While housing affordability rose from January to February in some select markets, it's lower year-over-year as home prices continue to rise while wages stay mostly stagnant, according to the National Association of REALTORS®’ latest Housing Affordability Index. The index is based on median home prices, family incomes, and average mortgage interest rates.
The median single-family home price is $189,200, up 9 percent from year-ago levels. Mortgage rates have also been on the rise, up a full percentage point from year-ago levels. Meanwhile, income levels have risen 1.9 percent in the past year.
Affordability is up slightly from a month ago in the Northeast and Midwest, while the West and South saw a minor drop in February month-over-month, according to NAR’s index. However, affordability is down in all regions from year-ago levels. The West has seen the largest decline in affordability in the past year, due to a 17 percent price gain.
Source: “Latest Housing Affordability Data,” National Association of REALTORS®’ Economists’ Outlook blog (April 11, 2014)
