Consumer

Sellers outnumber buyers by 36.8%, according to a new Redfin report, but affordability challenges remain. However, economists say the market may shift in 2026.

With no access to Oct. or Nov. employment data before its meeting, a rate cut is uncertain. Plus, Dems want Pulte investigated; new CFPB head nominated; more.

A fatigued DOJ and regulator inaction may embolden legally risky industry practices. It’s up to consumers to push for change, CPC’s Stephen Brobeck believes.

Transactions should pick up as delayed closings are completed, but economic uncertainty may keep demand subdued. Still, purchase applications jumped last week.

Veterans can afford far fewer homes than they could 10 years ago, but new programs — and savvy agents — can help more veteran buyers get to the closing table.

While monthly payments would be lower, borrowers would pay significantly more over the life of the loan — and take on more risk.

Americans are putting off marriage, kids and careers until they can afford a home, according to a new report from Coldwell Banker Affiliates.

Cheaper loans aren’t enough to get consumers excited about a market shaken by layoffs, missing data and mixed signals.

In San Francisco, where the typical home costs over $1M, new data indicates the share of on-MLS listings is rising — and off-MLS sellers lose significant sums.

Plus, a Fannie-Freddie IPO may not come until 2026, and the Senate advances an NAHB-backed bill even as the weeks-long government shutdown drags on.

This week’s rate adjustment was expected, but the Fed indicated a December cut isn’t guaranteed. Meanwhile, pending sales fell flat despite earlier rate drops.

Trulia went from rival to teammate after Zillow’s 2015 acquisition, but new challengers emerged — including Rocket, with its purchase of Redfin, and Homes.com.

The central bank’s short-term interest rate cut on Oct. 29 was already priced in, economists say, which means mortgage rates may not drop much more.

It was like Coke bought Pepsi when Zillow bought Trulia a decade ago, declaring a truce in what was then its biggest battle for home search dominance.

With the affordability strain already impacting real estate, higher inflation could further dampen buyer demand heading into the market’s slower time of year.

Mortgage rates have dropped to 12-month lows, but pending sales have also fallen — an indication that buyers are cautious as the government remains shuttered.

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has steadily inched closer to 6% over the past few months — but economists are warning buyers that rates may not drop much more.

Higher home prices, insurance costs and tax bills are countering the past few months of falling mortgage rates, which remain at relatively high levels.

In the 1980s, mortgage rates and home prices soared after a housing boom, then sales dried up — much like today’s market. Will our recovery look similar too?

Stephen Miran warns of an “urgent” need for cuts — and wants the Fed to go big at its next meeting. Plus, a key housing bill advances; CFPB nears its final days