Economists now less certain 2024 will bring much mortgage rate relief

Fed’s “higher for longer” rate strategy could keep home sales from rebounding in 2024 or limit the strength of a recovery, according to two closely followed forecasts. Continue reading

2023 fall outlook: A cooler season roiled by homebuyer-seller friction

Commissions will take a hit from the seasonal real estate transaction fall-off. But unlike last year, home price growth may gain steam, according to an Intel analysis of housing market projections. Continue reading

Forecasters see home sales bottoming out this year, and then?

MBA forecasters expect rates to ease and sales to rise next year, but Fannie Mae economists predict home sales will remain subdued even if the Fed pulls off a soft landing. Continue reading

Homebuyer mortgage demand falls to lowest level since 1995

As mortgage rates hit new post-pandemic highs on inflation worries, an MBA survey finds applications for purchase loans fell for the sixth consecutive week last week and are down 30 percent from a year ago. Continue reading

Share of first-time homebuyers hits highest level since 2010: Zillow

Unburdened by rate lock, the share of first-time homebuyers rose to 50 percent this year, according to a new report from Zillow. That’s the highest share since 2010. Continue reading

Gary Keller: A ‘rolling recession’ will hit the US housing market in 2024

Keller Williams kicked off its Mega Agent Camp on Tuesday with remarks from Gary Keller, who warned of a “rolling recession” while predicting agents will survive treacherous economic terrain. Continue reading

Rocket back in the black after boosting purchase market share

The Detroit-based mortgage giant returned to profitability during the spring homebuying season by slashing costs and boosting its market share in the face of severe inventory shortages. Continue reading

Redfin CEO: Adjustable-rate loans may push sellers off the sidelines

In an interview with CNBC on Wednesday, Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman laid out some of the variables that might begin to unlock home inventory in the years to come, including adjustable rate resets. Continue reading

There’s a ‘magic number’ that moves homes. Will we ever hit it?

Homebuyers have been holding out for a 5.5 percent rate, Maegan Sherlock told Intel. It may take a while for them to adjust their expectations. Continue reading

Manhattan luxury-condo sellers are giving in to buyer demands

Even as transactions are going through for higher-priced condos and apartments, sales in the lower price tiers have been drying up. Continue reading