The Fed cut its policy rate by 0.25% today and mortgage rates moved lower after the announcement. That said, those two developments are not related. In fact, there was no movement in the bonds that underlie mortgage rates when the rate cut was announced. Instead, the market (and rates) moved in response to Fed Chair […]
Mortgage Rates Improve After Fed Announcement Read More »
In a highly expected move, the Federal Reserve cut its federal funds rate on Wednesday, but Chairman Jerome Powell’s comments ultimately may have more influence on whether policy provides a boost for lenders and home buyers. Processing Content The central bank slashed its funds rate by 25 basis points at the close of the Federal
Fed moves won’t move needle on housing — yet Read More »
The housing markets in the United States that are expected to see the most growth in home sales and prices combined are mostly in the Northeast, a notable shift after the South and West dominated last year’s Realtor.com rankings. Processing Content Hartford, Connecticut, Rochester, New York, and Worcester, Massachusetts, topped the list, which examined the
The top housing markets in 2026 Read More »
Many Americans may not know it, but they’re sitting on a gold mine just waiting to be tapped. The total equity held in real estate by homeowners is now nearly $36 trillion, according to the latest Federal Reserve data. That marks an increase of over $175 billion over the past year. When measured as a
Appraising the evolution of home equity usage Read More »
Optimal Blue’s Market Volume Index, which tracks mortgage rate lock activity, fell below 100 in November for the first time since August, reflecting typical seasonal trends. Processing Content Still, aided by lower interest rates in the second half of the year, November marked the strongest reading for this metric since 2021, strong by any measure,
Lower rates drive best November lock activity in years Read More »
Spring gets all the attention, but it’s not always the best time to sell a house. Yes, more buyers show up, but so do a lot of other sellers. Winter is different. With fewer homes on the market, your house has a much better chance of standing out. And that one advantage can make a
Why Selling Your House This Winter Gives You an Edge Read More »
With affordability at the forefront of issues in the housing market, a Democratic senator looks to crack down on owners of manufactured housing communities. Processing Content Sen. Maggie Hassan from New Hampshire sent letters to six corporate owners of these communities Tuesday, looking for clarity on affordability and living conditions for their residents. Hassan, a
Senator presses corporate owners on manufactured home rents Read More »
A class action lawsuit claims a ransomware gang stole more than 20 terabytes of information from vendor Evolve Mortgage Services in a purported incident the company has not disclosed. Processing Content Former employee Rebekah Hardy sued Evolve last month in a Texas federal court for negligence, for failing to protect consumers’ data in a breach
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Consumer credit is broadly stable but historically low mortgage delinquencies could drift upward in the coming year, according to Transunion’s latest forecast. Processing Content The average mortgage delinquency rate that ended 2024 at 1.39% and is on track to reach 1.54% by the end of this year may be 1.65% by the time 2026 is
Mortgages delinquencies may inch up amid affordability pressures Read More »
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate (BHGRE) released its 2026 Design Trends Moving Real Estate Report — outlining features and design preferences driving homebuyers in the year ahead. The report draws on a national consumer study conducted by thinqinsights, as well as insights from BHGRE-affiliated agents and experts. “Homeownership remains one of life’s most monumental
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate details 2026 homebuyer trends Read More »