What to expect from the Fed this week — and in 2026
Investors expect the central bank to cut short-term interest rates by 25 basis points — but the Fed’s economic projections could keep mortgage rates sticky.
December 8, 2025
Consumer
Stories for and about homebuyers, sellers, the housing market and the forces that shape the real estate landscape.
- Economists expect ‘a reset’ for housing in 2026, ‘not a rebound’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.December 4, 2025
- Homebuyers have reasons for hope heading into the holidaysThough demand dropped off ahead of Thanksgiving, falling mortgage rates and an uptick in loan applications are good signs for the market’s slow season.November 26, 2025
- New, existing home costs nearly identical — will that last?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.November 25, 2025
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- Rising insurance costs are chipping away at home valuesHigh 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.November 25, 2025
- What Fed officials are saying about a December cutThe 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.November 24, 2025
- Strong jobs report casts doubt on third rate cut in 2025A long-awaited jobs report beat expectations, but unemployment also ticked up. Meanwhile, existing home sales have increased as mortgage rates stabilized.November 20, 2025
- One benefit of the slower housing market? Less buyer regretHome 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.November 20, 2025
- Most buyer-friendly market in a decade isn’t moving the needleSellers outnumber buyers by 36.8%, according to a new Redfin report, but affordability challenges remain. However, economists say the market may shift in 2026.November 19, 2025
- Fed will be stuck with old jobs data when it meets in DecemberWith 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.November 19, 2025
- Industry still vulnerable post-settlement, researcher warnsA 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.November 18, 2025
- Will home sales see a post-shutdown bump?Transactions should pick up as delayed closings are completed, but economic uncertainty may keep demand subdued. Still, purchase applications jumped last week.November 14, 2025
- Closing the homeownership gap for service membersVeterans 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.November 11, 2025
- Does a 50-year mortgage really help homebuyers?While monthly payments would be lower, borrowers would pay significantly more over the life of the loan — and take on more risk.November 10, 2025
- Homeownership still the ‘American Dream’ — but it comes at a costAmericans are putting off marriage, kids and careers until they can afford a home, according to a new report from Coldwell Banker Affiliates.November 10, 2025
- Buyers are ghosting the housing market — here’s whyCheaper loans aren’t enough to get consumers excited about a market shaken by layoffs, missing data and mixed signals.November 6, 2025
- Off-MLS transactions cost sellers thousands, new report findsIn 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.November 6, 2025
- More layoffs at Fannie Mae; Fed cut off from private jobs dataPlus, 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.October 31, 2025
- Mortgage rates jump after second Fed cutThis 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.October 30, 2025
- When giants buy giants: ‘Ghost ship’ sails on amid portal warsTrulia went from rival to teammate after Zillow’s 2015 acquisition, but new challengers emerged — including Rocket, with its purchase of Redfin, and Homes.com.October 30, 2025
- Data ‘fog’ drops odds of lower mortgage rates despite Fed cutThe 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.October 29, 2025
- When giants buy giants: How acquiring top rival changed ZillowIt 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.October 28, 2025
- Fed rate cut still likely even as inflation ticks upWith the affordability strain already impacting real estate, higher inflation could further dampen buyer demand heading into the market’s slower time of year.October 24, 2025
- The shutdown’s main impact on housing so far? Buyer confidenceMortgage rates have dropped to 12-month lows, but pending sales have also fallen — an indication that buyers are cautious as the government remains shuttered.October 24, 2025
- Mortgage rates plunge to lowest level in over a yearThe 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.October 23, 2025
- Homeownership hasn’t been affordable in over 4 yearsHigher 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
- 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
- Fed gov pushes for aggressive rate cut; CFPB to ‘close down’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 daysOctober 16, 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
- Insurance challenges could impact the future of home salesAs climate disasters increase, insurers are retreating, leaving homeowners with fewer, costlier options — and causing home sales to fall out of contract.October 11, 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
- In DC: FICO’s big move; affordable housing goals shiftPlus, HUD rolls out politicized messaging about the government shutdown; NAR pushes for a quick resolution amid “potential real-life impacts” on real estate.October 3, 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
- ‘ByOwner’ offers FSBO sellers options — and no commissionsWith 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.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
- 5 states join FTC in suing Zillow, Redfin over rentals partnershipThe 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.October 1, 2025
- Fed Gov Lisa Cook notches temporary win in Trump lawsuitIn an unsigned order, the Supreme Court delayed until January its decision on the president’s attempt to immediately remove Cook.October 1, 2025
- FTC sues Zillow and Redfin over rentals dealThe federal agency alleges the real estate giants broke antitrust laws when Zillow paid $100 million to become Redfin’s exclusive multifamily listings provider.September 30, 2025
- Mid-October is the best time to buy in 2025 — with a caveatNationwide 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.September 29, 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
- Will the Compass deal change how homes are bought and sold?If Compass’ acquisition of Anywhere goes through, it could trigger a private inventory race with major implications for the brokerage ecosystem — and consumers.September 25, 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
- Is the US rental market up or down? It’s a little of bothRent prices have softened in a handful of major U.S. markets, but overall asking rents remain much higher now than before the pandemic.September 17, 2025
- Mortgage rates plummet; analysts now predict 3 Fed cutsWeak 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.September 11, 2025
- Judge temporarily stops Trump from firing Fed governorPlus, 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.September 10, 2025
- Where rental investors can find good ROI — and less red tapeThe top cities for investors are largely located in Florida and Texas, where home prices are typically lower, demand is strong and regulations favor landlords.September 9, 2025
- In some college towns, buying a home is cheaper than dorm lifeTrading 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.September 8, 2025
- Texas bans property sales to some international buyersGov. Greg Abbott said “foreign adversaries like China, Russian, Iran and North Korea” and terrorist organizations “must not be allowed to own land in Texas.”September 5, 2025
- Fed nominee grilled over Trump ties; Fannie, Freddie IPO plan pushedPlus, 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.September 5, 2025
- Fed rate cut ‘almost certain’ after ‘disappointing’ jobs reportThe 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.September 5, 2025
- Mortgage rates continue 7-week decline ahead of key jobs reportA 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.September 4, 2025
- Homeowner households drop for the first time since 2016Meanwhile, renter households have jumped, Redfin reported, citing affordability and other issues. But lower home prices could “be the headline” in a few months.September 3, 2025
- Why are mortgage rates so hard to predict?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.August 30, 2025
- In DC: Drama at the Fed as official fired by Trump sues to stayPlus, the FHFA approves Rocket’s acquisition of Mr. Cooper; the CFPB proposes new terminology around consumer risk, narrowing its supervision of nonbanks.August 29, 2025
- Offerpad enters meme stock territory as shares surgeThe iBuyer’s shares jumped over 85% on Aug. 28 — just a few weeks after Opendoor avoided delisting with some help from activist investors.Updated August 29, 2025
- Buyers give mixed signals as 'gridlocked' market persistsPending home sales remain sluggish, but mortgage applications — and home touring activity — have ticked up as 30-year rates hold at 10-month lows.August 28, 2025
- Why buyers shouldn’t count on a future refi to save moneyWhile 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.August 27, 2025
- Fed governor fired by Trump fights back: ‘I will not resign’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.August 26, 2025
- Buyers are turning away from new homes — unless they’re cheapNew 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.August 25, 2025
- Mortgage rates fall, real estate stocks jump after Fed speechFederal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell suggested that the board is ready to start cutting rates, which could mean a boost for home sales and construction.August 22, 2025
- ‘Buyers are responding’ as affordability improves: Redfin CEOA summer inventory “pileup” has made housing more affordable, according to Glenn Kelman. But with sellers holding back, the market may not rebound before 2026.August 21, 2025
- Is the housing market slowly getting back on track?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.August 21, 2025
- Trump demands resignation of another Fed officialThe FHFA director is seeking an investigation into mortgage fraud allegations. Plus, HUD materials will now be “English only”; Fed considers crypto payments.Updated August 21, 2025
- New listings hold the key to market momentumActive listings are up year-over-year, but sales remain slow. Why? Because fresh inventory — not overall supply — spurs buyer activity, a new analysis finds.August 20, 2025
- Investors stepping up amid crunch in housing supply, affordabilityIn 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.August 19, 2025
- 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
- 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
- Controversial CFPB layoffs get greenlight from appeals courtA 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.August 15, 2025
- Activist investors claim victory as Opendoor CEO steps downThe 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.Updated August 29, 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
- Federal lawmakers ‘finally’ taking housing concerns seriouslyNew bipartisan housing legislation speaks volumes about policymakers’ interest in implementing real change, housing advocates agreed during a panel discussion.August 14, 2025
- Home prices are under pressure, but don’t count on a crashHigher inventory has helped slow price growth, but sellers who can wait for more favorable conditions are starting to walk away, keeping prices elevated.August 13, 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
- As California burns again, an investor snaps up Malibu lotsFar 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.August 11, 2025
- Will Fannie and Freddie go public? It could happen — soonThe Trump administration reportedly sets a timeline for the privatization of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac; DOJ official who testified against NAR fired.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
- From early widowhood to luxury success in Atlanta real estateBrandi Lewis, a veteran agent with a star-studded client list, grew her business through authentic marketing and old-school relationship-building.August 6, 2025
- Fewer younger agents holding on amid market headwindsThe typical NAR member is older and has more experience than a year ago, while median transaction volume held steady despite the slow market.August 6, 2025
- LPT Realty reaches major milestone in IPO lead-upAperture 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.August 6, 2025
- What jobs will AI replace? Not real estate agents (probably)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.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
- Opendoor dodges delisting bullet after July stock surgeThe 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.August 4, 2025
- Old outpaces new in an unusual flip of home pricesThe 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.August 4, 2025
- In DC: Tariffs upset financial markets, NAR advocacy pays offThe latest announcements on trade signal a period of continued uncertainty for builders and the economy. Meanwhile, NAR applauds two federal housing bills.August 1, 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
- Redfin already funneling customers to Rocket, CEO saysIn just three weeks, nearly 200,000 people clicked the new “Get Prequalified” button on Redfin listings, sending new purchase leads to the mortgage giant.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
- 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
- The market is changing — and the industry's old rules are outdatedBuyers have more leverage now than in recent years, but economic concerns are making them cautious in their home purchase decisions, two new reports suggest.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
- Trump hints at July rate cut: Fed will ‘do the right thing’After “a very productive talk,” Trump said he believes the Fed chair is ready to cut interest rates. The president previously pushed for Powell to resign.July 24, 2025
- Opendoor looks to entice sellers with bonus cash after resaleThe iBuyer’s new Cash Plus program offers sellers an upfront payment and “potential future profits” if resale proceeds exceed acquisition and renovation costs.July 24, 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
- 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
