Despite slight dip last week both purchase and refinance markets have started 2020 well
Index is based on new home sale contracts signed
They are the only two from developed nations
December sales hit a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 5.54m
Ellie Mae says the increase in purchase loans was well below the July 2019 peak
Young buyers are starting to buy but the struggle is real
National rate was down along with foreclosure rate says Black Knight
But affordability and inventory challenges are likely to persist