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 »
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 »
Mortgage applications for new homes dipped in September from the previous month but remained higher than last year’s levels, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA)’s Builder Application Survey released Thursday. The data offers a snapshot of housing demand at a time when market watchers are seeking clues about new-home sales amid the federal government
New-home mortgage applications dip in September Read More »
Today’s report on new home sales printed one of the most surprising results I’ve seen in a while, showcasing significant growth. Now, we should have expected some growth in new home sales, given that mortgage rates have declined recently. In fact, each time mortgage rates have approached 6% since late 2022, new home sales have
New home sales shocked, but are these numbers legit? Read More »
New home sales followed the existing home sales market by beating sales estimates and having positive revisions in today’s report, which suggests that we are already seeing some benefits of lower mortgage rates. While it’s not a spectacular number by any means, if mortgage rates can get toward 6% and just stay there for some
Have lower mortgage rates already boosted the homebuilders? Read More »
The number of new-home sales in July may have only fallen slightly from a month prior, but it is meaningfully lower than a year ago, according to data released Monday by the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. New-home sales dropped to 652,000 units in July, down 0.6% from
New-home sales continue to slide in July, bringing down prices Read More »
Nationally, existing home sales remain muted even as housing inventory grows, according to a new First American analysis of the 75 largest U.S. metropolitan areas. Inventory in July was nearly 20% higher than a year ago, yet the flow of new listings rose only 5% compared with 2024. That distinction matters, said Odeta Kushi, deputy
First American: Existing home sales remain subdued Read More »
Realtor.com has released a report that ranks the leading U.S. metropolitan areas for new residential construction as the country faces an estimated shortage of 4 million homes. The analysis examined the 100 largest metros based on the new-home share of listings, pricing compared to existing homes, climate risk and buyer demand. Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, Arkansas, topped the
Arkansas, Idaho metros lead the pack for new-home construction Read More »
Housing market dynamics have grown more favorable for buyers and sellers in August, and it’s possible that the fall of 2025 could see even better conditions if mortgage rates return to 6%. But they haven’t approached that level in nearly a year and haven’t been consistently below that threshold since late 2022. Rates have been
Mortgage rates continue their slow march toward 6% Read More »
The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA)’s Builder Application Survey data for July 2025, released on Monday, shows that mortgage applications for new-home purchases increased 6.8% compared from a year ago. Compared to June 2025, applications increased by 7%. This change does not include any adjustment for typical seasonal patterns. “Purchase activity for new homes strengthened in
New-home purchase mortgage demand kept growing in July Read More »