Among all generations, millennials were the most likely to say they plan to buy a house in the next six months, according to the results of a new survey from the National Association of Realtors’ consumer website. The survey found 23 percent of Millennials intend to buy this year. That’s up from just 15 percent last September. Laura Eddy, the website’s vice president of research and insights, says Millennial interest has increased but mortgage rates are still a factor. “Despite current market challenges and … [Read more...]

There are 1.4 million vacant residential properties in the United States. That’s about 1.3 percent of all homes. It’s also about the same number of vacant homes as there have been for the past 13 straight quarters, according to new data from ATTOM Data Solutions. ATTOM’s 2025 Vacant Property and Zombie Foreclosure Report shows the vacancy rate has been steady now for more than three years. Rob Barber, ATTOM’s CEO, says that’s good news for just about everybody. “Thankfully, we’re not seeing a lot of homes sitting … [Read more...]

The National Association of Realtors’ Pending Home Sales Index tracks the number of contracts to buy homes signed each month. Contract signings are considered a forward-looking indicator of future home sales because a home’s sale isn’t typically finalized until several weeks after the contract to buy is signed. That means any increase or decrease in the NAR’s Pending Home Sales Index is likely to show up in future existing-home sales data. In April, the index found signings down 6.3 percent from March. Lawrence … [Read more...]

Spring is the housing market’s busiest season. Winter is over, buyers are active, and the timing is right to make a move. Naturally, the increased activity typically leads to a bump in home prices. This year was no different. But while prices benefited from the typical seasonal pattern, they’re still slowing, according to new data from the S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Indices. The index – considered among the leading measures of U.S. home prices – found national home prices up just 3.4 percent year-over-year. … [Read more...]

According to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Weekly Applications Survey, average mortgage rates moved higher last week from one week earlier. It was the third consecutive weekly increase. Rates were up across most loan categories, including 30-year fixed-rate loans with conforming balances, loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration, 15-year fixed-rate loans, and 5/1 ARMs. Joel Kan, MBA’s vice president and deputy chief economist, says rates are now as high as they were in January. “Mortgage rates … [Read more...]

During the pandemic, when people were spending more time at home, certain home features saw their popularity surge. Home shoppers wanted more space, privacy, bonus rooms, and anything that could make their home more functional, comfortable, and enjoyable. Hannah Jones, senior economic researcher for the National Association of Realtors’ consumer website, says pools were one of the most highly coveted features. “This surge in demand for features like pools translated into a substantial ‘pool premium,’ where homes … [Read more...]

Considering the size of the transaction, you might assume anyone that buys a house has done a fair amount of research before they get started. After all, it isn’t just about where you’re going to live for a few years. It’s a financial decision and understanding what you’re getting into is the key to success. But while that’s certainly true, a newly released survey shows the vast majority of current homeowners admit they didn’t understand the process and terminology until after they purchased their home. In fact, 76 … [Read more...]

The National Association of Realtors’ Existing Home Sales report for April found sales of previously owned homes relatively flat from the month before, with sales 0.5 percent lower than March. Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist, says home sales have been stuck just below normal levels. “Home sales have been at 75 percent of normal or pre-pandemic activity for the past three years, even with seven million jobs added to the economy,” Yun says. “Pent-up housing demand continues to grow, though not realized. Any … [Read more...]

According to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Weekly Applications Survey, average mortgage rates increased last week across all loan categories, including 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. Mike Fratantoni, MBA’s senior vice president and chief economist, says economic uncertainty was behind the bump. “Mortgage rates jumped to their highest level since February last week, with investors … [Read more...]

Americans are increasingly concerned about the economy, according to a new survey from the National Association of Realtors’ consumer website. Survey results show 63.4 percent of home shoppers feel there will be a recession at some point in the next year – the highest level since 2019. But economic uncertainty may not be bad news for buyers. “Confidence in the economy has clearly taken a hit amid ongoing headlines around trade, tariffs, and rate uncertainty,” Danielle Hale, the website’s chief economist, said. “But … [Read more...]