News

Take a closer look at data-supported rankings of the best starter-home locations in the U.S. just outside city centers in a new report from Today’s Homeowner.

Although mortgage rates remain above 7%, the first week of October has historically been the best time to buy a home due to a drop in demand and reduced home prices.

“Mortgage applications decreased for the seventh time in eight weeks, reaching the lowest level since 1996,” said Joel Kan, MBA’s VP and Deputy Chief Economist. “Last week’s decline was driven by a 5% drop in refinance applications, to the weakest reading since January 2023.”

According to a new Redfin survey, the most common reason home sellers are relocating is the desire for more space, followed by proximity to family and a lower cost of living. Click here to see why sellers are choosing to move despite record-high mortgage rates and an increasing lack of inventory.

While traditional credit reports remain a strong indication of past financial reliability, a credit report alone doesn’t always provide the full picture of a consumer’s financial profile.

Meet the five finalists for the Five Star Institute’s 2023 Leadership Award, who will be recognized by their peers for assembling diverse teams and fostering women leadership roles in C-Suite roles at the Women in Housing Leadership Awards Luncheon.

While millions of units are expected to be developed in the coming years, developers are expected to open 460,860 rentals by the end of December. However, a new RentCafe study revealed even that may not be enough to keep up the pace with surging nationwide rental demand as more and more Americans opt for renting over buying.

"I am honored to join US Mortgage Corporation at this exciting juncture," said Nino Saso, the new Chief Production Officer for US Mortgage Corporation. "The mortgage industry is rapidly evolving, and I look forward to partnering with the talented team here to capitalize on new opportunities, enhance customer experiences, and drive sustainable growth.

“Annual home price growth regained momentum in July, which mostly reflects strong appreciation from earlier this year,” said Selma Hepp, Chief Economist for CoreLogic.

At the upcoming Five Star Conference & Expo, the industry’s next generation of women leaders will be recognized as part of the Women in Housing Leadership Awards Luncheon. Check out our profiles of this year’s Rising Star Executive Award finalists.