Why we might not see the usual seasonal home sale slowdown this year

Nov 1, 2024
Pending home sales, a leading indicator for the existing home market, rose nearly 7.5% in September - much more than expected.
Pending home sales, a leading indicator for the existing home market, rose nearly 7.5 percent in September - much more than expected.
Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images

All about the MLS: The fascinating history of real estate listings

Sep 18, 2024
The MLS is in the news a lot. But what is it?
Most multiple listing services are owned by local realtor associations and operate under rules set by the National Association of Realtors.
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Furniture retailers like Wayfair suffer as fewer people buy homes

Aug 2, 2024
This week, Wayfair reported a $42 million loss and its CEO compared the drop in demand to the one seen in the last financial crisis.
Wayfair, among other furniture retailers, has experienced revenue declines in recent months.
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Home sales figures released against a backdrop of rising inventory

Jul 24, 2024
Some sellers who have delayed putting their homes on the market are now doing so, but inventory is still lower than normal.
Even though housing inventory is higher than it was last year, it's still relatively low in most of the market.
Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

First-time homebuyers are a growing share of the market

Jul 17, 2024
But not because it's easier to buy.
Michael and Lauren James, with real estate agent Joy Sushinsky, center, bought their first house this summer.
Amy Scott/Marketplace

Mortgage rates have fallen, but are homes more affordable?

Mar 25, 2024
When you take mortgage rates, housing prices and incomes into account, homes are 44% less affordable than they were two years ago.
New home sales were 6% higher than the same time last year. But that doesn't mean the new homes are more affordable.
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Most millennials are homeowners now

Sep 28, 2023
Millennials have faced challenges to homeownership for years. Now, a slim majority of millennials own a home.
As of 2022, the majority of millennials now own homes.
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For public good, not for profit.

Furniture sellers adapt to a nationwide drop in sales

Sep 15, 2023
Sales at furniture stores have been sliding amid a cooling housing market and weakening consumer sentiment about making big purchases.
AJ Venable at Urban Links Furniture & Appliances in Baltimore. He said his customers have become more price-sensitive.
Stephanie Hughes/Marketplace

"Life happens." Why some home buyers and sellers forge ahead in spite of interest rates

Sep 13, 2023
People motivated to buy or sell homes in this market are often hitting significant milestones, from babies and back-to-office mandates to downsizing and retirement.
Even though interest rates are high, some home buyers have been spurred to move by big personal changes.
Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images

Homebuilders are feeling a bit more confident

Jul 18, 2023
Builders find there's high demand for new developments, but they're also finding it harder to convince banks to loan them money.
Despite increased confidence, homebuilders still face a number of challenges. One of those challenges is getting a loan.
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