Affordability continues to be at the forefront of everyone’s mind, as the U.S. housing market steadies but remains more expensive compared to pre-pandemic conditions.  As the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) has fallen from recent highs—clocking in around the low-6% range—potentially making homeownership more affordable, U.S. cities are also some of the most renter-friendly worldwide. A…

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Housing professionals should expect modest growth in mortgage and home-buying activity and tempered optimism for 2026, according to projections released Sunday at the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) annual conference in Las Vegas. The trade group is calling for loan origination volume to reach $2.2 trillion in 2026, up 10% over 2025’s anticipated $2 trillion. The…

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As the fourth quarter of 2025 gets underway, experts highlight the cooling nature of the housing market, with home sales generating steady returns and mortgage rates sliding lower almost each week. For Q3, Realtor.com® reports that down payments remained relatively flat amidst elevated costs and moderate demand this past year. Their latest down payment report…

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Even as housing markets cool in many regions, home sellers are still walking away with healthy profits. During Q3 2025, the median home sale generated a 49.9% return, or about $123,100 in raw profit, according to ATTOM’s Home Sales Report. The profit margin is up 0.6% quarter-over-quarter, but still below the 55.4% average profit margin…

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According to the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), which gauges builder perceptions of current and future single-family home sales, homebuilder sentiment levels increased in October, as future sales expectations surpassed the 50 point breakeven mark for the first time in almost 10 months.  “The HMI gain in October is a…

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Homeownership is a daunting but desirable goal for many young Americans, yet many struggle to afford housing. In a survey from Redfin earlier this fall, 40% of millennials and Gen Z renters stopped dining out so they could afford their rent. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) has remained steady for weeks, and currently sits at…

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Mortgage rates are falling, which could be a step closer to affordable homeownership for many buyers, especially those in high-cost areas, according to online loan marketplace LendingTree. Nationally, the average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage was 6.68% in July this year, a drop from July 2024’s 7.19%. The average calculated monthly payment across the…

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Maine Listings, one of the nation’s oldest statewide MLS organizations, has announced the launch of a new brand identity and the unveiling of a new logo and visual direction that is intended to reflect its mission as a customer-centric, accessible and effective multiple listing service.  The organization, which serves 6,800 real estate professionals statewide, says…

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