Housing markets

Home sellers, no longer required to pay the buyer's representative after major rule changes last year, are still covering the costs as concessions.

None of the economists surveyed by Wolters Kluwer predict the Fed will cut rates at this week's meeting, few expect one in July and 41% said after September.

Confidence among US homebuilders fell to the lowest level since December 2022 in June, with potential buyers deterred by high mortgage rates and anxiety about tariffs and the economy. 

Housing permits fell for the fourth consecutive month as builders pull back on construction amid high costs and uncertain demand.

A survey from Redfin reveals that Americans are unsure about how President Trump's policies will affect home prices.

The transaction is the first in what is planned to be a continued series of purchases by the new fund as it continues to raise capital from investors.

Steady construction and weaker demand caused the first seasonally-adjusted dip in home values since 2022, signaling a move into a buyer's market.

While Fannie Mae sees improving buying and selling conditions, more consumers still think prices will rise over the coming year.

Following an appearance on Fox Business by NAHB's CEO this week, the U.S. Lumber Coalition labeled the homebuilding trade group a Canadian ally.

But improved for-sale supply is providing buyers with more options and helping to keep softer price pressures for those looking to buy, writes Cotality's Chief Economist.

Wall Street is cranking up the bond machine as US homeowners, finding that buying a new house is out of reach since mortgage rates started climbing in 2022, are instead getting home equity loans and sprucing up their current properties.

The publicly traded firm said it anticipates more deals after making its first loan to a developer for $32.7 million, which will support 156 homes in Houston.

The combined prices of properties on the market for more than 60 days currently make up close to half of total unsold dollar volume, according to Redfin.

While attention traditionally focuses on damage to coastal markets, the economic effects stretch into "safer" communities nationwide, according to Cotality.

A proposed 2026 budget would eliminate two programs that are key to increasing the supply of affordable housing, a consortium of elected leaders said.

Pending sales of previously owned US homes last month fell by the most since September 2022, illustrating a disappointing spring selling season as prospective buyers balk at high asking prices and borrowing costs. 

While overall investor purchase activity is returning to pre-pandemic norms, interest in condo units dropped to a 10-year low, as insurance and fees surged.

While more consumers claim they can't tell whether now is a good time to purchase a home, over half of prospective buyers said the market is better than it was in 2024.

Despite interest rate volatility, prepayment rates also increased, surging to levels last seen in October, according to a new ICE Mortgage Technology report.

The run-up in prices since the pandemic, and mortgage rates hovering near 7%, have squeezed affordability for house hunters, pushing many to the sidelines.