Consumer

With the U.S. economy at a crossroads, real estate economists have differing home sales forecasts for 2026 — but most expect mortgage rates to continue to drop.

Though demand dropped off ahead of Thanksgiving, falling mortgage rates and an uptick in loan applications are good signs for the market’s slow season.

In Q3 of 2025, there was only a $30 difference in the monthly payments for typical new and existing homes, a new report from Realtor.com suggests.

High premiums are dragging down home values by $40K+ in areas at greater risk of extreme weather events, a National Bureau of Economic Research study found.

The BLS won’t be releasing any new inflation or jobs data before the Federal Reserve's final meeting of 2025, leaving FOMC members in the fog.

A long-awaited jobs report beat expectations, but unemployment also ticked up. Meanwhile, existing home sales have increased as mortgage rates stabilized.

Home maintenance, the costs of necessary household items and the impact of a home purchase on savings topped the list among recent buyers who did have regrets.

With revenue up nearly 30,000% over three years, upstart brokerage LPT Aperture Holdings took second place in Deloitte’s 2025 Technology Fast 500 list.

Sellers outnumber buyers by 36.8%, according to a new Redfin report, but affordability challenges remain. However, economists say the market may shift in 2026.

With no access to Oct. or Nov. employment data before its meeting, a rate cut is uncertain. Plus, Dems want Pulte investigated; new CFPB head nominated; more.

A fatigued DOJ and regulator inaction may embolden legally risky industry practices. It’s up to consumers to push for change, CPC’s Stephen Brobeck believes.

Transactions should pick up as delayed closings are completed, but economic uncertainty may keep demand subdued. Still, purchase applications jumped last week.

Veterans can afford far fewer homes than they could 10 years ago, but new programs — and savvy agents — can help more veteran buyers get to the closing table.

While monthly payments would be lower, borrowers would pay significantly more over the life of the loan — and take on more risk.

Americans are putting off marriage, kids and careers until they can afford a home, according to a new report from Coldwell Banker Affiliates.

Cheaper loans aren’t enough to get consumers excited about a market shaken by layoffs, missing data and mixed signals.

In San Francisco, where the typical home costs over $1M, new data indicates the share of on-MLS listings is rising — and off-MLS sellers lose significant sums.

Plus, a Fannie-Freddie IPO may not come until 2026, and the Senate advances an NAHB-backed bill even as the weeks-long government shutdown drags on.

This week’s rate adjustment was expected, but the Fed indicated a December cut isn’t guaranteed. Meanwhile, pending sales fell flat despite earlier rate drops.

Trulia went from rival to teammate after Zillow’s 2015 acquisition, but new challengers emerged — including Rocket, with its purchase of Redfin, and Homes.com.

The central bank’s short-term interest rate cut on Oct. 29 was already priced in, economists say, which means mortgage rates may not drop much more.

It was like Coke bought Pepsi when Zillow bought Trulia a decade ago, declaring a truce in what was then its biggest battle for home search dominance.

With the affordability strain already impacting real estate, higher inflation could further dampen buyer demand heading into the market’s slower time of year.

Mortgage rates have dropped to 12-month lows, but pending sales have also fallen — an indication that buyers are cautious as the government remains shuttered.

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has steadily inched closer to 6% over the past few months — but economists are warning buyers that rates may not drop much more.

Higher home prices, insurance costs and tax bills are countering the past few months of falling mortgage rates, which remain at relatively high levels.

In 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?

Stephen Miran warns of an “urgent” need for cuts — and wants the Fed to go big at its next meeting. Plus, a key housing bill advances; CFPB nears its final days

Mortgage rates ticked down this week and more homes are hitting the market, but demand has weakened.

As climate disasters increase, insurers are retreating, leaving homeowners with fewer, costlier options — and causing home sales to fall out of contract.

Mortgage rates are holding relatively steady around the lowest levels of the year, but buyers still aren’t committing as other economic concerns persist.

Purchase cancellations and listing withdrawals are up as frustration runs high among homebuyers and sellers, according to a trio of new reports.

Condo prices are still high, but they’re down in some large markets and more affordable than other property types. Plus, buyers have significant leverage.

Plus, HUD rolls out politicized messaging about the government shutdown; NAR pushes for a quick resolution amid “potential real-life impacts” on real estate.

The 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.

With new owners and a new strategy, ByOwner.com hopes to attract sellers seeking DIY or flat-fee services via its “your lead” model and in-house brokerage.

Hope is dimming for renewed housing market activity amid a slowdown in mortgage applications, a drop in pending sales and persistent economic uncertainty.

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.

The legal action brought by attorneys general in Arizona, Connecticut, New York, Virginia and Washington state comes a day after the FTC filed its own lawsuit.

In an unsigned order, the Supreme Court delayed until January its decision on the president’s attempt to immediately remove Cook.

The federal agency alleges the real estate giants broke antitrust laws when Zillow paid $100 million to become Redfin’s exclusive multifamily listings provider.

Nationwide trends point to Oct. 12-18 as the best week to buy a home in 2025, a Realtor.com analysis found, but mortgage rates are still a wildcard.

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.

Meanwhile, mortgage rates ticked back up after several weeks of declines — but 30-year rates are still holding close to 11-month lows.

If Compass’ acquisition of Anywhere goes through, it could trigger a private inventory race with major implications for the brokerage ecosystem — and consumers.

Mortgage 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.

Rent prices have softened in a handful of major U.S. markets, but overall asking rents remain much higher now than before the pandemic.

Weak jobs data is expected to outweigh inflation numbers as the Fed considers a rate cut next week — which could be followed by more before the end of the year.

Plus, the BLS makes a significant downward revision to jobs numbers, and the president’s nominee to replace an ex-Fed official advances to a Senate vote.

The top cities for investors are largely located in Florida and Texas, where home prices are typically lower, demand is strong and regulations favor landlords.

Trading on-campus food and housing costs for those linked to homeownership can save up to $30,000 in three years in some college towns, a new report suggests.

Gov. Greg Abbott said “foreign adversaries like China, Russian, Iran and North Korea” and terrorist organizations “must not be allowed to own land in Texas.”

Plus, Trump signs trigger leads bill; DOJ investigates mortgage fraud claims linked to a Fed governor; advocacy groups call for a vote on key housing bill.

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.

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.

Plus, the FHFA approves Rocket’s acquisition of Mr. Cooper; the CFPB proposes new terminology around consumer risk, narrowing its supervision of nonbanks.

The iBuyer’s shares jumped over 85% on Aug. 28 — just a few weeks after Opendoor avoided delisting with some help from activist investors.

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.

A lawyer representing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook said her termination “lacks any factual or legal basis.” She intends to sue to retain her position.

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.

The FHFA director is seeking an investigation into mortgage fraud allegations. Plus, HUD materials will now be “English only”; Fed considers crypto payments.

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.

In many major U.S. metros, small-time mom-and-pop flippers are delivering more renovated homes to the market than new home builders, a New Western report found.

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.

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.

A block on mass CFPB staff cuts is overturned. Meanwhile, Fannie Mae faces a defamation lawsuit, and a top Fed official pushes for three rate cuts this year.

The industry-leading iBuyer had seen its stock price jump, but calls for Carrie Wheeler to step down grew louder. A search for a replacement has already begun.

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.

New bipartisan housing legislation speaks volumes about policymakers’ interest in implementing real change, housing advocates agreed during a panel discussion.

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.

Far fewer homes are at risk so far, but wildfires are prompting evacuations just outside of LA as a foreign buyer drops millions on destroyed beachfront.

The Trump administration reportedly sets a timeline for the privatization of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac; DOJ official who testified against NAR fired.

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.

Brandi Lewis, a veteran agent with a star-studded client list, grew her business through authentic marketing and old-school relationship-building.

The typical NAR member is older and has more experience than a year ago, while median transaction volume held steady despite the slow market.

Aperture Global, the luxury-focused brand that LPT Realty launched in May, is “a real part of the story” in the company’s growth, CEO Robert Palmer said.

A new study from Microsoft highlights the types of work that generative AI is best able to take over. “Trusted advisor” isn’t one of them.

Growing concerns about the weakening labor market and inflation could impact the Federal Reserve’s next decision on interest rates.

The iBuyer is no longer considering a reverse stock split to regain compliance with Nasdaq price requirements now that its stock has rebounded on its own.

The national median sale price for single-family homes dipped to $410,800 in the second quarter, while the median price of existing homes rose to $429,400.

The latest announcements on trade signal a period of continued uncertainty for builders and the economy. Meanwhile, NAR applauds two federal housing bills.

July’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.

In just three weeks, nearly 200,000 people clicked the new “Get Prequalified” button on Redfin listings, sending new purchase leads to the mortgage giant.

The 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.

Despite increasing calls for cuts, Fed Chair Jerome Powell held steady on rates as inflation remains elevated, and he has made “no decisions about September.”

Buyers have more leverage now than in recent years, but economic concerns are making them cautious in their home purchase decisions, two new reports suggest.

A 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.

While U.S. buyers saw home prices rise year-over-year, those using other currencies are getting discounts, which could spur foreign purchases.