After four weeks of consecutive drops in activity, mortgage applications break the streak with gains for refinance and purchase applications. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reports that the market composite index—the measure of mortgage loan activity volume—increased 7.1% on a seasonally adjusted basis for the week ending Oct. 24. The index increased at nearly the…
As people continuously rely on digital platforms in the age of social media, new careers have found their way into the market. These new careers have ramifications in real estate, as it opens up new avenues for home shopping—and new ways for agents to build their business. Digital platforms designed to share and spread content…
The market for luxury housing has changed over the past few years. A million dollars today does not afford the same properties or retain the same value as it did nearly a decade ago. But in the U.S., the luxury threshold varies by region. A recent study by Realtor.com®—their monthly Housing Market Luxury Report for…
Affordability continues to be at the forefront of everyone’s mind, as the U.S. housing market steadies but remains more expensive compared to pre-pandemic conditions. As the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) has fallen from recent highs—clocking in around the low-6% range—potentially making homeownership more affordable, U.S. cities are also some of the most renter-friendly worldwide. A…
The dry spell for mortgage applications is showing signs of recovery as consecutive weeks of decreasing activity slows significantly. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reports that the market composite index—the measure of mortgage loan activity volume—decreased 0.3% on a seasonally adjusted basis for the week ending Oct. 17. For the week prior to this, the…
As the fourth quarter of 2025 gets underway, experts highlight the cooling nature of the housing market, with home sales generating steady returns and mortgage rates sliding lower almost each week. For Q3, Realtor.com® reports that down payments remained relatively flat amidst elevated costs and moderate demand this past year. Their latest down payment report…
The government shutdown reaches its 15th day, leaving the housing market scarce as new pending sales pull back and buyer traffic slows down. With an unclear future for when the shutdown will end, mortgage applications decrease for the third consecutive week. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reports that the market composite index—the measure of mortgage…
Homeownership is a daunting but desirable goal for many young Americans, yet many struggle to afford housing. In a survey from Redfin earlier this fall, 40% of millennials and Gen Z renters stopped dining out so they could afford their rent. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) has remained steady for weeks, and currently sits at…
As the government shutdown limits activity in many markets, mortgage applications continue to drop for the second consecutive week, aligning with projections stating that October would see less demand and less competition between homebuyers. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reports that the market composite index—the measure of mortgage loan application volume—decreased 4.7% on a seasonally…
Borrower activity is typically projected to increase during the fall, especially the months of September and October. Realtor.com® researchers predict that this year’s “best time to buy” would begin next week, from Oct. 12 to 18. But mortgage applications have slowly begun to reduce in volume after a short-lived spike caused by the Federal Reserve’s…
Buyers are purchasing more than just a home when they sign their final offer—they’re buying into the entire neighborhood, so it’s a good idea to get acquainted with it yourself to highlight all of its features to potential buyers. Read more.
