Rising mortgage rates take wind out of spring homebuying sails

Applications for purchase loans fell 5 percent last week as rates climbed to highest level since February over concerns about inflation and growing government debt. Continue reading

Lower rates could bring more home sales: Fannie Mae forecast

While Fannie Mae economists see mortgage rates coming down by a full percentage point, forecasters at the Mortgage Bankers Association have issued a more cautious take. Continue reading

Most homebuyers see a recession ahead. Some are even asking for it

Nearly twice as many Realtor.com visitors say they would be more likely to buy if a recession hits compared to the share who say they’d be less likely to buy if the economy fails, new polling shows. Continue reading

Consumer sentiment is hurting, but economy hasn’t faltered

The University of Michigan Index of Consumer Sentiment slipped to 50.8 in May, its second lowest reading ever, as Americans fretted about tariffs, inflation and the job market. Continue reading

Homebuyers out in force for a 2nd week as mortgage rates stabilize

With more homes to choose from, purchase loan applications were up 18 percent from a year ago last week as buyers forged ahead despite economic uncertainty. Continue reading

Move-up homebuyers drive surge in mortgage loan applications

Purchase loan demand was up 11 percent last week, with “surprisingly strong” demand from conventional loan borrowers given lingering economic uncertainty, MBA economist Mike Fratantoni says. Continue reading

A June rate cut is now seen as off the table as Fed stays put

Central bank policymakers need time to assess Trump administration’s “substantial policy changes” in areas including tariffs, immigration, taxation and regulations Continue reading

Shrinking economy bolsters the case for a June Fed rate cut

Advance GDP reading suggests the economy shrank by 0.3 percent during Q1, as a rush by businesses to import goods before tariffs took hold and government spending cuts dented growth. Continue reading

Fannie Mae forecasting higher 2025 inflation, slower growth

Slowing economy could also help bring mortgage rates down to Earth more rapidly, with the latest forecast predicting rates will drop to 6.2 percent by the end of this year and to 6 percent next year. Continue reading

Homebuyer demand falls for 2nd consecutive week as rates climb

Economic uncertainty, rate volatility and mounting worries about the labor market are reducing the pool of potential buyers, putting a damper on the spring homebuying season. Continue reading