Consumer

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.

The trade group met with federal officials about solutions. Plus, state AGs sue over lender rule change; new accessible housing bills introduced in D.C.

Mortgage rates changed little in response to new jobs and inflation data, but sellers are still increasingly outnumbering buyers in a sign of weakening demand.

The More Homes on the Market Act now has 174 co-sponsors in D.C. Plus, consumer advocacy groups raise objections about proposed mortgage lending rule changes.

Mortgage holder equity reached $18 trillion in June, but a growing share of borrowers in Texas and Florida are either underwater, behind on payments, or both.

Though a lackluster jobs report and weaker wage growth may sap consumer confidence, these factors could prompt the Fed to hold off on raising interest rates.

Former SEC and U.S. Chamber of Commerce officials, among others, are urging the court to grant Zillow’s request for review of an investor lawsuit filed in 2021.

While closed home sales perked up in July, pending sales and mortgage application data suggests another market slowdown is on the way.

Aspiring Gen Z homeowners would rather change ZIP codes than increase their budgets, and finding the “right” home trumps buying one quickly, a new survey finds.

The company said its new platform, which launched for agent applicants last month, aims to provide property valuations within 3% of a home’s final sale price.

As bad actors employ new tech to level up, “we’re finding that becoming human-centric is essential,” said Eric Taylor, head of trust and safety at TurboTenant.

Some economists say the four-phase housing market cycle has been consistent for decades. But the current market’s “correction” phase isn’t behaving as expected.

As homeowners premiums continue to rise, agents should discuss the cost realities with their clients early, a Howard Hanna Insurance Services exec advised.

The highest mortgage rates of the year are hitting at a time when home sales are already starting their seasonal slowdown, further suppressing activity.

The number of U.S. homes purchased by international buyers fell 14% year-over-year — the second-lowest level in NAR records dating back to 2009.

The FOMC voted 9-3 to keep rates in the 3.5% to 3.75% range. The central bank has not adjusted short-term interest rates since its December 2025 meeting.

The Iran war escalation is spooking financial markets and raising inflation concerns. And next week’s Fed meeting isn’t likely to “signal any immediate relief.”

A report comparing the cost of living in 1974 to 2024 shows that rent burdens are relatively lighter today, but home prices have outpaced gains in buying power.

For buyers with stretched budgets, unexpected repairs can break the bank. Yet home inspector regulation is spotty, and the cost of incompetence can be high.

Mortgage rates climbed to a 10-month high this week as falling pending home sales already point to a slow summer housing market.