Today’s News Synopsis:

FHFA is extending HARP through December 31, 2018.  Since 2014, the number of neighborhoods added in the U.S. with homes totaling $1 million is 346.  Redfin reported a 3.5% decrease in home sales in July, marking the 22nd month in a row to see sales decline.

In The News:

Zillow – “The U.S. Has Gained 346 New $1 Million Neighborhoods Since 2014” (8-17-2017)

“Nearly one in 20 residential ZIP codes meets Zillow’s definition of a $1 Million Neighborhood, meaning at least 10 percent of the homes there are worth seven figures, according to a new Zillow® analysis.”

Realtor.com – “Apocalypse Soon?  Nuclear Air Filtration Systems Are So Hot Right Now” (8-17-2017)

“Forget Millennial Pink walls, beautifully landscaped outdoor living spaces, and fancy backsplashes. With tensions mounting between the U.S. and nuclear-armed North Korea, there’s another home amenity that’s in raging demand right now: air filtration systems designed to screen out deadly contaminants.”

Market Watch – “Map: Where the economic recovery in the U.S. has taken hold…and where it hasn’t” (8-17-2017)

“There is good news out there, people.  Political chaos aside, the stock market DJIA, -1.24%  is still booming and the U.S. economy has entered into its ninth year of expansion, with levels of employment and GDP roaring back to prerecession levels.”

Fannie Mae – “Upside Offsets Downside, Keeps Economic Growth on Pace” (8-17-2017)

“Looming geopolitical tensions and the growing potential for a U.S. government shutdown as well as a technical default pose risks to the economy but are not expected to derail full-year growth of 2.0 percent, according to the Fannie Mae Economic & Strategic Research (ESR) Group’s August 2017 Economic and Housing Outlook.”

Freddie Mac – “Mortgage Rates Drop Again” (8-17-2017)

“Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS^®), showing the 30-year fixed mortgage rate continuing to move lower.”

Redfin – “Home Sales Fell 3.5 Percent in July, the 22nd Consecutive Month to Post an Inventory Decline” (8-17-2017)

“Sales in July declined 3.5 percent compared to last year, constrained by a low supply of homes on the market.”

Housing Wire – “FHFA: HARP extended through 2018” (8-17-2017)

“The government’s Home Affordable Refinance Program was all set to end next month, September 30, to be exact, but that’s not the case anymore.”

Bigger Pockets – “Investing With Your Spouse?  STOP and Read These 4 Survival Tips” (8-17-2017)

“‘If we don’t change something, we are headed for a divorce.’  I am sure you would agree that these are very strong (and scary) words to hear your spouse say to you.”