As 2025 comes to a close, affordability has stabilized somewhat for many homebuyers, according to the latest National Association of Realtors®’ (NAR) Housing Affordability Index. NAR’s data saw the qualifying income needed to buy a home decrease slightly to $100,272 in October (based on a 25% qualifying ratio for monthly housing expense to gross monthly…
Above: Pearson Smith Realty Staff and Leadership at D.C. metro regional meeting. Eric Pearson CEO Chris Boris Principal Broker Pearson Smith Realty Ashburn, Virginia www.PearsonSmithRealty.com Region served: Metro D.C., Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia Years in real estate: 10 Number of offices: 5 Number of agents: 1,112 Key to continued growth and success: Agent productivity,…
Homeownership remains a priority for many Americans despite housing market fluctuations this year. A recent consumer survey conducted by REMAX highlights how market conditions and lifestyle preferences are shaping homebuyers’ plans. While affordability remains a key concern, buyers are also prioritizing neighborhood safety, social connection and access to lifestyle-enhancing amenities. These preferences underscore that buyers…
Above, Lawrence Yun and Nadia Evangelou At the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) Real Estate Forecast Summit, held remotely Dec. 9, NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun predicted that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates Dec. 10, with two more cuts next year. But taking a longer view after multiple sluggish years for housing, Yun…
Above, Brad Case After past positions at the Federal Reserve, Nareit and Fannie Mae, Brad Case brings a breadth of experience to his newly appointed role as chief residential economist at portal giant Homes.com. With more than 35 years of industry expertise, in his new role he will serve as the company’s leading voice on…
The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Index, which is the Federal Reserve’s preferred gauge of inflation, rose to 2.8% in September on an annual basis. According to data from the Commerce Department released Dec. 5, core PCE rose 0.2% over the previous month. The report, delayed by the government shutdown, seemingly gives a further green light…
When clients buy a home, under-the-radar issues often involve factors beyond cosmetic appeal, which can lead to significant financial and legal problems down the line. Key issues include the property’s history, potential environmental hazards and neighborhood dynamics that aren’t immediately obvious. Here are seven things to check on in advance of a closing. Unpermitted work/DIY…
The glum news stories seem endless…14,000 employees laid off from Amazon, 48,000 gone at UPS, and even with the government shutdown finally over, thousands of federal workers have been cut. The cruelest aspect is that so many of those folks who suddenly find themselves on unemployment were doing well at their jobs. What’s worse is…
In the latest RISMedia webinar, “The Brokerage of the Future: Hybrid Models, Partnerships and What’s Next in Real Estate,” panelists focused on the future of real estate brokerage, emphasizing hybrid models, partnerships and the constant changes in the industry. Top agents and brokerages are adapting to daily and monthly changes in mortgage rates, inventory and…
In a delayed report on job growth from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on Nov. 20, U.S. employers added 119,000 jobs in September, with the unemployment rate rising slightly to 4.4%. Employment continued to trend up in healthcare, food services and drinking places, and social assistance. Job losses occurred in transportation and warehousing and…
Before the new year comes around, now is the time to step back and evaluate your tech stack, from your CRM and marketing automation tools to your showing schedulers and AI assistants. Read more.
