Buyers take rebound in mortgage rates in stride as lenders tighten

Demand for purchase loans picked up last week as would-be homebuyers took advantage of rates that are still a full percentage point lower than 2023 highs. Continue reading

Economic Outlook: Recession may be what drives rates down in 2024

Does the rapid slowdown in the economy mean a recession is now inevitable in the new year, or is a “soft landing” still possible? Economists are divided on the nation’s economic outlook for 2024. Continue reading

Mortgage rates are in free fall as economy continues to cool

While Fed policymakers had forecast three rate cuts next year, futures markets now see an 85 percent chance of at least six rate cuts after a key inflation metric shows the economy is cooling rapidly. Continue reading

Lower mortgage rates failed to spur homebuyers into action last week

Demand for purchase loans has picked up in five of the past seven weeks as mortgage rates continue a dramatic retreat from October highs on expectations of Fed rate cuts. Continue reading

Bess Freedman says agents must ‘be present’ to succeed in 2024

Ahead of Inman Connect New York in January, the Brown Harris Stevens CEO shared with Inman her tips for navigating challenging economic terrain and what she’s looking forward to at ICNY. Continue reading

Homebuyers continue to take advantage of falling rates

Demand for purchase mortgages has picked up in five out of the past six weeks, and applications to refinance have roared back, jumping 27 percent from a year ago. Continue reading

Inflation posted a modest 0.1% increase in November

The Consumer Price Index rose 0.1 percent between October and November and was 3.1 percent higher than a year earlier, suggesting interest rates will hold steady at this week’s Federal Reserve meeting. Continue reading