Episodes

  • Mortgage Rates Drop Below 6 Percent: What This Means for Your Home Buying Power in 2025

    Mortgage Rates Drop Below 6 Percent: What This Means for Your Home Buying Power in 2025
    Feb 27 2026
    US Housing Industry Current State Analysis Past 48 Hours

    Mortgage rates have dipped below 6 percent for the first time since 2022 boosting buyer optimism and affordability in the US housing market. Freddie Mac reported the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.98 percent on February 26 down from 6.01 percent the prior week and far below 6.76 percent a year ago.[1][3] Zillow's February 23 analysis shows a median-income household can now afford a 331483 dollar home up 30302 dollars from last year with 82300 more homes in budget and monthly payments 8.4 percent lower.[1] Redfin notes the weekly average at 6.01 percent pushing median payments to 2599 dollars 2.6 percent below last year adding 34000 dollars in purchasing power despite wages up nearly 4 percent.[2]

    Pending home sales fell 5.5 percent annually through February 22 the largest drop in over a year with new listings down 2.8 percent year-over-year as buyers remain sidelined by winter weather economic jitters and 1 percent home price rises.[2] Out-of-town buyer interest surged to 61.9 percent of views in the 100 largest metros signaling shifting consumer behavior toward broader searches.[7]

    No major deals partnerships new launches or regulatory changes emerged in the past 48 hours. Supply chains show no disruptions but inventory is improving per Zillow aiding spring momentum.[1]

    Compared to prior months rates trended lower from 6.96 percent in January 2025 thawing a market frozen since 2022's rate hikes.[1][3] Leaders like Zillow predict further declines through 2026 unlocking buying power while Redfin agents see affluent buyers re-entering amid easing layoff fears.[1][2] Affordability strains persist at 32.3 percent of income for median payments but conditions signal a potential spring surge if rates hold.[1]

    This marks a cautious thaw with buyers gaining leverage over last year's slump.[3] Word count: 298

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    2 mins
  • Housing Market Shows Cracks: Why Half of Americans Feel Stuck in the Rate Trap

    Housing Market Shows Cracks: Why Half of Americans Feel Stuck in the Rate Trap
    Feb 26 2026
    In the past 48 hours, the US housing industry shows modest resilience amid persistent headwinds from high mortgage rates and uneven supply. Apartment rents ticked up nationally to $1,716 in February 2026, a 0.1 percent increase from January's $1,714, though annual growth slowed to 0.4 percent, below typical seasonal norms due to elevated supply pressures[1]. House prices rose 1.8 percent year-over-year through Q4 2025, with a 0.8 percent quarterly gain and December up 0.1 percent, per FHFA data released February 25; median sales hit $405,300 in Q4[5][11].

    Mortgage rates eased slightly as of February 26: 30-year fixed at 5.942 percent, down from 5.972 percent a week ago; 15-year at 5.300 percent[3]. Applications dipped 0.4 percent for the week ending February 20, but purchases were 12 percent above last year, with refinances up 4 percent to 58.6 percent of total activity, signaling rate sensitivity[2][3]. Pending home sales hovered near multi-month lows, with nearly half of Americans feeling trapped by rate lock-in—38 percent need sub-4.5 percent rates to move[4][6].

    Sun Belt markets like Austin and Phoenix saw rent drops from oversupply, while supply-constrained Midwest and coastal areas outperformed[1]. Home prices grew just 1.3 percent in 2025 per Case-Shiller, the weakest since 2011, lagging inflation[6][7]. Housing stocks fell sharply, with Lowe's down 5.6 percent after its CEO cited limited tailwinds from rates and costs; Lennar, PulteGroup, and D.R. Horton dropped 4-5 percent[8].

    Compared to prior reports, February softens January's trends: purchase apps fluctuated but rose 2.8 percent week-ending February 13 versus a 9 percent January dip, as sellers price strategically and well-priced homes under $450K move fast[2]. Leaders like Lowe's highlight caution, with no major deals, launches, or regulatory shifts noted. Consumer behavior stays cautious, prioritizing affordability over urgency[3][4].

    (Word count: 298)

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    3 mins
  • US Housing Market Faces Record Buyer Pullback in Early 2026 Amid Affordability Crisis

    US Housing Market Faces Record Buyer Pullback in Early 2026 Amid Affordability Crisis
    Feb 25 2026
    The US housing market in the past 48 hours shows a record buyer pullback in early 2026 amid persistent affordability woes, with home prices holding steady due to tight supply.[1] FHFA data released February 24 reveals US house prices rose just 1.8 percent year-over-year from Q4 2024 to Q4 2025, up 0.8 percent quarter-over-quarter, and only 0.1 percent in December 2025 month-over-month, missing expectations of 0.3 percent.[2][3][9] Prices climbed in 41 states, led by North Dakota at 6.4 percent, but fell in nine states including Florida at 2.7 percent.[2][3]

    Affordability remains dire, with NAHB reporting over 65 percent of households priced out of median new homes in 39 states and DC; New Hampshire tops the list at 83.4 percent unable to afford a 677,982 dollar median home.[4] Consumer confidence hit near-record lows in late 2025 due to inflation and job worries, muting demand despite four years of elevated rates boosting inventory without slashing prices.[5][7] Inflation now outpaces price growth, splintering the market per S&P, FHFA, and Redfin reports.[6]

    No major deals, partnerships, new launches, or regulatory shifts emerged in the last 48 hours. Supply chains show no disruptions, but limited inventory keeps prices flat or slightly up.[1] Compared to prior quarters, growth cooled from November's 0.7 percent monthly rise, signaling a stall versus 2025's volatility.[2] Mortgage rates dipped to around 6.1 percent recently from 6.96 percent in January 2025, yet buyers hesitate without confidence gains.[10]

    Leaders like builders respond by eyeing federal policies on regulations and 50-year mortgages to spur development, while holding lots amid unaffordability claims.[5] Shifts include sidelined buyers awaiting lower rates and better sentiment, potentially reaccelerating spring sales if inflation eases.[5]

    (Word count: 298)

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    2 mins
  • US Housing Market Shift: Lower Rates, Higher Prices, and the Affordability Crisis in 2026

    US Housing Market Shift: Lower Rates, Higher Prices, and the Affordability Crisis in 2026
    Feb 24 2026
    In the past 48 hours, a fresh Realtor.com report reveals the US housing market has recalibrated under four years of higher rates, with mortgage rates now near 6.10 percent as of late February 2026, down from peaks of 7.79 percent since January 2022.[1] Active inventory surged 142.1 percent nationwide over that period, yet median list prices rose 8.1 percent and price per square foot climbed 11.4 percent, straining affordability despite cooled demand.[1]

    January 2026 data shows a buyers market nationally, with 44 percent more sellers than buyers, or 600,314 excess sellers, as homebuyers retreat amid high prices, rates, layoffs, and winter storms.[3] Homes linger longer on market, with median days on market at 78 versus 59 in January 2022, and new listings now just 36.1 percent of active inventory, down from 85.9 percent, as delistings doubled to 7 percent of active listings.[1] Regionally, the West and South saw listings jump 211 percent and 178 percent respectively, while Northeast growth lagged at 23 percent; prices per square foot rose most in Midwest plus 18.7 percent and Northeast plus 16.9 percent.[1]

    Luxury demand holds firm, with Homes.com reporting January's top sales like Miami at 33 million dollars, New York at 29.5 million, and Los Angeles at 23.5 million dollars, signaling strength in premium segments.[2] A 25 basis point rate drop to 6 percent could add 1.42 million households able to afford a median new home at 413,595 dollars, requiring 124,336 dollars income at current 6.25 percent.[4]

    Compared to prior reports, inventory growth slowed versus 2025 expectations, with no broad price relief despite supply gains, as lock-in effects persist and sellers delist rather than cut prices.[1] Leaders like Realtor.com economists note supply must grow sustainably to ease pressures, without reigniting bids.[1] No major deals, regulatory shifts, or disruptions emerged in the last week, but modest rate relief boosts buying power by about 30,000 dollars per Zillow estimates.[10] Overall, affordability challenges endure amid uneven recovery.

    (Word count: 298)

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    3 mins
  • Housing Market Stabilizes as Rates Drop Below 6 Percent Amid Winter Recovery

    Housing Market Stabilizes as Rates Drop Below 6 Percent Amid Winter Recovery
    Feb 23 2026
    In the past 48 hours, the US housing market shows signs of stabilization amid winter weather recovery, with mortgage rates easing slightly to 5.997% for 30-year conventional loans as of February 19, down from 6.033% a week earlier.[3] Inventory rose modestly to 690,547 active listings by February 13, up 8.24% year-over-year but below historical norms, while new listings hit 54,324, down from 56,558 last year.[2] Price cuts affected 32.13% of homes, improved from 33% in 2025, signaling buyer sensitivity as demand normalizes post-snowstorms.[2]

    Pending sales totaled 59,469 for the week, slightly below 2025's 60,316, though total pendings grew year-over-year before disruptions.[2] Days on market lengthened in areas like D.C., with mid-range homes lingering 30+ days versus a week previously, due to cold snaps delaying construction and showings.[1] Underwater mortgages climbed to 2.1% nationally, up from 1.3% a year ago.[8] Consumer sentiment dipped to 56.6 in February per Michigan data, reflecting economic caution.[11]

    No major deals, partnerships, or product launches surfaced in the latest reports. Regulatory shifts include D.C.'s RENTAL Act of 2025, effective December 31, easing evictions and notices, with a proposed two-year rent freeze ballot initiative stirring debate.[1] Leaders like sellers are responding by pulling listings or accepting short sales to avoid losses, as seen in D.C. rowhouses selling 14% below ask.[1]

    Compared to early 2026, sales fell 8.4% month-over-month in January, worse than expected, but weekly data now rebounds from weather hits, unlike elevated price cuts earlier.[2][9] Michigan forecasts 3-5% price growth into 2026 amid rising inventory.[5] Overall, high rates near 6% curb activity, but fading disruptions hint at spring upticks if inventory builds seasonally.[2][3]

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    3 mins
  • US Housing Market Trends: Surging Starts, Slowing Sales Amid Mortgage Rate Fluctuations

    US Housing Market Trends: Surging Starts, Slowing Sales Amid Mortgage Rate Fluctuations
    Feb 20 2026
    US Housing Industry Current State Analysis Past 48 Hours

    In the past 48 hours, reports from the US Census Bureau and Redfin reveal a mixed US housing market, with new construction surging but sales activity stalling amid high mortgage rates around 6 percent.[1][2] Housing starts jumped 6.2 percent in January 2026 to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.48 million units, the highest since mid-2025, led by single-family homes at 981000 units and a 10.1 percent rise in multifamily starts.[1] This defies expectations of a winter slowdown, driven by 30-year fixed mortgage rates dipping to 6.01 percent mid-February, the lowest since September 2022, sparking a 183 percent year-over-year surge in refinance applications.[1]

    Contrast this with sluggish demand: Redfin data for the four weeks ending February 15 shows pending home sales down 5.8 percent year-over-year, the biggest drop in a year, with homes taking 67 days to go under contract, longest in seven years.[2] Median sale prices rose 1.1 percent to 379176 dollars, monthly payments at 2601 dollars despite a 2.9 percent dip year-over-year, while new listings fell 3.1 percent and active listings dropped 3.2 percent.[2] NAR confirmed pending sales fell 0.8 percent month-over-month and 0.4 percent year-over-year in January.[3][4]

    Compared to late 2025 gridlock from the lock-in effect and low inventory, January marks a Great Housing Reset, with starts nearing the long-term average of 1.43 million and wage growth outpacing home prices, projected flat at 0 to 1 percent this year.[1] Consumer behavior shows buyers sidelined by costs and winter weather, gaining leverage for concessions in a buyers market.[2] Builders respond by planning missing middle housing like townhomes for affordability, while FHFA monitors supply deficits amid an antitrust probe into major builders.[1]

    No major deals, launches, or regulatory shifts emerged in the past week, but supply chain stability supports the construction boom. Outlook holds cautious optimism if rates stay near 6 percent.[1][5] (298 words)

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    2 mins
  • US Housing Market Steadies Amid New Builds and Lower Rates

    US Housing Market Steadies Amid New Builds and Lower Rates
    Feb 19 2026
    US Housing Industry Current State Analysis Past 48 Hours

    Over the past 48 hours, as of February 18-19 2026, the US housing market shows signs of firming foundations amid steady mortgage rates and surging new construction, contrasting with sluggish existing home sales[1][2][3][4]. Housing starts for January hit 1.48 million annualized units, beating expectations of 1.34 million by 10 percent and up nearly 4 percent from December's 1.404 million, while building permits reached 1.52 million, the highest since early 2024[2][3]. This builder momentum reflects National Association of Home Builders confidence at a two-year high, driven by lower material costs and stabilizing labor, boosting homebuilder stocks and lumber futures[3].

    Mortgage rates dipped to a three-year low of 6.09 percent this week, down from 6.9 percent a year ago, spurring slight refinance upticks and adjustable-rate mortgage preferences, though the lock-in effect keeps existing inventory tight at historically low levels[1][5][7][9]. National home prices rose 3.2 percent year-over-year, with inventory up 5 percent in new listings since January and active listings at 913,000 by late January, nearing pre-pandemic norms[1][5]. Yet existing sales plunged 8.4 percent month-over-month in January to 3.91 million annualized, highlighting persistent buyer caution[4].

    No major deals, partnerships, or regulatory shifts emerged in the last 48 hours, but non-QM lending standards loosened per the Mortgage Credit Availability Index, aiding affordability tests[9]. Consumer behavior shifts toward builder incentives and suburban concessions, with homeowners holding properties longer at 8.6 years average versus 4.2 in 2000[1][9]. Supply chains benefit from construction acceleration, though labor shortages loom for trades like plumbers[3].

    Compared to late 2025 reports of weakening jobs and higher rates, this data signals economic hardening and a soft landing, with single-family starts up 4.1 percent in December to 981,000[2][3][10]. Leaders like builders are responding by ramping permits for spring, bypassing the lock-in via new inventory to meet demand[3]. Overall, optimism builds for a robust 2026 spring despite affordability gaps.

    Word count: 348

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    3 mins
  • US Housing Market Woes: Builder Confidence Drops Amid Affordability Struggles

    US Housing Market Woes: Builder Confidence Drops Amid Affordability Struggles
    Feb 18 2026
    US Housing Market Analysis: Builder Confidence Continues Decline Amid Affordability Crisis

    The US housing market entered mid-February facing persistent headwinds despite modest improvements in inflation and mortgage rates. The National Association of Home Builders released its February Housing Market Index on Tuesday, showing builder confidence fell one point to 36, marking the second consecutive month of decline and keeping sentiment well below the neutral 50 threshold that indicates favorable conditions.

    Price-cutting activity among builders decreased slightly in February, with 36 percent of builders reducing prices down from 40 percent in January. This marks the lowest level of price-cutting since May 2025, when it reached 34 percent. However, the average price reduction remained steady at 6 percent. Meanwhile, 65 percent of builders deployed sales incentives such as rate buydowns, unchanged from January and representing the 11th consecutive month above the 60 percent mark.

    Current sales conditions held flat at 41, but forward-looking indicators deteriorated. The index measuring future sales expectations fell three points to 46, while prospective buyer traffic declined two points to 22, suggesting weakening momentum ahead. Regionally, the West experienced the steepest decline, falling two points to 33, while the Northeast dropped one point to 43.

    The fundamental challenge remains housing affordability. The median new home price in the fourth quarter 2025 was $451,128, up marginally 0.3 percent year-over-year. Mortgage rates edged lower to 6.09 percent for the week ending February 12, and inflation declined to 2.4 percent annually through January, the lowest since early 2021. Despite these improvements, affordability metrics continue deteriorating due to compressed builder margins from rising land, labor, and material costs.

    Builders face intensifying pressure from both demand and supply sides. Elevated mortgage rates and home prices have eroded buyer purchasing power, forcing costly concessions to maintain sales. Simultaneously, construction costs and regulatory burdens squeeze profitability. The new construction market is now capturing more price reductions at 19.3 percent versus resale listings at 18 percent.

    Existing home sales declined 8.4 percent in January, indicating builders are capturing market share through aggressive pricing. Remodeling demand has remained solid, with homeowners preferring to renovate existing properties rather than relocate. The critical question facing the industry is whether builder incentives will sufficiently motivate sidelined buyers to enter the market, or if affordability challenges will continue constraining housing demand throughout the spring season.

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    3 mins