News & Media SEATTLE – Just over one in five (22%) U.S. renters say all of their regular income goes directly to paying their rent, according to a new survey from the real estate brokerage Redfin. Working a second job is also a fairly common way for renters to pay housing costs, with 20% […]
SEATTLE – Mortgage rates are once again in the spotlight as 2025 approaches. Zillow predicts a more active housing market and more buyers gaining the upper hand in 2025, but those hoping to buy — or even refinance — should buckle up for a bumpy ride and stay ready to move when conditions are […]
News & Media WASHINGTON – U.S. home prices rose 4.3% between the third quarter of 2023 and the third quarter of 2024, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) House Price Index (FHFA HPI). House prices were up 0.7% compared to the second quarter of 2024. FHFA’s seasonally adjusted monthly index for September […]
MIAMI – The Gulf of Mexico invaded thousands of homes on Florida’s west coast this year, and many will have to be gutted and rebuilt higher — some a full story off the ground. The process makes communities safer the next time a storm comes aground, but it’s expensive and painful for the people […]
NEW YORK – The holidays bring happy times — but also financial burdens. And more than ever this past season. While inflation is easing, prices for just about everything are still considerably higher than they were pre-pandemic. In fact, Bankrate’s 2024 Holiday Shopping Survey found that 28% of holiday shoppers say they are stressed […]
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Predicted to be hyperactive, the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season delivered a mighty punch to storm-weary Floridians. The hurricane season, which began June 1, produced 18 named storms, including 11 turbocharged hurricanes. Despite some calm spells, both the number of storms and the number of hurricanes clocked in at four above the […]
WASHINGTON — With inflation still elevated, Federal Reserve officials expressed caution at their last meeting about cutting interest rates too quickly, adding to uncertainty about their next moves. Even if inflation continued declining to the Fed’s 2% target, officials said, “it would likely be appropriate to move gradually” in lowering rates, according to minutes […]
WASHINGTON – Pending home sales ascended in October – the third consecutive month of increases, according to the National Association of Realtors®. All four major U.S. regions experienced month-over-month gains in transactions, with the Northeast leading the way. Year-over-year, contract signings increased in all four U.S. regions, led by the West. The Pending Home […]
WASHINGTON – The Federal Housing Finance Agency is increasing the size of home loans that the government can guarantee against default as it takes into account rising housing prices. Beginning next year, mortgage buyers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will be able to acquire loans of up to $806,500 on single-family homes in most […]
News & Media By Alex Veiga WASHINGTON – The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. eased this week, though it remains near 7% after mostly rising in recent weeks. The rate slipped to 6.81% from 6.84% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Wednesday. That’s still down from a year ago, […]
CHICAGO — Today, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri granted final approval of the National Association of Realtors®’ proposed settlement agreement to resolve class action claims related to broker commissions. The court heard from all parties as well as objectors and the Department of Justice. Once arguments concluded, the court […]
News & Media By Shannon Allen Dear Shannon: Our Grievance Committee and Professional Standards Committee members are looking for a simple way to refresh their knowledge of the Code of Ethics, but they also want me to make it fun. Can you help me give them a little Fun With The Code to test […]