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.