By the Numbers

The U.S. economy added 22,000 new jobs in August — less than a third of what was expected — causing mortgage rates to plummet as real estate stocks climbed.

A year ago, surprising jobs data sent rates soaring. This year’s Sept. 4 report could also be pivotal, potentially resulting in volatility heading into fall.

Meanwhile, renter households have jumped, Redfin reported, citing affordability and other issues. But lower home prices could “be the headline” in a few months.

Details are scarce, but if the White House follows through on a potential emergency declaration, it could boost U.S. housing supply and improve affordability.

Smaller investors are seizing the opportunity as economic pressures make it tough for many buyers to afford a home, according to a recent Cotality report.

It’s possible mortgage rates — which have recently hovered under 6.6% — will drop to 6%, one economist noted, but it could take a couple of years to get there.

Pending home sales remain sluggish, but mortgage applications — and home touring activity — have ticked up as 30-year rates hold at 10-month lows.

While many borrowers take on a mortgage in the hope of refinancing when rates drop, a new report warns against counting on a refi as a financial lifeline.

New home sales were down 8.2% in July compared to a year ago despite an uptick in builder incentives. But those priced under $300k are selling the fastest.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell suggested that the board is ready to start cutting rates, which could mean a boost for home sales and construction.

A summer inventory “pileup” has made housing more affordable, according to Glenn Kelman. But with sellers holding back, the market may not rebound before 2026.

In what could be promising signs for the fall market, existing home sales increased 2% in July and mortgage rates are holding steady at 10-month lows.

Active listings are up year-over-year, but sales remain slow. Why? Because fresh inventory — not overall supply — spurs buyer activity, a new analysis finds.

Single-family housing permits, starts and completions all rose in July, but the industry continues to face strong headwinds, led by softening demand.

Some potential sellers are holding off on putting their homes on the market after seeing other listings stall, new housing data from Redfin and Zillow suggest.

The shift toward a buyers market provides investors with more room to negotiate, but many remain cautious amid rising labor and insurance cost concerns.

Homeowners with lower credit scores can pay more for insurance than those who live in a disaster-prone area but have higher scores, a new CFA report found.

Lower rates may not be enough to motivate buyers amid inflation concerns and stalling inventory growth, but economists say a fall upswing is still possible.

Higher inventory has helped slow price growth, but sellers who can wait for more favorable conditions are starting to walk away, keeping prices elevated.

While short-term interest rate cuts are still on the table, “a Fed cut doesn’t guarantee relief,” especially when looking at recent rate trends.