Housing affordability

The Federal Housing Finance Agency is revising the multifamily loan purchase caps for the mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to increase affordable housing.

The use of state housing finance agency down payment assistance programs is part of the solution to address the growing affordable housing gap, a Fitch Ratings report said.

Mortgage rates fell to lows not seen October 2016, affected by concerns over manufacturing and the ongoing trade war with China, according to Freddie Mac.

The industry has taken some steps to lower barriers to affordable housing, but some observers say that more can be done.

Strong home purchase activity — especially by millennials — pushed up annual price appreciation in July after a disappointing June, according to CoreLogic.

Soaring home prices are pushing homebuyers out of walkable neighborhoods into those that are more car-dependent, Redfin said.

Contract signings to purchase previously owned homes fell in July by the most since early 2018, indicating a pause in buyer interest even against a backdrop of falling mortgage rates, a firm job market and steady income gains.

What's happening with interest rates on loans for land acquisition, development and single-family construction pretty much goes against everything being said about rates lately.

Here's a look at five perspectives from potential homebuyers, from their plans to purchase to how they view the current real estate market.

Home-price gains in 20 U.S. cities decelerated for a 15th straight month and were weaker than projected, pointing to continued cooling in the housing market.