Homebuyer sentiment ticks up again on signs of market top

More consumers are coming around to economists’ views that home prices and mortgage rates probably peaked last year, according to a monthly survey by Fannie Mae. Continue reading

Luxury holds steady despite overall Manhattan market slowdown in Q4

As prices and transaction volume both fell in Manhattan’s market at large year over year, luxury properties priced at or above $10 million still managed to perform well to close out 2022. Continue reading

Luxury housing market plunges to new low as priciest inventory rises

Stock market declines and recession concerns stopped the luxury market in its tracks in Q3, with home sales in the top percentile of the market declining 38 percent year over year, according to Redfin. Continue reading

The biggest mortgage, lending and housing finance stories of 2022

The industry dodged a meltdown, but skyrocketing mortgage rates fueled a rush to “right size” and helped crown a new leader in mortgage lending. Continue reading

The 2023 housing market: A real estate ‘reckoning is at hand’

Economists and other housing experts predict the market will be more balanced among buyers and sellers. Home prices won’t change much while mortgage interest rates will continue to dip. Continue reading

Mortgage lenders innovate to help homebuyers cope with higher rates

Rocket, Guild and UWM are among lenders providing homebuyers with options, such as temporary rate buydowns and reduced fees on refis if rates come down. Continue reading

Homes could get more affordable even if prices don’t come down

Homebuyer affordability could improve by 9 percent by the end of next year if mortgage rates continue to fall and home prices plateau as expected, First American economist predicts. Continue reading

Bah humbug! Mortgage rates fall, but holidays curtail buyer demand

It’s a slow time of year for homebuying, so it’s not surprising to Mortgage Bankers Association Chief Economist Mike Fratantoni that purchase applications didn’t jump last week. Continue reading

Improved mortgage rate outlook could bode well for home sales

Fannie Mae economists are not quite as gloomy about the 2023 home sales outlook as mortgage rates retreat from 2022 highs, with more room to ease. Continue reading