The debate over the large builders’ elevated use of mortgage buydowns — and the potential risks to buyers — isn’t new. Reigniting the argument, a recent report from the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) asserts that mortgage buydowns among the large builders are artificially inflating new home prices, therefore creating a risk for buyers in the […]
Are mortgage buydowns a lifeline or a risk for new homebuyers? Read More »
Pine Bluff’s housing market reveals a stark disconnect between affordability and buyer interest, with 34.4% of active listings taking price cuts while homes sit on the market for a median 91 days. The metro’s $139,950 median list price represents less than half Arkansas’s $315,000 statewide figure, yet this dramatic price advantage fails to accelerate sales.
Pine Bluff’s low prices are not speeding up home sales Read More »
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont (D) on Wednesday signed a housing bill aimed at addressing the state’s shortage of affordable housing. H.B. 5002, a “much-debated” bill, according to CT Insider, passed during a special session in early November. The bill is a compromise from the version that Lamont had vetoed in June, which was followed by
Connecticut governor signs bill to tackle affordable housing shortage Read More »
Pricier metropolitan areas are posting a noticeable slowdown as high-end homes take longer to sell. The top 10% of metro markets — those with median prices above $666,464 — recorded a 2.5% year-over-year price decline in October, HousingWire Data shows. Average home prices in these metros fell from $1.04 million to $1.01 million, marking a
High-end metros see price drops, longer selling times Read More »
The Center for American Progress (CAP) recently put out a plan aimed at lowering housing costs nationwide by increasing construction and making homebuilding more affordable through federal efforts. The “Build, Baby, Build” proposal, published by CAP on Nov. 17, targets the nation’s estimated housing shortage of 2 million units, which the group says has contributed
Center for American Progress outlines plan to reduce housing costs Read More »
Selling houses in an uncertain market, as we find ourselves in today, is challenging. Maybe we should stop trying to sell the house and instead focus on the positive impact it will have on our buyers’ lives. This is the approach Mars Inc. used to sell its Snickers bar. The ad campaign “You’re not you
Note to self: sell the lifestyle, not just the house, to boost sales Read More »
Key Insight: Acting Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Russell Vought says he cannot request money for the bureau because the Federal Reserve System has not turned a profit since 2022. Supporting Data: While some think the issue could be taken up eventually by the Supreme Court, new data suggests the Federal Reserve may return to
CFPB tees up second funding battle with Supreme Court Read More »
A pool of first-lien, non-prime mortgages will provide collateral for $298.9 million in residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) that Blue River Mortgage is bringing to market. Known as GCAT 2025-NQM7 Trust, the transaction is expected to close on December 3, and has a meaningful concentration of non-qualified mortgages, including 23.6% considered non-QM; 37.7% that are safe
Non-prime residential mortgages underpin $298.9 million in RMBS Read More »
Homebuyers are weighing their options right now, and they certainly have a lot on their minds. With everything going on in the job market, the economy, and more – there’s a lot to think about these days. And maybe that’s making you wonder if it really makes sense to buy a home right now. But
Why So Many People Are Thankful They Bought a Home This Year Read More »
Renting can feel much less expensive and much simpler than buying a home, especially right now. No repairs, no property taxes, no worrying about mortgage rates – you just pay the bill and move on with your life. But here’s the part people don’t talk about enough: renting doesn’t help you build your financial future.
Why Buying a Home Still Pays Off in the Long Run Read More »