Support the fact-based journalism you rely on with a donation to Marketplace today. Give Now!

Homebuilder confidence continues to slide as interest rates continue to rise

Sep 19, 2022
Materials and labor costs are up. Building costs will climb further if interest rates on construction loans rise.
Rising interest rates are not only causing potential homebuyers to hold off on purchases, but increasing the cost of home construction.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

Buyers and sellers are feeling a shift in the housing market

Jul 27, 2022
In some markets, sellers can no longer bet on multiple offers and quick deals, and buyers can afford to be pickier.
Mortgage rates have climbed, and the real estate market has cooled.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Flipping homes is more popular than it's been in decades, thanks to the hot housing market

Jun 28, 2022
But profit margins are shrinking, and the flipping boom may be coming to an end.
Rick Sharga with Attom Data Solutions said he expects to see less house flipping because it's becoming less profitable.
Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

The hot housing market is "very bad" for this home inspector

May 25, 2022
With heightened competition to buy homes, many buyers are waiving inspections and other contingencies.
Despite the decline in business, home inspector Peter Drougas says "there's no way I'm closing down."
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Fast-moving home sales hit 15-year high last year

Jan 21, 2022
Most houses sold in about a week, keeping buyers on their toes.
Some homebuyers are forgoing inspections or appraisals simply to have a shot at an accepted home offer.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

After hitting record lows, mortgage rates are rising again

Jan 19, 2022
So far, that hasn't had a chilling effect on applications.
Though mortgage rates are increasing, mortgage applications are also up as homebuyers hope to avoid further rate hikes.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Frustrated buyers wonder when housing market will get easier

Jun 23, 2021
Is there light at the end of the tunnel for folks struggling to buy in a hot housing market?
Stephen Brashear/Getty Images for Redfin

For public good, not for profit.

We might be underestimating our collective flood risk

Aug 26, 2020
Matthew Eby, head of the First Street Foundation, wants to help homeowners protect themselves as climate change poses hazards to coastal properties.
Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images
A for-sale sign outside a house. Sales of existing homes jumped in June.
Eric Baradat/AFP via Getty Images

L.A. homebuyers are teaming up. Where does that leave renters?

Feb 27, 2019
Los Angeles has one of the country’s most expensive housing markets, leading buyers to band together with others to split the cost of a property. This developing trend helps to cut prices for some, but also has a downside.
Pedestrians walk past new apartments in Los Angeles, California. 
FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP