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2023 Housing Market in Review: Looking Back on a Rough Year for Buyers

webadmin • January 2, 2024

2023 Housing Market In Review: Looking Back on a Rough Year for Buyers


Things are finally turning around for the better as far as housing is concerned - and it looks like they might actually stay that way this time!


Mortgage rates have continued to drop over the last couple of weeks, and we are now in the ninth consecutive week of improvement. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is now back to where it was in late June!


Existing home sales also increased month-over-month in November, which is great news after five consecutive months of declines. This shows that buyers are becoming more confident in the market and ready to take advantage of improving affordability conditions.


We're also getting more home supply! Housing starts hit an 18-month high in November and will probably gain even more momentum as we move into 2024, with declining mortgage rates and incentives from builders likely to draw even more potential buyers back into the housing market.


Why Have Rates Fallen So Much?

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The decline in mortgage rates happened after continued news of easing inflation and as the Federal Reserve decided to keep the Fed Funds rate unchanged while hinting at possible rate cuts in 2024.


With the inflation rate hitting the 2% target and unemployment still relatively low, the Fed voted unanimously during their December 13th meeting to keep the Fed Funds rate steady between 5.25%-5.5%. They also mentioned they expect at least three rate cuts in 2024 if things continue to improve.


Mortgage rates don't exactly follow the Fed Funds rate , but instead track the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury. The yield has been falling since mid-October and saw a big drop immediately following the Fed's comments.

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Luminate Bank® Welcomes Josh Eifert as Chief Financial Officer, Honoring Legacy of Dave Turk [Minneapolis, Minn.] – [2/4/2025] – Luminate Bank® is proud to announce the appointment of Josh Eifert as its new Chief Financial Officer, succeeding Dave Turk, who has played a pivotal role in shaping the company's strong financial foundation. Josh brings a wealth of experience and strategic vision to Luminate Bank, with 26 years in the banking industry. Most recently, Josh served as CFO at Tradition Capital Bank in Edina, Minnesota, where he led the financial strategy during its remarkable growth from $300 million to more than $2.5 billion in total assets. Before his tenure as CFO, Josh contributed to Tradition Capital Bank in other key financial roles. He began his career with Norwest and Wells Fargo Banks, gaining extensive expertise in financial and operational capacities. Luminate Bank's leadership transition reflects the company's thoughtful succession planning, ensuring its financial strategies remain robust and forward focused. Under the leadership of Dave Turk, Luminate Bank has built an exceptional financial infrastructure, delivering consistent results and creating a foundation that positions the company for continued success. Luminate Bank's CEO, Marc Campbell, shared his confidence in the appointment: "Josh not only brings exceptional financial acumen and strategic insight to Luminate Bank, but he also embodies the principles that define our organization: integrity, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to excellence," Luminate Bank's CEO, Marc Campbell, shared with confidence. "His leadership will ensure our financial strategies succeed and inspire confidence across all who depend on us." "I am honored to join Luminate Bank at such an exciting time. The company's remarkable history of financial excellence and its forward-thinking approach align perfectly with my values and vision," stated Josh Eifert. "I look forward to collaborating with the talented leadership team to build on this strong foundation and drive continued success for our customers, employees, and stakeholders." Josh graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in finance and completed the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado. CEO Marc Campbell expressed gratitude for retiring CFO Dave Turk's contributions, saying, "Dave has been instrumental in positioning Luminate as a financial leader. His dedication, insight, and stewardship will always be a part of our company's legacy." Josh Eifert will officially assume his role on February 18, 2025. About Luminate Bank® At Luminate Bank, We Open Doors—empowering individuals and families to achieve their financial dreams through personalized service and innovative digital solutions. As a nationwide bank headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, we are committed to helping our clients meet their financial goals with a blend of modern technology, traditional values, and the trusted guidance of experienced professionals. Known for our exceptional commitment to customers, we take pride in delivering a seamless, supportive experience for every step of the journey. Our dedicated mortgage division has branches and a team of loan originators across the US, making expert home financing solutions accessible to communities nationwide. Luminate Bank is committed to safeguarding your money and accounts with FDIC insurance coverage up to applicable limits. Learn more about how we can open doors for you at www.luminate.bank , follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook, or call (952) 939-7200. For media inquiries, please contact: Debbie Schwake, CMO debbie.schwake@luminate.bank
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