Homebuyers entering the market even as mortgage rates stabilize

Purchase loan applications are up 9 percent from a year ago, as inventories of new and existing homes increase and lower mortgage rates help with affordability: MBA. Continue reading

Mortgage rates continue descent as Fed hints at September rate cut

Fed policymakers are acknowledging that while they’re determined not to cut rates until inflation is tamed, they’re also worried about waiting too long — and throwing the economy into a tailspin. Continue reading

‘It’s finally happening.’ Cooler inflation opens the door to rate cut

Overall inflation rose just 3 percent on an annual basis in June, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics. The 10-year Treasury yield, an indicator of mortgage rates, plummeted on the news Thursday. Continue reading

Fed cool on rate cuts despite encouraging May inflation report

Policymakers now envision making just one rate cut this year, but investors who fund most mortgages are still betting the central bank will change its tune if inflation continues to ease. Continue reading

Barry Sternlicht: Rents will go up, and it’s Jerome Powell’s fault

The billionaire head of Sternwood Capital blamed Federal Reserve chief Jerome Powell’s interest rate campaign for killing activity in the multifamily sector. Continue reading

Rates ease as Fed says it will dial back balance sheet tightening

Federal Reserve policymakers say they’ll slow the pace of “quantitative tightening” to $40 billion a month, less than half the pace envisioned 2 years ago. Continue reading

Homebuyers rush to lock as mortgage rates hit new 2024 highs

Rates for conforming loans pushed through 7 percent last week and continue to rise, as latest inflation data dims prospects that Fed will ease in June. Continue reading

Fed preparing to slow the pace of ‘quantitative tightening’

In addition to anticipating three rate cuts this year, Federal Reserve policymakers are considering whether to taper the pace at which they unwind the central bank’s $7 trillion balance sheet. Continue reading

Many hoped a March rate cut would boost housing. Now, it’s not so clear

Most real estate professionals believe rate cuts by the Fed will be crucial for a sales recovery, according to results from the Inman Intel Index survey. But the timing on those cuts is hazy. Continue reading

Homebuyer purchase loan demand falls again as mortgage rates firm

After picking up during the first three weeks of January, applications for purchase loans are contracting, with mortgage rates no longer in free fall from 2023 highs. Continue reading