Affordability challenges continue to rattle buyers, but the latest data suggests conditions may soon start to improve.Housing affordability is showing signs of improvement lately, but costs still may be the biggest reason many buyers remain hesitant to get into the market. Existing-home sales—which includes single-family homes, townhomes, condos and co-ops—fell 2.4% in June from the previous month, backing off a five-month high reached in Ma
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary of independence, we're reminded that the American Dream has always been about more than freedom—it has been about opportunity, family, and having a place to call home.For two and a half centuries, generations of Americans have worked hard to build brighter futures. They've started businesses, raised families, invested in their communities, and created lasting memories in homes where milestones were ce
Homeowners tapped an estimated $47 billion in equity during the first three months of 2026, according to a new report from Intercontinental Exchange.The June 2026 ICE Mortgage Monitor notes that this is the highest first-quarter withdrawal figure since 2021.Additionally, an estimated 3.9 million homeowners who took out a mortgage between 2020 and 2022 now also carry a second lien.The full picture? The "lock-in effect" holding the housin
Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®), showing the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.49%.“The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was little changed this week at 6.49%” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “Rates have remained relatively stable over the last six weeks. Meanwhile, purchase activity eased modestly and refinance activity has continued
The long list of spiraling costs includes property taxes, insurance, maintenance and home improvements.For many Americans, the math of homeownership doesn’t add up any more.A home buyer in 2019 could expect to spend about $20,000 a year on basic homeownership expenses: mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, maintenance and repairs, according to data from Intercontinental Exchange and home-services marketplace Angi.By 2025,
Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®), showing the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.52%.“The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.52% this week,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “Stronger employment momentum has helped existing home sales reach a five-month high. Importantly, we're seeing homebuyers look past the short-term rate fluctuations
From small styling tweaks to smarter daily rituals, here are some simple ways to refresh your kitchen.The meals you cook naturally shift with the seasons. As the weather warms up, slow-braised dishes and hearty stews give way to grilled cuts, while roasted veggies turn into fresh, crisp salads.It only makes sense that your kitchen follows suit. A refresh doesn’t have to mean a full gut renovation—in fact, designers say that some of the most i
Existing-home sales perked up last month, with sales rising to the highest level in five months.Improving affordability is bringing more home buyers back into the market, giving home sales a solid boost in May.Existing-home sales—which includes single-family homes, townhomes, condos and co-ops—rose 3.2% last month compared to April’s mostly stagnant sales, the National Association of REALTORS® reported on Tuesday. Annually, home sales also
The labor market is strengthening, with 172,000 net new jobs in May. Moreover, the upward revisions to the prior months’ data show cumulative job gains of 565,000 over a three-month period—among the strongest in recent years. The healthcare sector has been consistently adding jobs at a solid pace. On the other hand, both federal and state government jobs have been falling. In addition, attesting to recent years’ softness in home sales, empl
