Newsletters

Real estate investors have done well. Rents have risen and home price appreciation has been quite exceptional. In the past three years, the typical rental rate and typical home price have soared by 16.4% and 35.5%, respectively. Over the past five years, those figures are 24.9% and 50.8%. These returns were occurring at a time of low-cost financing. Now it’s time for investors to sell. Home prices...

For the third consecutive week, mortgage rates were on the rise, forcing some hopeful home buyers to the sidelines. Freddie Mac’s latest nationwide survey shows the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaging 6.96%. “Rates are just a sliver below 7%, and that will make it difficult not only for home buyers but also sellers considering a move,” says Jessica Lautz, deputy chief economist at the National...

Many homeowners have turned their attention to enhancing their outdoor space since the pandemic began—and that may pay off at resale, according to a new survey from the National Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. Ninety-two percent of REALTORS® say they recommend that sellers improve their curb appeal prior to listing, finds the 2023 Remodeling Impact...

Facing lean housing inventory, more would-be move-up home buyers may be feeling stuck in place. As they wait out the market, many continue to tackle remodeling projects on their current home. In fact, remodeling activity surged to a record high last year, according to the 2023 U.S. Houzz & Home Study, a survey that reflects responses from about 46,000 homeowners. The trend is likely to continue, as...

Mortgage rates rose this week, going back to the same level as a couple of weeks ago. According to Freddie Mac, the average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage ticked up to 6.39% from 6.35% the previous week. These fluctuations in rates will continue to persist, affecting the housing market as mortgage rates have a direct impact on the monthly mortgage payment. But with inflation easing further and the...

Policymakers and industry leaders discuss possible affordability and inventory solutions at NAR’s Policy Forum. NAR Vice President of Policy Advocacy Bryan Greene discusses the affordability crisis with FHFA Director Sandra Thompson. Housing historically is a bipartisan issue on Capitol Hill, and there are opportunities for both sides of the aisle to collaborate on solutions to the affordability and...

Mortgage rates continued to slide this week, even after recent bank failures failed to stop the Federal Reserve from hiking its benchmark interest rate for the ninth consecutive time. Mortgage rates are following the downward trend of 10-year Treasury yields, which is helping to lift homebuying demand. While the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.42% this week, according to Freddie Mac, mortgage...

As the economy improves, mortgage rates could dip as low as the 4% range, bringing buyers back to the market. The inflation rate has been calming in recent months, contributing to falling mortgage rates through the holidays. Consumer prices are still running well above the typical 2% inflation rate, but November’s level of 7.1% was the lowest in 2022. Decelerating inflation is the key reason for the...

Younger generations are showing a desire to buy investment properties before—or even instead of—a primary residence. Younger generations are showing a desire to buy investment properties before—or even instead of—a primary residence. Mynd, a high-tech property investment and management firm, dubbed these buyers “rentvestors” in its 2022 Consumer Insights Report, based on a survey of more...

Borrowers stand to save thousands by gathering multiple quotes from lenders. As mortgage rates surge and remain volatile, it’s becoming increasingly necessary for home buyers to shop around for a loan to find savings. According to Freddie Mac, borrowers potentially could save an average of $1,500 over the life of a loan by gathering one additional rate quote from a lender. And borrowers could save...