NAHB: Look for a 10% increase in single-family production for 2017 and a 12% rise for 2018, thanks in part to a growing economy, solid employment gains, stronger wage growth and rising household formation. Source: Florida Realtors

Analysts are optimistic about the high-end sector over the coming year, citing the continued interest of foreign buyers and the fact that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will provide backing for larger mortgages for the first time in a decade. Source: Florida Realtors

While mortgage rates remain low by historical standards, they’ve been increasing recently – a trend that will impact buyers and is expected to continue into 2017. Source: Florida Realtors

It’s the second week of declines, following a surge in mortgage rates in the weeks after the Nov. elections. The average 15-year FRM dropped to 3.37%. Source: Florida Realtors

Apartment demand remains high because homeownership has tempted few renters – but that may change soon, and entry-level condos could be key to the transition. Source: Florida Realtors

More consumers worry about rising mortgage rates and home prices, and that has dampened their overall optimism about home buying, at least in the short term. Source: Florida Realtors

The low-downpayment mortgage should be more appealing to first-time buyers after FHA breathed “new life into the program” by reducing costs, says NAR. Source: Florida Realtors

The average 30-year FRM dropped from 4.32% last week to 4.20% this week, though the rate remains notably higher than the overall average 3.65% logged in 2016. Source: Florida Realtors

AFIRE survey: International institutional real estate investors – they manage $2 trillion-plus in real estate assets globally – plan to buy U.S. property this year. Source: Florida Realtors

Job growth should slow, but fewer workers will force many businesses to raise pay that, in turn, should boost housing demand. But the “Trump Effect” is still an unknown. Source: Florida Realtors