Consumer

Fannie and Freddie both accept VantageScore 4.0 mortgage credit scores. But widespread adoption will take time as comfort with the credit scoring model grows.

While most Americans in a recent survey want Congress to prioritize housing affordability, they are skeptical that the midterm elections will have much effect.

The median U.S. home sale price has fallen for the first time in years, Redfin data indicates. Many economic variables will impact whether the trend continues.

The FOMC voted 10-2 to hold rates steady at its October meeting. But after last month’s inflation report, investors believe multiple rate hikes may be ahead.

The ex-luxury brokers and their brother Alon each received the same sentence following their convictions in March on multiple federal sex offenses.

Realtor.com research suggests areas with low land costs and smaller shares of starter homes could see the biggest impacts — but only if local zoning laws allow.

NAR applauded the move, saying it “takes steps toward making homeownership more sustainable.” Plus, corporate homebuyer rules proposed; some lumber tariffs cut.

While the 30-year mortgage rate fell for the first time in two months, to 7.32%, it remains a barrier to would-be buyers who still feel priced out.

ATTOM reported a 2% year-over-year decline in median home prices in Q3, but it wasn’t enough to counteract the effects of rising mortgage rates and inflation.

The share of investor home purchases has changed little from previous years, but the number of transactions has fallen, according to a new Realtor.com report.

Pending sales dropped 7.3% month-over-month in September, falling to the lowest level recorded in at least 25 years, according to NAR data.

An artificial intelligence stock selloff spooked many investors late this week, pushing some to embrace 10-year Treasury bonds as 30-year mortgage rates dipped.

Rising fuel costs drove up consumer prices, which are outpacing wage growth. That puts prospective homebuyers in a tough spot as mortgage rates remain at 7.5%.

A Redfin analysis finds the housing market could return to a 30% mortgage-rate-to-income ratio by early 2029 — but only if conditions start improving quickly.

The department cut nearly $56M in funding already allocated by Congress. Plus, a proposed down payment matching program; NAHB supports affordability bill.

A weaker labor market may cool inflation and push rates down, which could rally homebuyers. But fewer job changes and wage boosts could also hurt the market.

While the fall usually provides aspiring buyers with opportunities to enter the housing market, high mortgage rates are getting in the way for many this season.

Investors will have a lot to think about next week as key economic data releases start filtering in and Q3 of 2026 comes to an end.

More buyers are backing out, rates are still rising and loan applications are slowing. The one bright spot in the latest batch of economic data: new home sales.

Reducing prices or delisting may be the most viable options for homesellers in some markets as higher borrowing costs continue to deter buyers.