Concessions surge as homesellers offer sweeter deals in sour markets
In the first quarter of the year, 44.4% of homesellers included concessions in their deals, just shy of the record 45.1% seen at the start of 2023, according to new data released Monday by Redfin
by Richelle Hammiel Apr 22
Democrats question legality of Fannie, Freddie board purges
Less than 4 days after being confirmed as head of the mortgage giants' federal regulator, housing scion Bill Pulte fired 14 board members and made himself the chair of both companies
by Matt Carter Apr 16
Will HUD Secretary Scott Turner be good for housing?
Opinion
Broker and former US Senate legislative correspondent Cara Ameer offers issue-by-issue analysis of the confirmation hearing for Scott Turner, newly confirmed as HUD Secretary
by Cara Ameer Feb 5
Homebuilders warn they're facing a 40% tariff on Canadian lumber
In renewing a call that building materials be exempt from tariffs, trade group notes that more than 70% of imported softwood lumber and gypsum used for drywall comes from Canada and Mexico
by Matt Carter Feb 3
Zillow, not CoStar, is Realtor.com's biggest competitor, Eales insists
As the rivalry with CoStar Group simmers, Realtor.com CEO Damian Eales is focused on housing policy and bridging gaps between the industry and consumers, he told a crowd Thursday at ICNY
by Marian McPherson Jan 23
Trump's executive order to address housing costs is short on specifics
Mortgage lenders have renewed their calls to slash Federal Housing Administration mortgage insurance premiums to help buyers struggling with elevated housing costs and mortgage rates
by Matt Carter Jan 21
New listings rise while high rates tamp down homebuyer demand
New listings rose 8% toward the end of the year, but high mortgage rates and home prices have kept buyers on the sidelines as homes spend more time on market, reports say
by Taylor Anderson Jan 3
Ben Carson reportedly in the running to lead HUD again
As a Project 2025 author, Carson advocated raising FHA premiums and for a 'reset' of HUD to reverse 'corrosive progressive ideologies across the department’s programs'
by Matt Carter Nov 22
Trump, Harris housing policies emerging from the rhetoric
Housing policy has gotten short shrift in the debates, with a tight focus on immigration and inflation. But the candidates' platforms — and Project 2025 — provide more details
by Matt Carter Oct 16
Pending starter home sales soar as first-time buyers return to market
Pending sales of starter homes surged 10.2% in July, reaching their highest point since October 2022 as mortgage rates began to decline, according to data released Monday by Redfin
by Richelle Hammiel Aug 26
Typical monthly mortgage plunges from all-time high recorded in April
The latest adjustment marks the lowest a typical payment has been in 6 months — and, with a mere 1% month-over-month increase, the smallest uptick in 5 years, according to a Redfin analysis
by Richelle Hammiel Aug 15
The market is harder for millennials than it was for boomers: Report
A new report in 'The Wall Street Journal' found that baby boomers had an easier time navigating real estate market challenges in the 1980s than millennials do today.
by Taylor Anderson Aug 12
Housing inventory growth doesn't guarantee greater affordability
In June, 5 of the top US markets showed improvement in housing affordability and supply, according to First American, while other markets with more inventory still saw rising costs
by Richelle Hammiel Jul 30
Eyeing next refi boom, lenders plan to maintain or grow payrolls
Lending industry leaders surveyed by Fannie Mae see the lack of housing supply as the biggest risk factor in 2024, but most expect refinancing to pick up next year if rates continue to fall
by Matt Carter Jul 22
Housing inventory is climbing back. So why are leads still lagging?
Inventory is rising again, but agents are still scrounging for new listings. Hundreds of brokers and agents shared what's working in still-tight markets in new responses from the Intel Index survey
by Jim Dalrymple II Jul 15