Market Updates

Sales Volume Remains Subdued Existing home sales fell to an annualized pace of 4.0 million units in April—down 3.4% from last year and roughly 25% below long-term monthly averages. High home prices, elevated mortgage rates, and the “lock-in effect” from ultra-low existing mortgages continue to limit both buyer demand and seller inventory. This ongoing gridlock […]

Economic Outlook: Mixed Signals on Inflation The U.S. economy is experiencing a period of both improvement and uncertainty, with inflation showing signs of moderation but ongoing concerns about economic growth. The April Consumer Price Index (CPI) came in at 2.3%, marking a third consecutive month of decline and the lowest print in over four years. […]

Home Prices Are Flatlining, But Not Falling The latest Case-Shiller Home Price Index showed a 3.9% year-over-year increase for February, but beneath that headline is a more telling trend—national prices have remained essentially flat since June 2024. While that YoY figure still sounds healthy, it’s more a reflection of gains made last spring and early […]

Inflation Surprises to the Downside—But Perception Lags Reality The March inflation report brought unexpectedly positive news: headline CPI actually declined by 0.1% month-over-month, and year-over-year inflation dropped to 2.4%—its lowest level since last September. Core CPI also fell to 2.8%, marking the first sub-3% reading since early 2021. These figures suggest that inflation is finally […]

Inflation Sticks, Growth Slows The U.S. economy continues to send mixed signals, leaving both investors and real estate professionals with plenty to watch. The Fed’s preferred inflation measure—the Core PCE index—came in at 2.8% year-over-year for February. That’s the same level we’ve seen for the past 12 months, underscoring how stubborn inflation remains. Despite this, […]

The latest economic data provides a mixed outlook for the real estate market, with inflation showing signs of easing, interest rates stabilizing, and mortgage rates fluctuating near recent highs. While this suggests some clarity for buyers and sellers, broader economic and policy factors could shape market conditions in the months ahead. Inflation Eases, but Fed’s […]

Market Update: The latest economic data presents a mixed picture, with signs of a slowing economy that could impact the housing market in the coming months. Economic Conditions: A Weaker Outlook? Sentiment has declined, reflecting growing concerns about economic stability, while pending home sales fell 5% year-over-year, signaling continued weakness in buyer demand. Meanwhile, home […]

February 2025 Market Update As we kick off February, several important economic trends are shaping the outlook for the housing and mortgage markets. While there are no drastic shifts at the moment, evolving fiscal policies, inflation pressures, and interest rate changes are all impacting buyer and seller decisions. Let’s break down what’s happening and how […]

January 2025 Market Update As we move further into 2025, shifting economic trends continue to shape the housing market in meaningful ways. In this update, we take a closer look at the latest data on interest rates, inflation, and mortgage trends to help you stay informed and guide your clients with confidence. Interest Rate Outlook: […]

As we enter 2025, the economic landscape continues to evolve, creating new challenges and opportunities for the housing market. Mortgage rates remain a key factor influencing affordability and buyer behavior, while broader economic trends hint at a more stable yet uncertain year ahead. Mortgage Rates: Gradual Increases, Narrower Spreads Mortgage rates have continued to edge […]