For the past several years, rumors about rising mortgage rates triggered a sense of urgency for some buyers, but those increases largely hadn't materialized. However, as expected, last week the Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time in a year. Jonathan Smoke, chief economist for realtor.com, expects the Fed to raise rates at least three times next year. "Mortgage rates will likely move proportionately in anticipation of those increases, as clear data emerges

StartFragment As we inch toward the end of the year, consumers and lenders alike begin looking toward the post-holiday season – the start of 2017 – and the potential for a home purchase in the coming year. But whether this is your first home purchase or your seventh, home lending in 2017 promises to be different from recent years. On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve increased interest rates by 0.25 percent, or 25 basis points, the first increase since last December, making it t

StartFragment The demand for Texas real estate grew in 2016 with robust sales activity among several types of property, according to the Texas Annual Housing Report released today by the Texas Association of REALTORS®. “Texas is a national leader in real estate growth, housing demand and development, which attracts homebuyers from across the country and around the globe,” said Leslie Rouda Smith, chairman of the Texas Association of REALTORS®. “Texas’ diverse economy, rapid p