Recent data from the National Association of Realtors shows that closed sales of previously owned homes increased by 1.3% in July compared to June. This marks the first gain in five months, although sales were still 2.5% lower than the same period last year. The Northeast saw the biggest gains in sales while the Midwest
Real Estate
The recent decrease in mortgage rates led to a surge in refinancing applications over the past few weeks. However, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association, applications to refinance a home loan dropped by 15% last week. This decrease comes after a 23% increase in demand over the past four weeks as mortgage rates fell. Despite
British high street lenders, including Barclays, Halifax, HSBC, and NatWest, have been quick to respond to the Bank of England’s recent interest rate cut by slashing borrowing costs. This move has resulted in five-year fixed-rate mortgages being offered at under 4%, which is below the BOE’s key rate of 5%. According to a report from
The latest data from the U.S. Department of Labor indicates a positive trend in inflation rates, with the consumer price index rising by 2.9% in July compared to the previous year. This represents a decrease from the 3% recorded in June and marks the lowest reading since March 2021. The consumer price index tracks changes
The construction boom in the U.S. has led to a decrease in rent prices, offering renters more options and benefits. This surge in construction activity, particularly in the multifamily housing sector, has resulted in a record number of available units for rent. Landlords are now offering rent concessions to attract tenants, such as discounts, incentives,
As of the end of the first quarter of 2024, homeowners in the United States are sitting on a combined $17 trillion in equity, according to data from CoreLogic. On average, homeowners have gained $28,000 in equity compared to the previous year. This presents an opportunity for homeowners to leverage this equity for various financial
Despite the consistent strength of the U.S. economy, a significant portion of Americans hold a misguided belief that the country is currently in a recession. According to a survey conducted by Affirm, 59% of adults think that a recession began around 15 months ago and could last until 2025. This perception is fueled by rising
As the major party tickets for the upcoming election have been confirmed, voters are turning their attention to the personal finance policies championed by the candidates, which could have a direct impact on their wallets. Vice President Kamala Harris has revealed her running mate as Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, while former President Donald Trump has
Recent data indicates that mortgage interest rates have decreased to the lowest level in several years, prompting a significant increase in mortgage demand from both prospective homebuyers and existing homeowners. This decline in interest rates has resulted in a notable surge in total mortgage application volume, with the Mortgage Bankers Association’s seasonally adjusted index showing
In recent years, record inflation has caused many individuals to question the once widely-held belief that homeownership is a good investment. The escalating prices of homes have outpaced the growth of incomes, leading to concerns among homeowners. According to a 2023 analysis of U.S. Census data by the Chamber of Commerce, more than 1 in