It’s official: Inflation ramps up to fastest annual pace in 40 years

It’s not just the housing market. The prices of U.S. consumer goods have been rising faster than at any 12-month period since 1982, according to the Consumer Price Index, released Friday. Continue reading

Markets remain volatile, but mortgage rates stay the course

The average rate for a 30-year, fixed rate loan was 3.10 percent this week, according to Freddie Mac’s latest lender survey. Continue reading

Biden tariff policy propels lumber costs back to record highs

Booming buyer demand, withering US lumber supplies and a tariff hike on Canadian softwood have pushed lumber prices to a pandemic high, with sales contracts closing at $950 Wednesday. Continue reading

The 10 hottest housing markets to watch in 2022

The top U.S. housing markets for 2022 are mostly affordable tech hubs with outdoor recreational opportunities that have become attractive alternatives to pricier coastal markets of late. Continue reading

The million-dollar question: Do $1M Freddie Mac mortgages conflict with affordable housing mission?

Redwood Trust, which issues jumbo loans that are off limits to Fannie and Freddie, says costlier markets are better served by private lenders. Continue reading

US home price growth turbo charges to historic 45-year record

The upward spiral continued as home prices surged a record 18 percent year over year in October to the highest growth rate in the 45-year history of CoreLogic’s Home Price Index. Continue reading

Jobs report disappoints, but real estate hiring keeps rolling along

Homebuilders and real estate firms posted strong hiring trends even as a federal jobs report came up far short of expectations for November. Continue reading

After rocky November, rates for 30-year mortgages stabilize above 3%

The average rate for a 30-year mortgage has been climbing in recent months and now rests 17 percent higher than its all-time low in January, according to Freddie Mac’s latest lender survey. Continue reading

Drop in demand for mortgage refinancing hints at what’s to come

Applications to refinance fell 41 percent from a year ago as rates increased for the third week in a row, according to The Mortgage Bankers Association’s Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey. Continue reading

Next year to be a ‘mixed bag’ for real estate: realtor.com report

Recent inventory shortages may ease somewhat in 2022, but demand will probably still exceed supply and affordability will be challenging. Continue reading