Housing markets

Employment at nondepository mortgage companies dropped considerably in November, as the combined effects of lower volumes and seasonal slowing reduced hiring needs.

U.S. home prices are at "high tide," but they will top out well before they inflate to the dangerous highs seen during the 2006 housing boom, according to a recent study.

Manhattan home prices fell in the fourth quarter, with the median slipping to less than $1 million for the first time in three years, as ample inventory continued to allow buyers to demand sweeter deals.

Dallas-area home price gains slightly outperformed the national average in November.

The agencies are weighing a plan to reduce the scope of residential real estate transactions requiring an appraisal, but appraisers have warned that the proposal could have consequences.

Mortgage rates started 2019 by continuing their decline but as consumers worry about the broader economy that might not help to increase home sales, according to Freddie Mac.

Rising mortgage rates are helping decelerate home price growth, which is expected to slow further during the coming year, according to CoreLogic. Consumer uncertainty in the economy due to stock market declines may also weaken house values.

The single-family rental market could benefit from more consistent loan terms and expanded secondary mortgage market opportunities, Freddie Mac found in a preliminary test of expanded involvement in the sector.

Baton Rouge-area home sales were 13.8% lower in November than the year before because of large sales drops in Ascension and East Baton Rouge parishes.

Southern California home sales fell sharply in November, deepening a retreat from a sustained housing boom that placed home ownership out of reach for many.

Contract signings to purchase previously owned homes unexpectedly fell for a second month in November, offering yet another sign that the housing market is struggling.

As mortgage rates fall alongside the stock market back to their low levels of the summer, home sales could ultimately benefit, according to Freddie Mac.

As the mortgage industry braces for even more market uncertainty in 2019, emerging technologies that improve the borrower experience and streamline back-office tasks may provide a glimmer of hope to beleaguered lenders.

The mortgage industry heads into 2019 with little relief from the market strains of the past three years. To succeed — or at least survive — lenders must confront major questions about demand, affordability and market consolidation.

Home prices in 20 U.S. cities slowed in October for a seventh consecutive month, extending the longest streak since 2014, a sign of waning demand amid higher mortgage rates and elevated property values.

Central Ohio home sales inched up in November, ending a three-month skid, according to figures released by the Columbus Realtors trade group.

The industry could see a boost in mortgage lending from regulatory changes, but other factors may slow growth.

Some parts of Chicago that historically have seen a pattern of disinvestment are experiencing a significant uptick in housing prices, as a strong economy attracts investors to more areas.

Mortgage servicing assets are poised for gains in 2019. But as higher average mortgage rates spur lenders to sell servicing rights and diversify their loan offerings, servicers' work will also get more complicated and costly.

From HUD to the Treasury, here's a look at the nine federal government agencies that are affected by the third federal government shutdown of 2018.