Housing affordability

Seeking to reverse a decades-long disparity in homeownership, the Urban League of Greater Madison has launched a $5 million initiative to help more Black Madisonians own their own homes.

With infections resurging, consumer confidence in the housing market hit a snag in July, but sellers are feeling better about their prospects, according to Fannie Mae.

The American Dream Down Payment Act would let states establish and manage accounts, which would be similar in structure to 529 college savings plans.

For 32 years, the Bay Area city of Sausalito has used strict zoning restrictions to protect its scrappy industrial waterfront, banning both housing and offices in the 225-acre Marinship district, which stretches for about a mile north of downtown.

Housing prices continued to grow in June, maintaining a streak in monthly increases that began in February 2012. But the trend could be reversed in 2021 with the resurgent effects of the coronavirus, according to CoreLogic.

Record-low interest rates allowed homebuyers to purchase $32,000 more house for the same monthly payment compared to last July, boosting affordability to the highest level since 2016.

With low inventory and coronavirus limiting accessibility, nearly half of shoppers made offers sight-unseen in June, according to Redfin.

With inventory tight and demand compounded by a nonexistent spring home-buying season, a fifth of all buyers waived inspection or appraisal contingencies to win bidding wars, according to Redfin.

Congress should act in the next relief bill to provide the additional resources needed to build more affordable housing.

But the coronavirus put a hold on the market in April and remains an overhanging cloud for the future.

Buying power for many consumers is hampered and some originators said that affects their ability to serve consumers.

The FHFA’s proposal is intended to strengthen Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, but many experts warn that it could boost guarantee fees for lenders that they say may be passed on to borrowers.

After bottoming out at a 10-year low in April, consumer sentiment for home buying rebounded in May, according to Fannie Mae.

For Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, the pandemic is a good time to lure New Yorkers feeling anxious and cramped.

From the Midwest to mid-Atlantic, here's a look at 12 housing markets where first-time homebuyers find the most affordability, according to NerdWallet.

If employers maintain flexible working practices after lockdowns get lifted, housing preferences and subsequent property values could greatly change.

Consumer sentiment for home buying fell to its lowest point since November 2011, according to Fannie Mae.

As the coronavirus takes a major toll on housing inventory and credit availability, pent-up buyer demand could lead to market recovery, according to Redfin.

From the crossroads of America down to the bayou, here's a look at 12 housing markets where it's the most financially prudent to buy a home rather than rent, according to First American.

We need to be doing everything possible to ensure those that needed down payment assistance are able to keep their homes during this crisis and beyond.