Existing-home sales saw the third consecutive month of modest increases as mortgage rates have been lower; however, inventory growth appears to be stalling as winter comes, according to the latest National Association of Realtors® (NAR) data. NAR’s Existing-Home Sales Report for November found that sales increased 0.5% increase in existing-home sales month-over-month to a rate…
As the year ends, how are consumers—such as potential homebuyers—feeling about the market going into 2026? Per the latest findings from the University of Michigan’s monthly Consumer Sentiment report, sentiment was slightly improved in December compared to November, confirming the sentiment trajectory from the University of Michigan’s preliminary report earlier this month. Compared to November…
With business leaders, economists and other members of the real estate community looking forward to next year with both trepidation and hope, it appears the federal government is targeting 2026 for a push intended to bolster the sputtering housing market—though with details still forthcoming. During a primetime address on the evening of Dec. 17, President…
A cooling labor market reported this week with unemployment rising slightly, while in line with expectations, did little to move mortgage rates, economists report. The latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®), released by Freddie Mac Thursday, shows the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaging 6.21%, a slight decline of one basis point from last week’s rate…
Portal giant Zillow largely receives listings from MLSs via internet data exchange (IDX) feeds, but at least in one major metro, that feed may soon see some disruptions. This year, Zillow has been in dispute with the Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED) MLS, covering Chicago and surrounding areas and which boasts over 48,000 subscribers. Now,…
Federal Reserve Governor Stephen Miran said Monday that he expects a rapid decline in housing-related inflation despite higher costs for other items. He also suggested interest rate cuts may be warranted even as overall inflation remains above the Fed’s 2% target. In his speech at Columbia University, Miran noted that current shelter inflation readings reflect…
There are all kinds of numbers available for people to ponder as they set on the path to homeownership. Every month the National Association of Realtors® releases a home-purchase affordability report which provides the latest national facts and figures regarding qualifying income needed to buy a home, current average mortgage rate, median family income and…
With the last FOMC meeting and interest rate cuts of the year in the rear-view mirror, combined with typical holiday time slowdowns, economists were not surprised to see a decrease in mortgage applications this week. According to the latest Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) report, the Market Composite Index—the measure of mortgage loan activity volume—decreased 3.8%…
Editor’s note: this is part one of a two-part series—look for part two in our upcoming newsletters. 2025 was another whirlwind year for real estate, with industry professionals facing ups, downs and everything in between. The industry saw a lot of major developments, and it can be hard to keep track of everything—from historical tariffs…
Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller argued at a Yale University CEO Summit today that the central bank should press forward with rate cuts even as job growth stalls near zero. He also offered a sobering observation about the housing market: lower rates may not matter much if potential homebuyers are too worried about losing their…
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