Consumer

The groups want state attorneys general to launch targeted investigations. Plus, Trump nominates FHA commissioner; new affordable housing bill introduced; more.

The Fed raised short-term rates by a quarter point today for the first time since July 2023. Mortgage rates, meanwhile, are expected to remain elevated.

It’s a big week for the Fed, which could raise short-time rates for the first time in over 3 years, but mortgage rates may respond more to investor reactions.

NAHREP’s 2026 State of Hispanic Wealth report outlines new goals for the next 10 years, while cautioning that federal policies may inhibit progress.

Nationally, the best week to buy starts Sept. 27, Realtor.com found. But local conditions vary, with the ideal week arriving later in the season in some areas.

A recent Pew study argues that lending policies, which tightened in the late 2000s, are preventing many Americans from getting mortgages despite reduced risks.

Inflation, a top focus for the central bank, rose in August, with core inflation higher than expected. Analysts now put the odds of a rate hike at nearly 90%.

Daily rates hit 7.07% on Thursday, and analysts increasingly expect to see a rate hike next week. Meanwhile, existing home sales and mortgage applications fell.

For about 3 in 5 home shoppers, it is better financially to buy immediately instead of delaying, according to an AD Mortgage analysis of over 20 years of data.

The U.S. added 162,000 jobs in August and 55,000 more jobs than first reported in June and July — data economists say makes the Fed more likely to raise rates.

Christopher Waller said the Fed shouldn’t hike short-term interest rates unless inflation worsens. Mortgage rates, however, are still rising for now.

As HUD rescinds the Obama-era policy interpretation, a state bill with common themes fails in California. Plus, House Republicans introduce a CFPB reform bill.

The central bank “should act decisively to raise” short-term interest rates if inflation doesn’t start trending downward, Fed Governor Michael Barr said.

In hawkish remarks at the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium, Fed Chair Kevin Warsh praised the economy’s strength but warned that inflation remains “too high.”

HUD’s funding cut rationale “does not add up,” the judge said when blocking the plan. Plus, Fed gov. responds to fraud claims; more layoffs at Fannie Mae.

While inventory has continued to creep up in the final days of the month, less homebuyer competition is expected in the coming weeks as the summer winds down.

Affordability is the main factor driving buyers to search for homes outside the metro where they already live, according to two new reports from Realtor.com.

Many agents will lower their commission when asked, but sellers are still largely in the dark about how the process works and what they’re required to pay.

It takes about 15 years to save for a down payment and benefit financially from buying vs. renting, up from 11 years in 2019, according to a recent report.

While rates dipped slightly this week, bond market volatility could mean a bumpy road ahead, and Fannie Mae is now forecasting rates at 6.8% by year-end.