The latest release of the S&P Case‑Shiller Home Price Indices  confirms what many housing professionals have already been sensing on the ground: U.S. home prices are still rising—but at a slower, more measured pace. This widely respected benchmark, published monthly and covering all nine U.S. Census divisions, tracks the value movement of a typical home across major metro areas and is considered one of the most accurate indicators of real estate price direction. According to

Introduction: HOA Fees Are No Longer Optional for Many Buyers For today’s homebuyers, especially those purchasing in suburban developments, planned communities, or newer construction neighborhoods, homeowners association (HOA) fees are quickly becoming a standard part of the cost of owning a home. What used to be associated primarily with condominiums or luxury communities is now appearing across a wide range of property types—including single-family homes, townhouses, and ev

If you’ve been wondering whether it makes more financial sense to keep renting or finally buy a home, the data in 2026 may surprise you. According to the ATTOM Data Solutions 2026 Rental Affordability Report, owning a home is now more affordable than renting a three-bedroom property in 57.7% of the 364 U.S. counties analyzed. That means in most parts of the country, the monthly cost of homeownership is lower than rent. But what does that really mean for buyers in New Jersey,

The housing market usually cools off toward the end of the year. Between colder weather, holiday travel, and year-end financial planning, fewer buyers actively shop for homes in the fourth quarter. But the close of 2025 delivered an unexpected shift in mortgage trends. According to a new report from ATTOM Data Solutions, loan activity actually increased as the year ended—driven largely by a surge in refinance demand fueled by declining interest rates. This trend highlights an

The mortgage market is showing renewed momentum as declining interest rates fuel a measurable surge in loan demand. Fresh data from the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Weekly Applications Survey confirms what many industry professionals have started to see in real time: when rates dip, activity spikes. The latest report reveals that mortgage rates dropped across most major loan types last week, triggering a 14% overall increase in mortgage application demand and signaling a po

Housing affordability has been one of the biggest challenges facing homebuyers over the past two years. In October 2023, just seven of the 50 largest U.S. metro areas  were considered affordable for the average American household. At that time, the typical monthly mortgage payment consumed 38.2% of the median wage , marking one of the most stretched affordability environments on record. But conditions are shifting — and the outlook is improving. According to a new housing mar

Foreclosures Are Rising in 2025 — But the Data Shows a Normalizing Market, Not a Crash Recent headlines are focusing on one number: foreclosure filings increased 14% in 2025 compared to the prior year. According to the latest year-end report from ATTOM Data Solutions, there were 367,460 foreclosure filings nationwide, including default notices, scheduled auctions, and bank repossessions. At first glance, a double-digit increase in foreclosure activity can sound alarming. But

Mortgage demand just sent a very loud signal — and it’s one buyers and homeowners should not ignore. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA)  Weekly Applications Survey, mortgage activity surged sharply as interest rates pulled back. The MBA’s Market Composite Index, which tracks both purchase and refinance applications , jumped 28.5% week-over-week , marking one of the strongest short-term increases seen in recent months. That surge wasn’t isolated to one categor

For many Americans approaching or already in retirement, one asset stands above the rest when it comes to long-term financial security: their home . Recent survey data shows that homeownership isn’t just a lifestyle choice—it’s a foundational pillar of retirement comfort, stability, and peace of mind. Owning a home has long been considered one of the most reliable ways to build wealth, but its importance becomes even clearer later in life. As retirees shift from earning incom

Mortgage credit availability refers to how easy or difficult it is for borrowers to qualify for home loans based on: Credit score requirements Income documentation rules Down payment flexibility Loan program options (conventional, FHA, VA, ARMs, refinances, etc.) Risk tolerance by lenders When credit is tight , approvals become harder — even for solid buyers.When credit is looser , more buyers qualify and have access to better options. This directly impacts: ✔ First-time home

When people talk about the housing market, they often focus on national statistics — average home prices, mortgage rate movements, inventory levels, and overall affordability. While national housing data can offer helpful context, it rarely tells the full story for buyers and sellers making real decisions in local markets. The truth is simple: real estate is local. A housing market’s direction is driven primarily by supply and demand in specific regions, cities, and neighborh

Home affordability remained a major challenge for Americans across nearly the entire country at the end of 2025, according to ATTOM Data Solutions’ latest U.S. Home Affordability Report. In fact, homes were less affordable than historical averages in almost every county nationwide — a reality many buyers have already felt firsthand when shopping for homes over the past year. Rising home prices, elevated interest rates earlier in the year, and limited housing inventory combine

Mortgage rates are kicking off the new year with welcome momentum — and for buyers and homeowners across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida, this shift could open the door to meaningful savings and renewed purchasing power. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Weekly Applications Survey, average mortgage interest rates declined across nearly every major loan type. That includes: • 30-year fixed-rate conforming loans• 30-year fixed jumbo loans• FHA-backed m

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make. And in 2026, while the housing market continues to shift, one thing remains consistent: money is the top concern for today’s home buyers. Recent surveys show that nearly every major worry prospective buyers have centers around affordability, mortgage approval, and long-term homeownership costs. From rising home prices to fears of unexpected expenses, today’s buyers want clarity, stability, and

Not long ago, the housing market was defined by rapid appreciation. Home prices were posting double-digit year-over-year gains , buyer demand was intense, and historically low inventory levels fueled bidding wars across much of the country. In many markets, homes sold above asking price within days, leaving buyers scrambling to keep up. That environment has now shifted—and the latest data confirms it. Home Price Appreciation Has Cooled Significantly According to the most rece

When a home goes under contract, it enters what’s known as pending status —the period between contract signing and the final closing, which often occurs several weeks later. While a sale isn’t officially complete during this phase, the vast majority of pending transactions do ultimately close. Because of that, pending home sales are widely considered one of the most reliable forward-looking indicators  of future housing market activity. Why Pending Home Sales Matter More Than

What qualifies as “luxury” means different things to different people. For some buyers, luxury is space and privacy. For others, it’s location, architectural detail, or high-end finishes. But in real estate, luxury homes are increasingly being defined not by features alone—but by price. According to new data analyzed by the consumer website of the National Association of Realtors , luxury homes are now classified as the top 10% of listings by price in any given market . Using

As 2026 gets underway, mortgage rates have shown modest signs of improvement—but borrower behavior suggests the housing market is still recalibrating rather than rebounding. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA)  Weekly Application Survey, the average interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with conforming loan balances declined slightly compared to the previous week. Under normal circumstances, even a small rate dip can stimulate application volume. Howe

The U.S. housing market showed renewed momentum in November as existing home sales increased for the third consecutive month , according to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). While the pace of growth remains modest, the trend is significant—especially for buyers and homeowners watching mortgage rates, home prices, and inventory levels closely. Existing Home Sales Trends by Region On a month-over-month basis, existing home sales rose 0.5% national

If you’ve spent any time following real estate headlines, you’ve probably heard the terms buyer’s market  and seller’s market . But what do those labels really mean—and more importantly, what do they mean for homebuyers planning to purchase in 2026 ? At the core of every housing market is one simple concept: supply and demand . Understanding how that balance is shifting can help buyers make smarter decisions about timing, financing, and long-term affordability. What Is a Buye