bob is working fewer hours as a mechanic. They are wondering how long their savings will last. Postponing mortgage payments would make their reserves hold out a lot longer. More

  

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