Homebuyers came out in force last week, and rates are trending down
Applications for purchase mortgages hit a seasonally adjusted 2025 high last week, with FHA, VA, and USDA applications for less pricey homes driving the surge, MBA lender survey shows
by Matt Carter Nov 26
'More persistent headwinds' plague housing market as prices barely budge
The latest numbers from the Case-Shiller Index show weak price growth in September, with significant regional variation. One expert even warned of 'outright decline' in some markets
by Jim Dalrymple II Nov 25
Rising unemployment revives prospects for December rate cut
Fannie Mae forecasters are predicting mortgage rates will fall below 6 percent by the end of next year. Economists at the Mortgage Bankers Association don't see rates coming down at all.
by Matt Carter Nov 21
'I'd love to fire his ass,' Trump says of Fed Chair Jerome Powell
The president jokingly told Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that his job is also on the line if rates don't come down, as poll shows inflation will be a key issue in 2026 midterm elections
by Matt Carter Nov 20
Rebounding mortgage rates dampen homebuyers' appetites
After hitting a 2025 low on Oct. 28, mortgage rates continue to rise as hopes dim for a December Fed rate cut. Futures market investors see only a 34% chance of a Dec. 10 rate cut.
by Matt Carter Nov 19
Fed Chair Jerome Powell standing in front of the Federal Reserve building to illustrate how the federal reserve impacts real estate.
The resignation of Biden appointee Adriana Kugler and pending retirement of Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic renews speculation that Trump will seek to undermine Fed independence
by Matt Carter Nov 17
NAR economist predicts post-shutdown real estate 'boom'
NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said Friday there could be a brief bump in home sales after the government shutdown. Here are the other market forces he's watching
by Taylor Anderson Nov 14
Homebuying off to strongest November start since 2022
Rebounding mortgage rates didn't stop buyers from shopping for deals last week, with requests for purchase loans up 6% last week compared to the week before and 31% from a year ago
by Matt Carter Nov 12
Demand for mortgages cools as rates rebound from 2025 low
Mortgage rates hit a new 2025 low of 6.12 percent on Oct. 28, but have been on the rise after Fed Chair Jerome Powell said there's no guarantee the Fed will cut rates for a third time in December
by Matt Carter Nov 5
Embattled Fed Governor Lisa Cook says tariffs fueling inflation
In her first public speech since President Trump’s attempt to remove her, the economist says she expects a 'one-time increase' in prices, with inflation trending back toward the 2% target
by Matt Carter Nov 3
Is the housing market in the midst of a recession? Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent thinks so
The Treasury Secretary blamed the Federal Reserve for the current housing recession and said that if the central bank cut interest rates more quickly, the recession might come to a close
Mortgage rates spike as Powell warns December rate cut is iffy
After the Federal Reserve approved the second rate cut of the year, mortgage rates moved in the opposite direction as investors who fund most home loans worry about inflation
by Matt Carter Oct 29
Lower mortgage rates spur homebuyers, but mostly refis
Rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages hit another 2025 low on Tuesday, dropping to 6.12%, nearly a full percentage point lower than January. Rates now have less room to come down
by Matt Carter Oct 29
Mortgage rates just hit a new 2025 low. They might be stuck there.
MBA forecasts rates will probably stay right where they are now in 2026, as investors have already priced in future Fed rate cuts. But look for 3 years of steady growth in home sales ahead
by Matt Carter Oct 22
Mortgage rates ebb as Powell hints at end of 'quantitative tightening'
Fed chair dismisses suggestion that central bank could resume its purchases of mortgage-backed securities to bring down mortgage rates and improve housing affordability
by Matt Carter Oct 15