Mortgage rates recently dropped to their lowest level in four weeks , creating renewed opportunity for both homebuyers and homeowners considering a refinance. According to the latest Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey , average mortgage rates declined across multiple loan categories, helping boost overall mortgage demand and bringing many borrowers back into the market. For anyone thinking about buying a home or lowering their current mortg

The housing market is constantly evolving, and one of the best ways to understand where it’s headed is by looking at how home builders feel about current conditions. Every month, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) surveys builders across the country to measure confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes. The results are compiled into the Housing Market Index (HMI) , one of the most closely watched indicators of builder sentiment and future hous

The housing market has gone through significant shifts since the historic boom of 2020–2022. Home prices surged during that period, creating massive equity gains for homeowners across the country. While the pace of appreciation has slowed since then, homeowners are still seeing substantial profits when they sell their homes. According to ATTOM Data Solutions’ Year-End 2025 U.S. Home Sales Report , the typical home sale in the United States generated $118,710 in gross profit

The housing market experienced a noticeable slowdown in January, but the underlying reasons may have more to do with winter weather than actual demand for homes . According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), sales of previously owned homes declined 8.4% compared to December , with decreases reported across every region of the United States. While that number might appear concerning on the surface, housing economists believe the drop may be temporary and tied to se

Mortgage rates moved slightly lower across multiple loan types last week , according to the latest data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). While the decline in rates is welcome news for homebuyers and homeowners considering refinancing, overall mortgage application activity unexpectedly fell. Understanding what’s happening with mortgage rates—and why application demand sometimes moves in the opposite direction—is critical if you're planning to buy a home or refinanc

The U.S. homeownership rate is one of the most important long-term indicators of housing market stability, mortgage accessibility, and overall economic health. While it doesn’t fluctuate wildly year to year, even small changes in the homeownership rate can signal shifts in affordability, lending standards, interest rates, and consumer confidence. So what is the current homeownership rate? According to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. homeownership rate cu

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