How long you live in the house you buy depends mostly on how much you like it. If you like living somewhere, chances are you’ll stay longer. Pretty simple. But there are other factors. These days, mortgage rates are a big one. For example, homeowners who secured a historically low rate during the pandemic-era housing market may now be more reluctant to move and lose it. Another, apparently, is location. According to a new analysis from ATTOM Data Solutions, there’s a pretty big swing in homeownership tenure from … [Read more...]

There isn’t just one factor that determines whether a home’s affordable or not. The buyer’s down payment, the home’s price, current mortgage rates, insurance, and property taxes all play a role. And that’s not even a complete list. Nevertheless, a new survey of potential home buyers found that they’re laser focused on mortgage rates above all other affordability factors. In fact, the survey found 59 percent say rates matter more than home prices and 67 percent say rates are stressing them out. The good news? The … [Read more...]

When there are a lot of homes for sale, that’s good for buyers. Not only does it provide more opportunities to find a place that fits their needs, but it also helps keep home prices in check. That’s because prices rise when there are more buyers than available homes and fall when there a lot of homes for sale but fewer interested home buyers. These days, the inventory of homes for sale is growing. In fact, according to new numbers from the National Association of Realtors’ consumer website, January marked the … [Read more...]

According to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Weekly Applications Survey, average mortgage rates fell across all loan categories last week. Rates were down from one week earlier for 30-year fixed-rate loans with both conforming and jumbo balances, loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration, 15-year fixed-rate loans, and 5/1 ARMs. But while rates were more favorable week-over-week, demand for mortgage applications fell. Joel Kan, MBA’s vice president and deputy chief economist, says winter weather was … [Read more...]

If you’re waiting for a dramatic change in the homeownership rate, you’ll be waiting a while. That’s because the rate generally doesn’t change that much. In fact, it basically stays the same, give or take a percentage or two. But while it doesn’t move dramatically, the homeownership rate’s ebb and flow can tell you something about the housing market. For example, when the rate is increasing, it’s generally taken to mean the market is healthier. When it falls, it’s typically a sign that economic or affordability … [Read more...]

The National Association of Realtors’ Realtors Confidence Index is based on a survey which asked respondents for their opinions, views, and observations about the current and future real-estate market. According to the most recent release, the NAR found Realtors in a more optimistic mood than the previous month. In fact, the shift was significant. For example, the share of participants who said they believe there will be a year-over-year increase in buyer traffic in the next three months rose from 22 percent to 31 … [Read more...]

Home sellers these days aren’t making what they once did but they’re still doing okay. In fact, according to ATTOM Data Solutions’ Year-End 2025 U.S. Home Sales Report, the typical home sale netted $118,710 in gross profits last year – a 49 percent return on investment. That’s a pretty good return but down from year-before levels. In 2024, profit margins were 55 percent. Rob Barber, ATTOM’s CEO, says profits have been trending downward, but it may be a good sign. “While sellers continued to command record prices, … [Read more...]

The S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Indices is considered among the leading measures of U.S. home prices. Released each month, the indices cover all nine Census divisions and are constructed to accurately track the price path of a typical home in each analyzed metro. According to its most recent release, S&P found home prices up 1.4 percent nationally through the end of November, unchanged from the previous month. “November’s results confirm that the housing market has entered a period of tepid growth,” … [Read more...]

According to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Weekly Application Survey, average mortgage rates increased last week from one week earlier. Rates were up across most loan categories, including 30-year fixed-rate loans with conforming loan balances, 15-year fixed-rate loans, loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration, and 5/1 ARMs. Joel Kan, MBA’s vice president and deputy chief economist, says the increases led to a drop in mortgage demand. “Mortgage rates increased for the first time in a month, and as … [Read more...]

When you think about homeowners’ associations, you likely think about condo and new-home developments, where residents pay a monthly fee to cover shared spaces, maintenance, and other amenities. Most home buyers probably don’t even consider the possibility unless they’re moving to that type of community. But they may have to change. Because the share of homes for sale that include a monthly HOA fee is rising. In fact, according to a new analysis from the National Association of Realtors’ consumer website, it’s … [Read more...]