There are all kinds of numbers available for people to ponder as they set on the path to homeownership. Every month the National Association of Realtors® releases a home-purchase affordability report which provides the latest national facts and figures regarding qualifying income needed to buy a home, current average mortgage rate, median family income and…
The news is good for real estate agents. At the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) Real Estate Forecast Summit, held remotely earlier this month, Jessica Lautz, NAR’s deputy chief economist & VP of research, highlighted data showing that 88% of buyers use an agent to help them navigate the home transaction process. Additionally, the use…
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…
Key issues include the property’s history, potential environmental hazards and neighborhood dynamics that aren’t immediately obvious. Read more.
