Mortgage rates

The rate of annual home price appreciation rose again in May, offsetting the affordability gains from declining mortgage rates, according to CoreLogic.

As 30-year fixed-rate mortgages continue dipping below 4%, June had the most borrowers in position to refinance since late 2016, according to Black Knight.

It's a sign of just how strong the Bakersfield, Calif., single-family home market is that the 1985 house Realtor Leslie Walters is in escrow to sell July 8 was listed $30,000 above the city's $300,000 sweet spot — and still two solid offers came in within a week.

A cocktail of simmering home price appreciation, declining mortgage rates and stronger employment shot the country's housing market outlook to a three-year peak, according to Nationwide.

Mortgage application fraud risk declined for the second consecutive month in May as housing market dynamics shifted towards the buyers, First American said.

Pending home sales fell sharply in May, a sign that buyers may have a bit more bargaining power this summer in the Metroplex.

Average wages can't afford a median priced home in three quarters of housing markets around the country, but slowing appreciation shifts that balance, according to Attom Data Solutions.

Average mortgage rates dropped for the seventh time in the last nine weeks following news from the Federal Reserve of a possible near-term rate cut, according to Freddie Mac. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to its lowest level since November 2016.

Contract signings to purchase previously owned U.S. homes increased in May, indicating Americans may be responding to declining mortgage rates.

From Seattle to Pittsburgh, here's a look at the 12 best housing markets for homebuyer purchasing power, characterized by a favorable combination of local wages and lower property values and mortgage rates.