Daily Dose

FHFA Director Sandra L. Thompson noted, "Today's announcement exemplifies our commitment to developing a more efficient and equitable valuation system that supports liquid and sustainable housing finance."

While U.S. mortgage rates sit at an all-time high, a new report from Real Estate Witch revealed that while Americans grapple with housing affordability, an estimated 63% of homebuyers would offer below-market value for a haunted home. Click here to see more.

“The average 30-year, fixed mortgage rate trended upward throughout September, approaching 8% in early October. Higher mortgage rates have a dual impact on the housing market–reducing affordability for buyers and strengthening the rate lock-in effect for potential sellers,” said Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American.

As mortgage rates drive upward for the sixth consecutive week, overall application volume fell after a week of rebounding, falling to levels last seen 28 years ago.

While elevated housing costs continue to hinder homebuyers and renters nationwide, a new study from Apartment List revealed that the share of American renters who are cost-burdened has risen to the highest level since 2012, according to recent Census data.

“In a homebuyer’s ideal world, rising mortgage rates would push demand and home prices down enough to make up for high interest payments. But that’s not what’s happening now,” said Redfin Economics Research Lead Chen Zhao.

Zillow's 2024 hottest home trends list reveals which home features are becoming more popular, and which are going out of style. Where do homebuyers stand on Brutalist architecture and sensory gardens? There’s only one way to find out.

“While annual single-family rent growth has returned to a moderate pace, more than three years of substantial increases will have a lasting impact on tenants’ budgets,” said Molly Boesel, Principal Economist for CoreLogic. Click through to see how the SFR sector is evolving.

NAR, along with the Independent Community Bankers of America and Community Home Lenders of America, have issued a joint proposal to the FHFA, the White House, the Treasury Department, and the Federal Reserve Board, designed to help ease mortgage affordability. Here’s what they propose.

From 2018-2022, the GSE has invested more than $3 billion to expand affordable housing supply and meet critical housing needs in underserved communities through Low-Income Housing Tax Credit equity investments. Here’s how those investments are paying off.