Rates will continue to fall in 2024, consumers say in record numbers

A record number of consumers surveyed by Fannie Mae expect mortgage rates to keep falling, a “significant shift” in expectations that could free homeowners from the so-called “lock-in effect.” Continue reading

Homebuyer sentiment tallies record low amid falling rates

Fannie Mae economist warns that, while mortgage rates have retreated, the primary drivers of housing pessimism are persistent affordability challenges and worries about household finances. Continue reading

Exclusive Survey: 95% would pay a buyer agent under right conditions

A majority of potential buyers say they’re open to paying their agents in the wake of legal threats to commissions, according to results from a joint survey conducted by Inman with Dig Insights. Continue reading

Young homebuyers could lead the recovery. So what do they want?

First-time buyers are less likely than homeowners to be holding out for lower mortgage rates. But they hold a host of other priorities and concerns, according to an Intel analysis of buyer behavior. Continue reading

Why US consumers are souring — and what that means for housing

Maegan Sherlock, senior research analyst for John Burns, spoke with Intel about the results of the firm’s latest household sentiment survey: “I was hoping to see a new ‘magic’ mortgage rate.” Continue reading

Consumer homebuying sentiment has plateaued at ‘pessimistic’

Most Americans polled by Fannie Mae last month said they would rather buy than rent, but a record-high 82 percent also said August was a bad time to buy. Continue reading

Americans resigned to high home prices, mortgage rates: Fannie Mae

Consumer confidence in the housing market “appears to have plateaued at a relatively low level,” said Fannie Mae Chief Economist Doug Duncan in a new homeowner survey released on Friday. Continue reading

Consumers finally get it: Mortgage rates are probably going down

A more optimistic outlook of where mortgage rates are headed drives the largest increase in Fannie Mae’s Home Purchase Sentiment Index in more than two years. Continue reading

Homebuyer sentiment ticks up again on signs of market top

More consumers are coming around to economists’ views that home prices and mortgage rates probably peaked last year, according to a monthly survey by Fannie Mae. Continue reading

Homebuyer sentiment falls for the 8th month in a row to all-time low

Only 16 percent of those surveyed by Fannie Mae in October said it was a good time to buy a home, and the percentage who said it’s a good time to sell also fell, according to new data released Monday. Continue reading