By the Numbers

The Iran war escalation is spooking financial markets and raising inflation concerns. And next week’s Fed meeting isn’t likely to “signal any immediate relief.”

A report comparing the cost of living in 1974 to 2024 shows that rent burdens are relatively lighter today, but home prices have outpaced gains in buying power.

Foreclosures jumped over 20% in the first half of 2026 while short-sale transactions increased 16% in Q1, according to new data from ATTOM and Realtor.com.

June’s surge in housing starts was limited to the multifamily sector, while single-family starts and permits fell. Builder confidence also continues to decline.

Mortgage rates climbed to a 10-month high this week as falling pending home sales already point to a slow summer housing market.

Homeowners in majority Black ZIP codes pay 16% higher premiums than those in white communities, a CFA report says — and people in Hispanic areas pay even more.

After two years of disappointing sales, many expected a breakout spring season fueled by lower mortgage rates. But then the Iran war and inflation interfered.

As more baby boomers sell, localized “Silver Tsunamis” may improve affordability for some buyers, but overall effects will be modest, recent research suggests.

Existing home sales fell in June, cutting short the momentum seen a month earlier. Consumer caution — and elevated mortgage rates — are likely culprits.

The market should continue to plod along, with slight gains expected compared to last year as buyers and sellers continue “adjusting and showing up.”

The overbidding trend driving up luxury home prices is expected to continue through 2026 as the AI boom brings more high-salaried home shoppers into the city.

Job growth was far more sluggish than expected in June — but probably not enough to panic a Federal Reserve that remains concerned about rising inflation.

Several consecutive months of falling asking prices and rising pending sales indicate that sellers are pricing to meet the market — and finding buyer interest.

If the MBA’s supply and demand projections are correct, the U.S. may have an excess of homes by 2035 — but other variables could alter that trajectory.

Household growth is slowing, people are moving less often and immigration is falling — all factors that may further drive down demand in the years ahead.

Though pending home sales continue to stay ahead of last year’s pace, elevated rates and rising inflation are sapping momentum heading into the summer months.

About 16 million Gen Zers identify as LGBTQ+ — and many don’t rank homeownership as a key step toward attaining the “American Dream,” a recent report found.

May data shows new home sales fell 7.3% month-over-month and 6.8% year-over-year as affordability concerns and economic uncertainty weighed on consumers.

Though high rates and home prices continue giving many consumers pause, 53% believe buying a home is a better option than paying rent or moving in with family.

The housing market may have found a “new equilibrium,” a recent Realtor.com report suggests, with small investors outpacing large corporate buyers.