Housing markets

Mortgage fintech Maxwell suggests lenders position themselves closer to consumers as the post-commission changes landscape evolves.

"Despite the modest gain, home sales are still sluggish," said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun in a prepared statement. "But consumers are definitely seeing more choices, and affordability is improving due to lower interest rates."

The Federal Housing Administration's renovation program parameters hadn't been updated in a decade, faling behind similar products from other providers. The Nov. 4 changes will bring it up to speed.

The company is emphasizing wider margins over volume, and leaning into its maturing renovation business.

Without considering the potential of building equity in a property, in 48 of 50 markets renting was better; appreciation flips that to 29 cities in favor of buying, First American said.

A sizable decline in the South may have reflected the impact of Hurricane Beryl.

While the total dollar volume of apartment originations fell last year, the number of companies making loans increased from 2022, the Mortgage Bankers Association said.

Confidence among U.S. home builders slipped for the fourth straight month to its lowest point of the year in August as high loan rates and home prices weigh on companies and buyers alike.

Borrowing costs have fallen to their lowest level in more than a year as inflation metrics drop to 2021 levels, seemingly vindicating the Federal Reserve's decision to maintain their restrictive monetary policy.

Five other cities are now at over $1 million in median price, up from four in previous periods, the National Association of Realtors said.