Recent reports have indicated a shift in the real estate market, with home prices showing signs of cooling off after months of rapid growth. While prices are still higher compared to a year ago, the rate of increase has slowed down considerably. This slowdown can be attributed to several factors, including rising mortgage rates and
Real Estate
The housing market continues to face challenges as the summer season progresses. Despite hopes for a rebound following a lackluster spring, high home prices, and steady mortgage rates are preventing any significant improvement in market conditions. This is evident in the stagnant weekly mortgage demand, which has remained flat for the second consecutive week. The
Recent data suggests that the typical newly built house on the market today is smaller in size compared to a decade ago. The reduction in square footage could be seen as a response to changing buyer preferences. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported that in 2024, the median size of a single-family home
The housing market continues to shatter records, with home prices hitting another all-time high in April. Despite a rise in mortgage rates and an increase in homes for sale, prices surged by 6.3% compared to the previous year. This marks the second consecutive month that the national index has exceeded its previous peak. The trend
The NBC News Home Buyer Index has identified Iroquois County, Illinois as the least difficult market to buy a home in the U.S. when counties are sorted by specific factors. Among the contributing factors, Iroquois County ranked highest in terms of cost-effectiveness or affordability. This indicates that the housing market in this area is more
In response to the housing affordability crisis in the United States, there has been a significant increase in the construction of built-for-rent single-family homes, according to the National Association of Home Builders. As mortgage rates rise and buying a home becomes increasingly challenging, renting has emerged as a more viable option for many Americans. This
The most recent decrease in mortgage rates did not seem to impress consumers. Even though the average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages fell to 6.94% from 7.02%, with points decreasing to 0.61 from 0.65, the total mortgage application volume only rose by 0.9%. This indicates a lackluster reaction from potential homebuyers to the
In 2024, Hong Kong maintained its title as the most expensive city for expats to live in. The survey conducted by Mercer revealed that Asia’s major financial centers, including Singapore and Zurich, also made it to the top of the list. Notably, cities in Switzerland – Zurich, Geneva, Basel, and Bern – claimed four out
Singapore, known for its modern skyscrapers and advanced infrastructure, is also home to some hidden gems in the form of ornate shophouses that dot the streets of its old neighborhoods. These colonial-era buildings, some dating back to the 1840s, are a stark contrast to the contemporary architecture that dominates the city-state. Despite their historical significance
Coastal real estate is facing unprecedented challenges as sea levels rise and storms intensify due to climate change. From California to New York to Massachusetts, some of the most expensive coastal properties in the nation are in precarious positions. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted an “above-normal” hurricane season this year, with