Ripples from wildfires' property damage extend beyond Los Angeles market

Jan 20, 2025
With inventory reduced and fire risk increased, both home prices and insurance rates could rise in Southern California.
"Supply and demand is very possibly going to shift and have housing become more expensive than it already is," said real estate agent Lexie Newman.
David McNew/Getty Images

What will it take to get the stalled housing market moving in 2025?

Dec 31, 2024
If the housing market is a roller coaster, mortgage rates are at the controls. If they drop, things could speed up.
Home prices continued to rise in 2024 in a fairly listless sales environment.
Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Low mortgage rates make owners feel locked in — and leave buyers in the cold

Dec 18, 2024
With the "lock–in effect" shrinking inventory, 1.7 million fewer homes were sold between 2022 and 2024, per a federal housing study. 
A reduction in supply driven by homeowners holding on to low-rate mortgages increased prices by 7%, said Jonah Coste with the Federal Housing Finance Agency.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

What were the most popular cities to move to in 2024?

Dec 18, 2024
People are seeking more affordable homes in exurbs and small cities in the Northeast and Midwest, according to new data from Zillow.
Waterbury, Connecticut, placed eighth in Zillow's list of the most popular housing markets of 2024. The city is 33 miles from Hartford, the state capital, and 77 miles from New York City.
Stan Godlewski/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Realtors group issues rosy forecast for housing market in '25

Dec 13, 2024
Stabilizing interest rates and moderating home prices are among the positive predictions in the Realtors' report. Some see risks to that scenario.
The incoming Trump administration's plans for tariffs and deportations have some analysts concerned about the effects on the housing market.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

Gen Z is burdened by rent. That doesn't bode well for its future wealth

Oct 23, 2024
A majority of 18-to-25-year-olds spend more than 30% of their pre-tax income on rent.
Two consecutive rent-burdened generations can't keep up with the housing market.
Bridget Bennet for the Washington Post/Getty Images

Homebuyers are still waiving inspections. Could the latest Fed rate cut help turn the tide? 

Sep 30, 2024
In a competitive housing market, buyers are forgoing their right to an inspection, or the right to walk away from a property if it’s not in good condition.
The housing market is so competitive in some areas that buyers feel pressured to waive home inspections.
Marje/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Assumable mortgages give buyers a second chance at low rates

Sep 23, 2024
But they come with some caveats.
“Unfortunately, 98% of sellers don’t actually know that they’re eligible for the opportunity to include their mortgage in their home sale,” said  Raunaq Singh, founder and CEO of Roam.
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Homebuilder confidence up ahead of expected rate cuts

Sep 17, 2024
Easing monetary policy would make construction and mortgage loans cheaper, potentially lifting a depressed housing market.
Lower rates would make homes cheaper to build and bring down mortgage costs a bit.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

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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