Why housing’s ‘unaffordable situation’ is so persistent
High home prices and elevated mortgage rates are keeping first-time buyers locked out even amidst a rise in new home inventory, according to analyst John Burns.
December 13, 2025
Real Estate News: The latest news for agents and other pros.
- Real, Corcoran gain teams; The Agency marks a milestonePlus, Christie’s expands in Utah; BHGRE adds Tennessee affiliate; iAD names U.S. managing director; Michael Saunders & Co. grows Gulf Coast footprint; more.December 13, 2025
- CMLS, RESO unveil board members for 2026Plus, Stellar MLS becomes a principal member of FIABCI Worldwide in 2026 as its global advisory arm expands its footprint.December 12, 2025
- 6 housing market trends to watch in 2026Don’t expect any big shifts next year, but we should see a modest uptick in home sales and slightly lower mortgage rates — and no recession.December 12, 2025
- Pending sales fall — but mortgage rates probably won’tConcerns about inflation, the labor market and the health of the U.S. economy at large could push rates higher in the coming weeks and months, economists warn.December 11, 2025
- Court merges 2 class-action cases against ZillowTo “enhance fairness to all parties,” a Seattle judge approved a motion to combine two cases alleging RICO and RESPA violations related to Zillow Home Loans.December 11, 2025
- When is it the right time to purchase a home?With affordability challenges and shifting demographics, choosing when to buy a home is a major milestone. A trusted Realtor® guides buyers with insight.
- Sponsored ContentZillow: Insights, trends and best practicesSee the latest product and company news, plus tips for agents and brokers.
- Sponsored ContentREMAX: The latest news and information from REMAXWhat's happening at REMAX
- Smart tips to boost event engagement — with a little help from AIToday’s event marketers face many challenges when it comes to audience engagement — but there are strategies that can help.
The latest on listings
NAR has made its ruling on Clear Cooperation, but the battle over how for-sale homes are marketed and when they appear on the MLS isn't over yet.
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More News
- The housing market’s ‘next era’ is just around the cornerResearch from Compass’ chief economist points to slow but steady improvement next year, especially if hiring picks up and “shadow inventory” is released.December 11, 2025
- The Ten: Real estate faces an AI tipping pointArtificial intelligence is getting smarter, more powerful and more accessible to agents and executives. It’s no longer optional — but not without risks.December 11, 2025
- Fed chair candidate sees ‘plenty of room’ to cut rates in 2026Plus, a report questions Trump’s old mortgage documents; CFPB official resigns; ROAD to Housing Act is derailed; NFIP advocates push for long-term approval.December 10, 2025
- Housing will ‘be a problem,’ Fed chair warns after rate cutA divided Fed worried about inflation and the softening jobs market cut short-term interest rates by 25 basis points on Dec. 10 — the third such cut this year.December 10, 2025
- 2 big promotions at eXp; Hanna COO elected to RE commissionZoocasa CEO Carrie Lysenko is now eXp’s CTO, and Holly Mabery is named chief brokerage officer. Plus, Annie Hanna Cestra to chair Pennsylvania RE commission.December 10, 2025
- Rechat gains a new partner; RealReports enhances client intelPlus, Baird & Warner debuts "Remi"; Loft47 unveils financial tools for teams; Atlas VMS integrates AI underwriting tools; Point announces $2.5B in new funding.December 10, 2025
- FTC targets rental software companies in new warning letterThe companies’ technology may be blocking property managers and owners from accurately marketing home rental prices, the agency said.December 9, 2025
- Buyers eye 2026 as the year to make their moveA recent survey of prospective buyers found that most are motivated to close in the next year, and many are willing to pay more for certain amenities.December 9, 2025
- Why today’s market is driving up buyer agent commissionsThe average buyer agent commission was 2.42% in Q3 — up from 2.36% last year after the NAR settlement took effect, according to a new Redfin data analysis.December 8, 2025
- What to expect from the Fed this week — and in 2026Investors expect the central bank to cut short-term interest rates by 25 basis points — but the Fed’s economic projections could keep mortgage rates sticky.December 8, 2025
- How much of America’s housing is owned by corporations?An analysis of 500 urban counties found that 1 in 11 parcels is corporate-owned, but the share is much higher in areas where “mega-investors” have proliferated.December 8, 2025
- The Ten: Rocket’s determination to break the industry moldFollowing the company’s acquisition of Redfin, CEO Varun Krishna believes Rocket will integrate the homebuying process “at a scale the industry has never seen.”December 8, 2025
- How agents, brokers can minimize RESPA risksThink you’re immune from regulatory scrutiny? Recent litigation involving agents and teams suggests otherwise. But there’s a very simple way to avoid liability.December 6, 2025
- Compass nabs $1.2B team; Elliman continues global expansionPlus, ERA Blanchard & Rosetto grows in Connecticut with the acquisition of Wallace & Tetreault Realty; Engel & Völkers opens a new shop in Akron, Ohio.December 6, 2025
- What will ‘never go away’ as AI spreads through real estateAgents, don’t fear AI, advises tech expert Matt Britton — the more you use it to tackle busywork, the more time you’ll have for clients.December 5, 2025
- FHFA director faces investigation; key housing survey scrappedA watchdog agency will review whether FHFA officials “misused” federal resources to target political foes; Fannie Mae discontinues its National Housing Survey.December 5, 2025
- The Ten: Private listings in the spotlight — and the courtroomDivisions over private listings deepened in 2025, with major industry players going head-to-head and others warning of the risks to a fair and open market.December 5, 2025
- Mortgage rates drift lower ahead of Fed’s December meetingEconomists say the market “widely expects” another rate cut — but the central bank will be making its next decision without key jobs and inflation data.December 4, 2025
- Economists expect ‘a reset’ for housing in 2026, ‘not a rebound’With the U.S. economy at a crossroads, real estate economists have differing home sales forecasts for 2026 — but most expect mortgage rates to continue to drop.December 4, 2025
- A Rechat-FUB integration; new ‘pro’ and consumer AI search toolsRealScout unveils “AI Search – For Pros” as UtahRealEstate.com introduces natural language home search for shoppers. Plus, Follow Up Boss partners with Rechat.December 4, 2025
