By the Numbers

Mortgage apps dropped this week even as rates fell, but pending sales began to show signs of life.

A new report from Realtor.com looks at the cost gap between renting and owning and finds that many markets are now significantly more favorable to renters.

The inventory of new homes remains elevated, helping offset the low levels of available existing homes.

While home sales still aren’t as strong as they were in 2023, the near-10% jump in February “is a good sign” — but the momentum may not last.

Homebuyers may have more choices, but financing continues to be challenging.

A new Realtor.com report concludes that the best time to list in 2024 is right around the corner.

Low existing home inventory and the expectation of falling interest rates continue to drive builder optimism. Also, housing starts are up 5.9% vs. last year.

Rates eased this week, but they will likely remain elevated throughout the spring months as the Fed waits to take action on interest rates.

A Coldwell Banker survey found a big increase in the number of sellers willing to move to another city or state as price considerations now outweigh location.

A report from Zillow found that summer can be the most lucrative time to list, but low inventory means rate fluctuations can “make their own seasonality.”

Rates fell slightly this week, ending a four-week run of increases, and mortgage applications were up nearly 10%. Inventory and consumer sentiment are also up.

Realtor.com’s February housing report shows inventory rising, especially in the South, and availability of homes priced between $200k-$350k increasing by 20.6%.

The winter dip in mortgage rates gave a boost to first-time buyers and home flippers, a new report shows. Whether that continues depends on the Fed.

There are signs that inventory is building, which could take some pressure off the market and increase options for buyers who can stomach the elevated rates.

While pending sales reversed course last month, experts blamed seasonality and less favorable borrowing rates for the lack of activity from buyers.

A new Realtor.com report found that the housing supply gap has grown considerably over the past decade as household formation has outpaced home construction.

Despite market challenges, the Case-Shiller Index was up 5.5% annually in December, exceeding national averages over the past three decades.

Sales of new homes rose in January and inventory remained robust. Median prices were up even as some builders continue to offer buyer incentives.

Sales rose by more than 3% in January, suggesting a turnaround in 2024, but mortgage rates still hold the key to the future of the market.

Inventory is building as buyers stay on the sidelines, but there’s still hope for more activity as the spring shopping season gets underway.