Existing-home sales continue to slide as buyers bide their time: NAR

Existing-home sales fell 4.2 percent year over year to a seasonally adjusted rate of 3.86 million in August as buyers awaited the Fed’s decision to cut rates, according to National Association of Realtors data Continue reading

9 proven ways to keep retention rates high when business is slow

Chris Pollinger shares powerful strategies to retain and motivate your real estate agents, even as listings hit all-time lows. Learn how to keep your team engaged and thriving during tough market conditions. Continue reading

Fed begins rate-cutting campaign with reduction in federal funds rate

Central bank policymakers drop short-term rates by 1/2 percentage point and signal more cuts ahead, but much of the impact may already be priced in to mortgage rates. Continue reading

Mortgage payments cheaper than rent in nearly half of all US metros

Mortgage rates have dropped to their lowest levels since 2023 in 22 of the 50 largest U.S. metros — even as rent prices continue to rise, according to a new analysis from Zillow released on Monday. Continue reading

Investors’ expectations for big Fed rate cut rise on new data releases

Investors who fund most mortgages have already priced in several rate cuts, so further declines could depend on what next week’s “dot plot” says about expectations for the pace of future cuts. Continue reading

Second-home mortgages decline amid economic uncertainty

U.S. homeowners are showing less interest in taking on second-home mortgages, as elevated prices and economic jitters make these properties less appealing, Redfin reported on Thursday.
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Brad Stein on the rise, fall and lasting appeal of the Austin market

An influx of high-earning workers and new multifamily units has put Austin developers in a unique position, the Intracorp Homes executive said ahead of Inman Connect Austin. Continue reading

Curbio to pay $7.5M to settle Washington DC fraud lawsuit

The pre-sale home renovation company denied all allegations and said it decided to settle to focus on its path forward. Attorney General Brian Schwalb called it a win for consumers Continue reading

New Hampshire metro prevails as hottest US market for 29th time

August marked the eighth consecutive month in which Manchester, New Hampshire, was ranked the hottest U.S. market by Realtor.com. The top 20 hottest markets were all in the Northeast and Midwest. Continue reading

Fed expected to be cautious in cutting rates next week

A surprisingly large increase in core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, means Fed policymakers are likely to start out with a modest 25 basis-point rate cut when they meet next week. Continue reading