Insights & Notes

• Research Note | March 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 | February 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 | January 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 | November 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 | September 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 | July 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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