Home prices have reached new records, yet consumer confidence rose. What gives?

May 28, 2024
Turns out what we're seeing may not be optimism as much as less pessimism.
Plans to buy a new home in the next six months were "at one of the lowest levels that it’s been, I think, in the history of the Consumer Confidence Index,” says Brian Connolly of the University of Michigan.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Are we in the midst of a climate housing bubble?

May 28, 2024
Experts warn rising insurance costs could depress property values in risky areas.
Dave Burt at DeltaTerra Capital thinks the market is due for another correction, as homeowners in places with a growing risk of flooding and wildfire have to pay more for insurance.
Lauren Owens Lambert/AFP via Getty Images

A second home in Ireland is a "special place" to host friends for this Wisconsin woman

May 24, 2024
"I invite people to stay there with me when I'm there," said Aileen Smith about her second home in Tramore, Ireland. "I never get tired of having guests. It's fun every single time."
Aileen Smith had always loved Ireland and had visited often. Buying a second home there so that she could host friends made sense.
Courtesy Aileen Smith

High interest rates have frozen the real estate market. When will it thaw?

May 23, 2024
Mortgage rates have popped back up above 7%, sales have fallen and builder sentiment is down. 5% would get things moving, per one economist.
Mortgage rates above 7% weigh on the housing market. Buyers can’t afford the high monthly payments, and sellers don’t want to move and give up their cheap loans.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

Homes in most metropolitan areas are overvalued, a new report says. Here's why.

May 22, 2024
Normally, higher interest rates mean cheaper homes. Not this time.
"I’ve had clients ask me when the bubble is gonna burst for a decade. It’s not gonna burst," said Greater Nashville Realtors President Kevin Wilson of the city's real estate market.
Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

For some, a multigenerational household involves both love and economics

May 21, 2024
Following a stroke and Parkinsonism diagnosis, the family of Carol Lawler decided it would be best to come — and live — together.
John Lawler and his daughter, Katie, at their home in Minnesota.
Chris Farrell/Marketplace

Students live alongside seniors at this Minnesota residential facility

May 20, 2024
At the Watkins Manor assisted living facility, eight students live and volunteer with 45 senior residents.
The Watkins Manor multigenerational living facility in Winona, Minnesota.
Chris Farrell/Marketplace

For public good, not for profit.

Primary home stock gets a boost as demand for second homes drops

May 13, 2024
Softer demand for second homes has led to greater inventory in some markets, but overall, the climate is still competitive for buyers.
In 2023, demand for vacation home mortgages fell 40%, according to Redfin. And there are signs things haven’t exactly picked up this year.
zimmytws/Getty Images

From the 1920s to the 2020s, cash-strapped homebuyers turn to smaller homes

May 13, 2024
Home builders are making new homes smaller to keep prices down. In Southern California, where land is scarce and housing is expensive, buyers are turning to small pre-war homes or ADUs.
Smaller pre-war homes, built before 1940 and under 1,500 square feet, vary in price based on location, size and condition. In South L.A., price per square foot can range from $300-800.
Courtesy Michael Robleto

How a new house turned into a "starter, middle, and ending" home for this Texas woman

May 10, 2024
"I'm just attached to it because it's taken care of me and I'm taking care of it," said Violet O'Brien on why she's choosing to age in place in her Houston home.
Violet O'Brien has decided to age in place in her Houston home.
Courtesy Violet O'Brien