Homeownership hasn’t been affordable in over 4 years
Higher home prices, insurance costs and tax bills are countering the past few months of falling mortgage rates, which remain at relatively high levels.
October 20, 2025
Dave Gallagher
Director, News Reporting
Dave's journalism career spans 24 years covering business, the economy and real estate in Northwest Washington. He's also a numbers nerd, examining data to spot emerging trends in industries. Having started his career as a sports writer, he's a lifelong baseball and soccer fan and recently discovered pickleball. He grew up in Yosemite National Park and earned his journalism degree at Humboldt State University in northern California.
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- We’ve seen this market cycle before — sort ofIn the 1980s, mortgage rates and home prices soared after a housing boom, then sales dried up — much like today’s market. Will our recovery look similar too?October 17, 2025
- Improving market conditions aren’t impressing would-be buyersMortgage rates ticked down this week and more homes are hitting the market, but demand has weakened.October 16, 2025
- Fed warms to rate cuts, but labor risks could hurt home salesCutting short-term rates two more times in 2025 could push down mortgage rates, but Fed Chair Jerome Powell said tackling high home prices is “not what we do.”October 14, 2025
- NAR CEO: Annual report to provide ‘unprecedented’ transparencyNykia Wright pulls back the curtain on strategy, the role of Realtor feedback and the association’s plans to overhaul systems and stay accountable to members.October 10, 2025
- New listings up, but pending sales slip in subdued marketMortgage rates are holding relatively steady around the lowest levels of the year, but buyers still aren’t committing as other economic concerns persist.October 9, 2025
- Consumers are fed up with today’s housing marketPurchase cancellations and listing withdrawals are up as frustration runs high among homebuyers and sellers, according to a trio of new reports.October 8, 2025
- The condo market offers opportunities for cash-strapped buyersCondo prices are still high, but they’re down in some large markets and more affordable than other property types. Plus, buyers have significant leverage.October 6, 2025
- A lack of economic data could leave the Fed, investors guessingThe government shutdown has delayed a key jobs report; if it drags on, there’s a risk that “the Fed gets it wrong” later this month when considering rate cuts.October 3, 2025
- Buyers have more leverage this fall — but less enthusiasmHope is dimming for renewed housing market activity amid a slowdown in mortgage applications, a drop in pending sales and persistent economic uncertainty.October 2, 2025
- How will the government shutdown impact mortgage rates?The overall impact on real estate is expected to be minimal at first. But economists say a lengthy shutdown would hinder the already sluggish market.October 1, 2025
- Zillow: CoStar copyright suit is a ‘misuse’ of the lawIn a letter asking the court to transfer the case, Zillow says the lawsuit over listing photos is a “calculated attempt” by CoStar to “weaponize” litigation.September 30, 2025
- Judge approves MLS PIN deal plagued by delays, DOJ scrutinyThe fourth amended settlement in the Massachusetts case received final approval Sept. 29, and the MLS will pay $3.95 million to home sellers in the state.September 29, 2025
- Late-summer jump in homebuying activity bucks expectationsWhile pending home sales increased in August, some economists say mortgage rates need to fall closer to 6% before the market can “improve more noticeably.”September 29, 2025
- Nosalek, Hooper settlements nearing final approvalWith no more written objections allowed, the dates are set for final settlement hearings in two key commissions cases. Up first: Nosalek on Sept. 29.September 26, 2025
- A government shutdown seems likely — will it affect real estate?The industry might not feel a direct impact, but a shutdown could intensify economic concerns that have slowed market activity for months. Plus: Fed, FHFA news.September 26, 2025
- Stalled existing home sales dim hope for a fall rallyMeanwhile, mortgage rates ticked back up after several weeks of declines — but 30-year rates are still holding close to 11-month lows.September 25, 2025
- Economists wary as new home sales hit 3-year highThe month-over-month jump “likely overstates any improvement in housing activity,” according to Nancy Vanden Houten, lead economist at Oxford Economics.September 24, 2025
- Home sales to jump nearly 10% in 2026, forecasters sayMortgage rates are also expected to fall to 5.9% by the end of next year, according to Fannie Mae’s September Economic and Housing Outlook.September 23, 2025
- Compass deal a ‘major power play’ that could disrupt the industryReal estate leaders are speculating on the future of Zillow, NAR and MLSs following the Compass-Anywhere acquisition news, while investors snapped up stock.September 22, 2025
