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The House Price Index (HPI) is an economic indicator that tracks changes in home prices across the United States, based on purchases of the same home over time.
The House Price Index, as developed by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), is a barometer for measuring the movement of single-family house prices in the U.S. It provides a macro-level understanding of the housing market’s current state and potential future trends.
By monitoring the HPI, first-time home buyers can add a data point about whether it’s a good time to buy a home, understanding whether it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market based on historical price trends and current values. The HPI is a valuable tool for comparing current and past prices.
The House Price Index is also used to establish conforming mortgage loan limits, which are based on the annual Q3 change in HPI.
For more detailed information on the House Price Index, visit the FHFA’s official website.
The FHFA’s House Price Index is calculated using a weighted repeat-sales method. This method involves analyzing mortgage transaction data from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to track home value changes over time, focusing on properties with at least two successive sales. The index measures the price change of the same property over different periods, providing a realistic and consistent view of price movements in the housing market.
The House Price Index helps first-time buyers gain insight into the trends and direction of the national housing market, which can help a buyer make informed decisions about when and where to purchase a property.
The FHFA updates the House Price Index quarterly and annually, providing both a short-term and long-term view of the housing market trends.
While the House Price Index is a strong historical indicator, it should not be relied upon to predict future market direction.
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The House Price Index (HPI) is an economic indicator that tracks changes in home prices across the United States. The Home Price Index rose 6.6% in 2023.
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