3 key takeaways from a week of economic upheaval
Growing concerns about the weakening labor market and inflation could impact the Federal Reserve’s next decision on interest rates.
August 4, 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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- 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
- RE/MAX revenue continues to slip despite agent gainsWhile revenue fell 7.3% in the second quarter, profits and margin performance were up, and global agent count reached an all-time high.Updated July 30, 2025
- The real estate market: 5 key themes to watch this weekA slew of economic data is due out in the coming days. Meanwhile, the Fed will make a decision about interest rates, and the trade deal deadline ends Aug. 1.July 28, 2025
- A weak dollar spells opportunity for some foreign buyersWhile U.S. buyers saw home prices rise year-over-year, those using other currencies are getting discounts, which could spur foreign purchases.July 25, 2025
- Will buyers take advantage of the static market?Inventory is up and existing home sales have dropped, both variables that could be good news for buyers — but mortgage rates remain stubbornly elevated.July 24, 2025
- NAR prevails in Texas mandatory membership caseA judge dismissed a lawsuit filed in November by a broker challenging rules requiring Realtors to pay multiple sets of dues in order to access the MLS.July 23, 2025
- CoStar eyes ‘future revenue stream’ after blockbuster quarterFounder and CEO Andy Florance celebrated the company’s 57th consecutive quarter of double-digit revenue growth during a July 22 call with investors.July 23, 2025
- Realtor.com CEO reportedly in the running for another roleAn Australian financial publication reported last week that Damian Eales is being considered for the CEO job at REA Group, which operates realestate.com.au.July 22, 2025
- Lot sales spike after LA fires amid rebuilding challengesCalifornia’s January wildfires ravaged Altadena and the Pacific Palisades, but optimism is helping the communities maintain their spirit.July 22, 2025
- As buyers gain leverage, more are backing out of salesRedfin data indicates buyers are gaining negotiating power as pending sales cancellations hit the highest level for the month of June since at least 2017.July 21, 2025
- Builders turn their back on single-family homesHousing permits, starts and completions were all down year-over-year in June as rates and material costs remain elevated, continuing a “worrying pattern.”July 18, 2025
- Buyer demand holds — even as mortgage rates tick back upWhile some sellers seem to be reacting to the shift toward a buyers market, stubbornly high mortgage rates aren’t making the transition easy for buyers.July 17, 2025
- NAR economist downgrades sales forecast, eyes rebound in 2026Lawrence Yun said this week that home sales could still tick up slightly this year, and if mortgage rates hit 6%, next year could see double-digit growth.July 17, 2025
- Antitrust case against NAR, top brokerages dismissedA 2024 lawsuit accused the defendants of conspiring to boycott flat-fee brokerage Homie, but a judge said it was filed too late and failed to prove its claims.July 16, 2025
