There were several interesting developments with relevance to the housing market last week. Rather than let important information fall by the wayside amid the holiday season, this week’s newsletter will largely be a reprint of last week’s.
Source: Kevin Litwicki Universal Lending
Revisiting Stellar Home Sales and Tax Bill's Effect on Housing

The tax bill that has been at the center of discussion for the Housing Market was officially signed into law this week. In the days leading up to that, both New and Existing Home Sales surged to post-crisis records. Can the new tax policies coexist with a strong housing market?
Source: Kevin Litwicki Universal Lending
Home Sales Just Crushed Forecasts. Will Taxes Change The Tune?

The Federal Reserve (or “The Fed”) hiked rates this week, but mortgage rates fell. Believe it or not, this actually doesn’t violate the rules of the universe.
Source: Kevin Litwicki Universal Lending
Fed Hikes Rates. Rates Fall. Here's How That Works

In the wee hours of the morning following election day last year, markets were in a state of complete disarray–especially bond markets (which dictate rates). After a significant improvement initially, rates embarked on their single worst trading day since the 2013 taper tantrum. Bottom lines, rates surged higher. Did they know something back then about where we’d end up today?
Source: Kevin Litwicki Universal Lending
Inevitable Showdown Finally Arrives

Financial markets (or just “stocks and rates,” to be specific) started the week flat, thus leaving spotlight on a stellar home sales report. But by the end of the week, markets stole the show as they reacted to political headlines.
Source: Kevin Litwicki Universal Lending
Home Sales Blast Off But Rates Take Wildest Ride