Construction ticks up, but builders are still glum
Single-family housing permits, starts and completions all rose in July, but the industry continues to face strong headwinds, led by softening demand.
August 19, 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.
Page 5 of 52
- Summer home sale pace stumbles to 10-year lowSome 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.August 18, 2025
- After a year of NAR’s new rules, commissions are … up?A new report found that despite industry fears, commission rates have ticked higher since buyer agreements changed and offers of compensation moved off the MLS.August 16, 2025
- Credit history hitting home insurance costs harder than climateHomeowners 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.August 16, 2025
- Mortgage rates hit 10-month low. Will buyers bite?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.August 14, 2025
- Mixed inflation news signals ‘cloudier’ path for mortgage ratesWhile short-term interest rate cuts are still on the table, “a Fed cut doesn’t guarantee relief,” especially when looking at recent rate trends.August 12, 2025
- DOJ settles with rentals company in RealPage software caseGreystar, a major property management firm, will cooperate with the agency’s ongoing case against the proptech over rental pricing algorithms.August 11, 2025
- After a year of change, KW is turning the spotlight on AICo-founder Gary Keller will also be discussing the state of the housing market in the first major Keller Williams event since the company named a new CEO.August 9, 2025
- Homie tries to revive antitrust case against NAR, top brokeragesThe Utah-based flat-fee brokerage is challenging the mid-July dismissal of its lawsuit alleging anticompetitive behavior and steering.August 8, 2025
- Mortgage rates hit 4-month low; will the downward trend last?The weak jobs report released last week pushed 30-year rates closer to the 6.5% range, but economists warn the risk of inflation could drive them back up.August 7, 2025
- Compass v. NWMLS update: Request to pause discovery deniedA Washington state judge issues a new ruling in Compass’ case against Northwest MLS; in Missouri, Howard Hanna’s settlement in the Gibson case moves forward.August 7, 2025
- Agent-buyer connections driving Zillow’s mortgage growthOverall revenue beat expectations — again — jumping 15% in the second quarter, thanks in large part to big gains in rentals and home loans.August 6, 2025
- Lender, brokerage implicated in alleged kickback schemeHomebuyers have filed six lawsuits claiming that a national mortgage company paid a local Raleigh firm $15K/mo for exclusive referrals in violation of RESPA.August 5, 2025
- 3 key takeaways from a week of economic upheavalGrowing concerns about the weakening labor market and inflation could impact the Federal Reserve’s next decision on interest rates.August 4, 2025
- Weak jobs report fuels more rate-cut speculationJuly’s employment report suggests the labor market has been weakening for some time, which could prompt the Fed to cut rates in September — if inflation eases.August 1, 2025
- NAR scores another court victory over membership rulesA Pennsylvania judge dismissed a 2024 case challenging mandatory membership requirements just a week after a similar suit was dismissed in Texas.July 31, 2025
- eXp improves agent count after a year marked by attritionCEO Leo Pareja said it was “a great indication” that eXp’s recruiting and retention strategies are working. Revenue was up slightly in Q2 as losses improved.July 31, 2025
- Housing market could remain ‘stuck’ until 2026The latest economic and housing data suggests that home sales will continue to plod along at a slow pace as buyers and sellers wait for more certainty.July 31, 2025
- A 16-year MLS exec prepares to hand off CEO roleMerri Jo Cowen, who leads Florida’s Stellar MLS, will step down next year to focus on promoting global MLS practices. COO Shayne Fairley will take over as CEO.July 31, 2025
- Fed resists pressure to lower rates at July meetingDespite increasing calls for cuts, Fed Chair Jerome Powell held steady on rates as inflation remains elevated, and he has made “no decisions about September.”July 30, 2025
