Housing markets

US homebuilder confidence barely rose this month on a pickup in current sales, though demand expectations stumbled to a more than one-year low and prices of construction materials are climbing on the heels of higher tariffs. 

A majority expressed optimism of getting listing price or more, but a new survey also found the lock-in effect still weighing on the minds of potential sellers.

A version of the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act has been introduced in three prior sessions of Congress, but has never made it through the process.

A recent letter addressed to the FHFA fueled a consumer advocacy group to look at salaries, which have been criticized as not aligned to the system's purpose.

One of the biggest culprits is the CFPB's qualified mortgage rule and the ever-expanding debt-to-income ratios allowed under it, writes a co-director of the AEI Housing Center.

With prices possibly rising over 4% through next year, respondents to a Fall 2024 survey said they would turn to their investment portfolios to fund the down and monthly payments.

If mortgage rates drop into the low 6% range, there will be a retention opportunity on 5.4 million loans that have interest rates starting at 6.5%.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped over 2,200 on Friday, the second day of a sell-off due to tariffs, but that could be good for mortgage rates.

While prices are still rising, an increase in reductions from listing suggests sellers are adjusting to the new reality for home buying this season.

Homebuyers would be able to take advantage of streamlined finance options, folding energy infrastructure costs with their mortgages, the companies said.