Market Trends

The Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index revealed consumers' optimism surrounding mortgage rates surged in December, and according to Mark Palim, VP and Deputy Chief Economist at Fannie Mae, "a more optimistic rate outlook among consumers may signal an expectation that home affordability pressures will ease in 2024."

Renters nationwide are catching a slight break in their monthly payments, as Redfin data shows asking rents dropped for the third straight month in December.

The unemployment rate nationwide held at 3.7% in December, with the number of unemployed persons remaining at 6.3 million as residential building employment surpassed pre-pandemic levels.

According to a new study from the Joint Center for Housing Studies, health disparities may be driven by inequality within certain neighborhood environments, specifically those of color and lower income. 

With interest-rate shock continuing to impact new listing volumes, housing inventory remains at historically low levels, according to HouseCanary's December Market Pulse Report. But positive developments may be ahead.

"Growth in the Palm Bay-Melbourne area has been increasing at an explosive rate," stated Cal Conner, U-Haul Company of Eastern Florida President. “Add to that our fantastic year-round climate, and you can see why Palm Bay-Melbourne is such a desirable area to live."

In the quest to expand housing options nationwide, the Five Star Institute, in partnership with Xome, held a recent webinar focused on key strategies and initiatives to help provide access to affordable housing.

A new SWNS Digital study revealed that while one in nine millennials admit that they’re not confident in understanding how the credit score system works, more than half believe they're more financially mature than their parents. Does the data support that confidence?

Housing costs reached record highs for homebuyers and renters in 2023, but affordability is projected to improve this year. A new Zillow report shares predictions for the hottest housing markets of 2024.

Monthly mortgage prices have dropped by a few hundred dollars since October, reaching their lowest level in nearly a year.