Homebuyers flinch as mortgage rates ascend toward 2023 highs

Purchase loan applications fell by a seasonally adjusted 4 percent last week as mortgage rates surged on debt ceiling and inflation worries. Continue reading

Rent peaked where it matters most. Here’s what happens next

Federal inflation data showed rent inflation dropped in April, about a year after rent growth rapidly slowed. Three economists explain why it took so long for that to happen and what that means for the future of the rental market. Continue reading

Housing is outperforming, but recession may still be in the cards

Fannie Mae economists say “extraordinarily tight” inventories of existing homes driven by mortgage lock-in effect has shifted demand toward new homes. Continue reading

Mortgage demand slips with homebuyers wary of rate volatility

Rise in mortgage rates defies expectations as unusually wide “spread” between 10-year Treasury yields and mortgages reflects investor fears of another refi wave. 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

Inflation rises during April but continues to cool

All items index increased 4.9 percent for the 12 months ending April, the smallest 12-month increase since the period ending April 2021, according to the Consumer Price Index Summary. Continue reading

Mortgage applications surged last week but rates are climbing again

Applications for purchase mortgages rose 5 percent last week, but a strong jobs report and ongoing bank instability are pushing mortgage rates back up. Continue reading

Fed signals it may be done raising rates, but Powell won’t talk pivot

Bank failures and potential debt ceiling showdown are wildcards for Fed policymakers weighing their next move as the threat of recession looms. Continue reading

Homebuyer demand for purchase mortgages up despite higher rates

Mortgage rates are expected to ease as markets anticipate Federal Reserve policymakers will raise rates just one more time this year and then reverse course. Continue reading

Home sales will be ‘subdued’ for rest of 2023, Fannie Mae projects

The housing sector’s resilience to higher prices and mortgage rates has bolstered prices, but a lack of for-sale inventory is expected to limit sales, according to Fannie’s latest monthly forecast. Continue reading