Insights & Notes
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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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Research Note | Sep 10, 2020
Unravelling Perceptions of Flood Risk: Examining Changes in Home Prices in Harris County, Texas in the Aftermath of Hurricane Harvey
If you want to buy a home, is living near the water on your wish list? If so, how much do you worry about flooding? More
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Insight | Jul 16, 2020
Granny Flats, Garage Apartments, In-Law Suites: Identifying Accessory Dwelling Units from Real Estate Listing Descriptions Using Text Mining
As the nation’s affordable housing crisis intensifies, there is a growing movement in high-cost areas for the legalization and expansion of accessory dwelling units (ADUs)—also referred to as granny flats, garage apartments, and in-law suites. More
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Research Note | Jul 6, 2020
Refinance Trends in the First Quarter of 2020
American homeowners have many options when it comes to mortgage financing. Most homeowners with a mortgage opt for a fully pre-payable 30-year fixed rate mortgage. The fixed rate locks in a fixed payment for the life of the loan, while the 30-year term lowers the required monthly payment. More
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Insight | Feb 27, 2020
The Housing Supply Shortage: State of the States
The United States suffers from a severe housing shortage. In a recent study, The Major Challenge of Inadequate U.S. Housing Supply, we estimated that 2.5 million additional housing units will be needed to make up this shortage. Our earlier study used national statistics, treating the United States as a single market. What happens when we look closer, basing the analysis at the state level? More
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Insight | Jan 7, 2020
Family Budget Burdens Squeezing Housing: Child Care Costs
There's something else keeping Susan and Peter up at night besides their newborn and 2-year-old: wondering how to pay the bills. More
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