The landscape of home buying and selling is undergoing significant changes due to a major legal settlement. In March, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) consented to a staggering $418 million settlement stemming from a class-action antitrust lawsuit. This lawsuit accused the association and several large real estate brokerages of colluding to artificially inflate commissions
Real Estate
In the United States, adults aged 65 and over represent the largest segment of homeowners. This demographic has traditionally prioritized homeownership as part of their financial security. However, a growing proportion of older adults—over 7 million—have transitioned to renting rather than owning their homes, according to insights gathered by the Joint Center for Housing Studies
The landscape of mortgage rates is constantly shifting, and recent trends indicate a notable uptick. Following the latest release of the government’s monthly employment figures, the average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage soared by 27 basis points, now standing at 6.53% according to Mortgage News Daily. This increase marks a significant rise—42 basis points
Recent events, notably Hurricane Helene, have underscored the growing concern over climate risks in real estate. Rising insured losses for Hurricane Helene have been estimated at over $6 billion, with uninsured losses likely far exceeding this figure. The reality is that many homeowners in locations severely affected by the storm, particularly in North Carolina, lack
Recent trends in the UK housing market indicate a noteworthy revival, driven primarily by lower mortgage rates. Following a year of uncertainty and stagnation, the data from the recent report by Zoopla suggests a significant turnaround. According to the research published on a Thursday, there was a remarkable 25% increase in agreed home sales year-on-year
In the past week, the mortgage landscape has seen a subtle increase in rates, which has contributed to a cooling effect on the previously hot refinance market. The Mortgage Bankers Association’s seasonal index reported a 1.3% decline in overall mortgage application volume. This shift denotes a slight yet significant adjustment within the real estate market,
In a noteworthy development for the beleaguered real estate sector, shares of Hong Kong-listed Chinese property stocks have recently experienced an impressive surge, reaching levels not seen in over a year. The upward movement was primarily spurred by various stimulus measures aimed at bolstering the sagging economy. Longfor Group Holdings emerged as a prominent leader
In a landmark policy shift, New York emerged as a frontrunner in green initiatives by launching energy efficiency rebates for homeowners in May. This initiative marks a significant step aimed at not only aiding consumers financially but also alleviating the pressing demands of climate change. With these rebates, residents can access substantial financial incentives to
In a significant move to adjust economic levers, the Federal Reserve has introduced a 50 basis point reduction in interest rates, marking its first rate cut since March 2020. This decision arrives amid a fluctuating economic landscape characterized by alterations in mortgage rates and consumer behavior. The Fed’s strategy aims to encourage spending and investment
Real estate plays an essential role in reaching the climate objectives established by the United States government. As federal officials underscore, residential and commercial structures contribute a staggering 31% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This statistic positions the real estate sector above others like transportation