Consumer

Despite continued regional differences, housing affordability was sunnier in 43 of the top 50 markets in April, according to First American’s June report.

Negotiations aren’t expected to wrap up until September. Plus, the president dismisses inflation data as he looks for a new Fed chair; GSEs consider crypto.

New disclosure forms will help buyers and sellers understand who is getting paid — and how much — during home transactions, Northwest MLS says.

Mortgage rates continued to decline in another positive sign for the market. But new listings lost steam in June amid ongoing economic uncertainty.

Two new agent surveys indicate that while affordability remains a top concern for home shoppers, the market is starting to favor buyers.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell wouldn’t commit to a July rate cut and reiterated that inflation and labor market shifts will guide the central bank’s decisions.

Though there was an uptick in existing home sales as spring progressed, last month was still the slowest for the month of May since 2009.

“I think we’re in a good spot,” a Fed official said. Plus, the FHFA director is upset about high rates; the Senate considers selling federal land for housing.

Remote work, high home prices and the rising cost of living are among the factors driving renters from cities as they search for affordable housing options.

The Federal Reserve’s current strategy is “the best thing we can do for the housing market,” Fed Chair Jerome Powell told reporters on June 18.

Home sellers can find much of the same value with low-cost brokers as they can with traditional agents, according to Consumer Policy Center researchers.

A new Redfin report suggests homebuyers may be seeking less expensive homes as ongoing economic concerns add pressure to large purchase decisions.

Futurist and former Google exec Steve Brown said there are three waves of AI coming — far beyond ChatGPT — and they’ll hit real estate in different ways.

For some buyers, even a small mortgage rate reduction can make the math work on a home purchase. Here’s how agents can help them move forward.

Home equity shifts varied widely by location, with some states experiencing gains over $30,000 while others had losses around or greater than that amount.

Though buyers continue to face high mortgage rates and general economic uncertainty, there are signs indicating the market is becoming more favorable for them.

The NAHB addresses housing affordability on Capitol Hill. Meanwhile, Democrats are requesting information on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac privatization efforts.

Last year saw a record-high share of investor home sales. Meanwhile, smaller investors made new gains, and the Midwest emerged as a focal point for buyers.

Fannie Mae’s monthly survey indicates Americans are feeling better about market conditions, interest rates and job security than they were earlier this spring.

Mortgage rates ticked down slightly this week, but lower rates may not be enough to motivate buyers as affordability continues posing challenges.