Housing markets

The influence of expected policy changes from President-elect Trump will have on real estate next year could be mitigated by economic factors, Realtor.com said.

Redfin data supports findings from this summer when a significant share of buyers said they would move on purchases only after the election.

The latest plans include details on promoting housing development in underserved areas and increasing secondary market access to rural institutions.

The trade group agreed to the settlement in March, which included paying $418 million to settle claims.

Pending sales indexes increased in all four U.S. regions, led by a 4.7% increase in the Northeast to the highest level since early last year.

U.S. lumber prices, which already have risen in recent months due to lower production in Canada, could see further gains after President-elect Donald Trump's proposed tariffs on trade from north of the border.

The median monthly payment amount for new purchases moved higher for the first time in six months, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

New single-family home sales decreased 17% last month to a 610,000 annualized rate, according to government data issued Tuesday.

The Department of Justice suggested that new buyer broker agreements resulting from a National Association of Realtors settlement may violate antitrust laws.

While what they get for their money is important, it was not the leading reason why home buyers decided to relocate, the National Association of Realtors said.