Key Points: The spring season is crucial for the housing market, existing-home sales increase by an average of approximately 45 percent from the seasonal lows of December through February to the peak months of April through June Despite rising inventory, affordability remains a challenge due to high home prices and elevated mortgage rates. We’re ... Read More ›

Key Points: National affordability improved on an annual basis in December. If mortgage rates ease to 6.5 percent by the end of the year, income growth trends lower but remains positive, and nominal house price growth moderates, affordability will improve a modest 2 percent by the end of the year. Even with a potential 2 percent improvement by ... Read More ›

Key Points: Existing-home sales are projected to end 2024 higher than one year ago. Housing supply has increased in 34 of the top 50 markets we track on a year-over-year basis. Our analysis suggests a strong and positive relationship between increasing new listings and improving sales. Despite a year marked by elevated interest rates and the ... Read More ›

Key Points: Mortgage rates are expected to remain above 6 percent, but affordability may improve modestly due to positive wage growth and slightly lower rates. Inventory will remain historically low, with a slight increase expected if mortgage rates moderate. However, the mortgage lock-in effect will prevent a return to pre-pandemic inventory ... Read More ›

Key Points: Affordability fell by 4 percent on a month-over-month basis, the second consecutive month of decline. Yet affordability remains improved on an annual basis. Housing supply has increased nationally and in 49 of the top 50 markets we track on a year-over-year basis. As more homes are listed for sale, the power dynamics can shift in favor ... Read More ›

Key Points: Despite an increase in mortgage rates, leading indicators of sales point to a modest pickup in sales activity in November. Inventory turnover has steadily increased to reach 0.95 percent as of October 2024 —that’s 95 in every 10,000 existing homes for sale. The recent increase in inventory helps to coax some potential buyers off the ... Read More ›