It looks like a new trend is developing in the second half of 2012: upping the home-price outlook. Last week, we mentioned that Zelman & Associates raised its home-price forecast for 2012. This week, it's Bank of America's turn.

At the start of the year, analysts at Bank of America predicted home prices would rise a mere 0.5 percent for 2012. Today, these same analysts believe national home prices will post a 2-percent gain, followed by another 2-percent gain in 2013, which is up from their original estimate for a 0.3-percent gain.

We weren't surprise to see Bank of America raise its price expectations. We also weren't surprised by its rationale. Bank of America cited many of the same variables we've cited over the past year: a shift toward shorts sales among creditors, a decreased flow of foreclosures, a reduction in supply. Increased demand also helps, which when coupled with decreased supply leads to the inevitable – higher prices.

Home builders have also held supply in check. Starts, especially on single-family units, remain at lows that are below those seen during the 1981-1982 recession.

Home builders still have a long way to go before they hit the long-term annual average, but they've been ramping up production over the past year. Housing starts came in at 746,000 annualized units in July, which is down 1.1 percent from June. It's important, though, to keep an eye on the big picture. In that context, starts are up 21.5 percent year-over-year. It appears starts will continue to gain momentum, considering permits rose 6.8 percent to 812,000 annualized units in July.

Increased new-home inventory won't materially change today's low inventory levels. In other words, home prices – new and existing – should continue to gain traction across the country. (Of course, all markets are local and the degree of traction will vary among markets.)

As for the overhang of shadow inventory, the longer it remains in the shadows, the less likely it will be inventory. Houses, we often forget, are depreciating assets if they are insufficiently maintained. Houses can, and do, go away. We actually lose over 300,000 housing units annually through neglect, fire, or natural disasters.

In short, we still see persistent price gains for much of the country.

Speaking of prices, the price of most mortgages rose this past week. This actually marks the third-consecutive week where mortgage lending rates rose. Granted, we are talking about a couple basis points in some instances, but it's still a trend.

An improving economic outlook (which raises loan demand) was the most repeated explanation for rising lending rates. Retail sales are trending higher, and increased sales reflect rising consumer confidence. Increased home-building activity is also bolstering the outlook for the economy.

So where are rates going? The 10-year U.S. Treasury note is a useful proxy for gauging mortgage lending rates, and it's been trending higher over the past month. So we don't expect a pull-back in rates this week. In fact, we wouldn't be surprised to see a fourth-consecutive week of rate increases.

Courtesy of Jessica Regan.

Search all Harrisburg PA homes for sale.

When you are buying or selling property in today's Harrisburg PA real estate market, it's important to have confidence in your real estate professional. Don’s commitment as your Harrisburg PA REALTOR® is to provide you with the specialized real estate service you deserve.

When you are an informed buyer or seller, you'll make the best decisions for the most important purchase or sale in your lifetime. That's why Don’s goal is to keep you informed on trends in Harrisburg PA real estate. With property values continuing to rise, real estate is a sound investment for now and for the future.

As a local area expert with knowledge of Harrisburg PA area communities, Don’s objective is to work diligently to assist you in meeting your real estate goals.

If you are considering buying or selling a home or would just like to have additional information about real estate in your area, please don't hesitate to call me at (717) 657-8700, complete my online form, or e-mail me at don@donroth.com.