First time home buyers

July's low mortgage rate environment encouraged new homebuyers to overcome their fears about the direction of the economy that kept them out of the market in June, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

From the Lone Star State to the beaches of Florida, here's a look at the top 15 housing markets with the largest influx of VA purchase loans between 2015 and 2018, according to Veterans United.

Millennials jumped to take advantage of low mortgage rates by refinancing at an increased share of 6 percentage points in June, according to Ellie Mae.

Even as digital mortgage availability make it easier for Americans to navigate the process, many would-be buyers are struggling to afford a home.

Weak home sales put a speed bump in the way of accelerating house values as price growth slowed to a pace not seen since the start of the decade, according to CoreLogic.

Real estate investors — people who purchase and quickly resell homes for profit, sometimes called "house flippers" — are a key hurdle for many looking to break into the housing market.

Before signing a home purchase contract, the vast majority of potential homebuyers already selected their mortgage lender in order to compete with investors, a Fannie Mae survey found.

Mortgage servicer customer satisfaction levels are among the lowest of any industry as more companies prioritize cost-cutting, regulation and default management over their borrowers, according to J.D. Power.

Freddie Mac continues to churn out steady financial returns, with the growth in first-time home buyers and credit risk transfers providing the GSE stable footing when a recession comes, according to new CEO David Brickman.

From Jacksonville, Fla., to Seattle, here's a look at the 12 most favorable housing markets for homebuyer purchasing power, based on a combination of local wages, lower property values and mortgage rates.