Today’s News Synopsis:

Freddie Mac explains why the housing market does not seem affordable despite the Housing Affordability Index being at its highest on record.  Housing starts increased to their highest in four months by 8.3% to 1.22 million.  Looks like the latest star in the news to be selling their home is “Game of Thrones” star Lena Headey, listing it at $1.9 million.

In The News:

Freddie Mac – “If Housing Is So Affordable, Why Doesn’t It Feel That Way?” (7-19-2017)

“Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC) released its Insight for July, which examines some of the factors and perceptions that can make purchasing a home seem out of reach that aren’t always reflected in housing affordability indices.”

Bloomberg – “U.S. Housing Starts at Four-Month High Give Boost at Quarter-End” (7-19-2017)

“Residential construction ended the second quarter on a stronger note as groundbreaking on new homes rebounded in June to the fastest annualized pace in four months, Commerce Department data showed Wednesday.”

CNBC – “Mortgage applications jump 6.3% as borrowers rush to refinance” (7-19-2017)

“Perhaps homeowners were scared by the recent jump in interest rates or by the expectation of higher rates ahead, but something sparked a jump in people applying for a mortgage refinance last week.”

Opp Loans – “Simple Steps to Help Your Credit Everyday!” (7-19-2017)

“Fixing your credit isn’t as easy (or as fun) as breaking it. The worse your credit score, the more impossible it can feel to overcome it. If only there were small, simple steps you could start taking every day to get your credit back in order.”

Realtor.com – “‘Game of Thrones’ Star Lena Headey Lists Sherman Oaks Home for $1.9M” (7-19-2017)

“‘Game of Thrones’ star Lena Headey has listed her dazzling home in Sherman Oaks, CA, for $1.9 million, according to the Los Angeles Times.”

Seeking Alpha – “Why Real Estate Investors Should Not Fret The Slip In Builder Mood” (7-19-2017)

“The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) published its monthly measure of builder sentiment yesterday.”

Forbes – “Data Proves REITs Are Better Than Buying Real Estate” (7-19-2017)

“The iron is hot when it comes to real estate investing. Over the past 5 years, both residential and commercial real estate have rewarded investors with annual returns greater than 7%.”