Consumer

Mortgage rates ticked up this week, and it could take a recession to bring them down. But that doesn’t mean a home sales rebound is off the table.

A new report from NAR and Realtor.com found that households earning $100k or less can afford far fewer homes today compared to before the pandemic.

A survey by the Zillow subsidiary found that most sellers support broad listing access, and those who listed off the MLS were more likely to regret their sale.

In 2024, the age of a typical home hit a new high, according to Redfin. But buyers aren’t getting as much of a discount on older homes as they used to.

In addition to lowering costs, the 90-day pause could improve consumer confidence and rejuvenate the slow spring homebuying season.

A new report suggests mortgage rates are continuing to delay purchase decisions, but younger buyers are most eager to trade renting for homeownership.

An uptick in mortgage applications and stabilizing rates could be signs that the slow spring homebuying season has potential for some turnaround.

A rise in inventory is giving homebuyers more choices, but economic uncertainty and affordability continue to drag on sales.

Years of rapid home price growth have trained sellers to price high, but the market has shifted, leading to a widening gap between seller asks and buyer offers.

A new Bright MLS survey suggests a rise in inventory is making it easier for buyers to find their next home.

Fannie Mae’s latest report anticipates the market will remain sluggish until the end of 2025, but there is a potential for improvement in 2026.

A newly launched proptech company with Zillow roots offers tools to guide buyers through a transaction without representation or “agent pressure.”

Zillow’s predicted difference from March 2025 to March 2026 went from barely positive to down 1.7%. And ongoing economic uncertainty isn’t helping.

Listings transparency is critical for both consumers and the industry, and NAHREP supports efforts by Zillow, eXp and Redfin to provide access to all listings.

Economic experts warn home sales may begin to slow as concerns about the economy and fluctuating mortgage rates give potential homebuyers pause.

“Anytime we limit access, it limits opportunities,” an eXp exec said during a livestream highlighting ethical issues with the push into private inventory.

Fannie Mae economists are scaling back their price growth estimates for the year as mortgage rates hang around 7%, and some analysts believe prices could fall.

While most remodels aren’t driven by plans to sell, homeowners should consider the long-term returns and the upgrades agents say buyers are most interested in.

Independently of other recent tariffs, the U.S. is preparing to more than double levies on softwood lumber from Canada, and builders should “plan accordingly.”

Though the number of office exclusives is rising, a new report from Bright MLS found no financial advantage to pre-marketing a home off the MLS.