The rate lock-in effect has been a concern on the minds of many in real estate over recent years as mortgage rates have mostly stayed in the 6%-7% range. Homeowners with rates in the 2%-3% range, while they could potentially afford the price of a new home in selling their current one, have reportedly felt…

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As largely expected, inflation has surged this past month.  The Consumer Price Index (CPI) grew 0.9% from February to March, with annual inflation at 3.3%. This is a drastic increase from the 0.3% increase seen in February, when annual inflation was 2.4%. Separately, another measure of inflation through the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index…

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In a rebound from February’s downcast numbers, a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics on April 3 showed the U.S. economy gaining 178,000 jobs in March, with the unemployment rate sliding slightly to 4.3%. Job gains occurred in healthcare, construction and in transportation and warehousing. Federal government employment continued to decline. Average wages were…

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As largely expected, the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at its March Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, leaving the federal funds rate unchanged at a rate of 3.5% – 3.75%—the same level established following December’s quarter-point cut. There was a singular dissenting vote from Stephen I. Miran, who preferred to lower the target…

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Above (L-R): Jackie Louh, Lisa Sturtevant, Bess Freedman, Christina Pappas, Carrie Little, Michele Harrington and DeAnne Golden (upper row). Anam Hargey, Wendy Forsythe, Marisela Harper, Athena Peterson and Brenda Maher (lower row). During RISMedia’s 5th Annual Rocking in the New Year event on Jan. 8, a cohort of female leaders from across the industry shared…

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The real estate industry is viewing 2026 with hearts full of hope. After a challenging few years since the pandemic, the housing market is due for a rebirth. Economists’ predictions across the board have shown a better future on the horizon, and Bright MLS Chief Economist Lisa Sturtevant is one of them. In her opinion,…

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Pending home sales in December decreased by 9.3% from the prior month and 3% year-over-year, according to the National Association of Realtors®’ (NAR) Pending Home Sales Report. The report provides the real estate ecosystem—including agents and homebuyers and sellers—with data on the level of home sales under contract. Month-over-month pending home sales declined in all…

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Americans from all walks of life are feeling heightened anxiety about their finances — and that could dampen the housing market’s recovery, according to a new survey from Bright MLS. The survey of more than 3,300 adults found that a majority of Americans are worried about money across the board. However, this concern is felt…

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The Federal Reserve has maintained that a 2% annual inflation rate is its goal. After months of inflation moving back up due to factors such as tariffs, reversing what looked like a slow but steady descent to 2%, the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) saw a reversal…

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The labor market continued to see growth in November, although with little net change since April, and the unemployment rate had little change from September, according to the latest Employment Situation Summary from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), delayed due to the government shutdown. The latest jobs report saw employment grow by 64,000…

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