Consumer

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

Mortgage rates ticked down this week and more homes are hitting the market, but demand has weakened.

As climate disasters increase, insurers are retreating, leaving homeowners with fewer, costlier options — and causing home sales to fall out of contract.

Mortgage rates are holding relatively steady around the lowest levels of the year, but buyers still aren’t committing as other economic concerns persist.

Purchase cancellations and listing withdrawals are up as frustration runs high among homebuyers and sellers, according to a trio of new reports.

Condo prices are still high, but they’re down in some large markets and more affordable than other property types. Plus, buyers have significant leverage.

Plus, HUD rolls out politicized messaging about the government shutdown; NAR pushes for a quick resolution amid “potential real-life impacts” on real estate.

The government shutdown has delayed a key jobs report; if it drags on, there’s a risk that “the Fed gets it wrong” later this month when considering rate cuts.

With new owners and a new strategy, ByOwner.com hopes to attract sellers seeking DIY or flat-fee services via its “your lead” model and in-house brokerage.

Hope is dimming for renewed housing market activity amid a slowdown in mortgage applications, a drop in pending sales and persistent economic uncertainty.

The overall impact on real estate is expected to be minimal at first. But economists say a lengthy shutdown would hinder the already sluggish market.

The legal action brought by attorneys general in Arizona, Connecticut, New York, Virginia and Washington state comes a day after the FTC filed its own lawsuit.