Consumer

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.