Insights & Notes

• 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

  
• 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

  
• 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

  
• 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

  
• 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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