Home for Sale by Judi

Global Tensions Lift Mortgage Rates The average 30-year mortgage rate rose to 6.11% and the 15-year to 5.5% on market volatility pushing borrowing costs higher as the spring homebuying season begins. WASHINGTON – The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate rose again this week, reflecting ongoing bond market jitters over the war with I...

Rising costs and economic uncertainty weighed on households in early March. The survey offers clues about buyer confidence as the spring homebuying season ramps up. ANN ARBOR, Mich. — U.S. consumer sentiment slipped in early March as rising gasoline prices and economic uncertainty weighed on households, according to preliminary results released Friday by the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. The survey’s Index of Consumer Sentiment fell to 55.5 i...

Congress Moves Forward on Housing Reform A broad housing bill passed the U.S. Senate to boost supply and curb investor activity. The measure now returns to the House before it could reach the president. WASHINGTON — The Senate passed a broad bill on Thursday to make U.S. housing more accessible and affordable, a rare bipartisan effort in...

Spring Listing Moves That Attract Higher Offers Spring sellers may boost sale prices with a few early decisions. Real estate pros can help shape pricing, timing and presentation before listings hit the market. NEW YORK — Every spring, thousands of homeowners list with the same goal: Sell quickly and walk away with the highest possible price. Bu...

National Existing-Home Sales Rose in February Across the U.S., activity edged higher while the South posted a year-over-year gain as affordability improved for the eighth month. WASHINGTON — Existing-home sales increased by 1.7% month-over-month in February, according to the National Association of Realtors® Existing-Home Sales Report. The r...

Aging in Place Trend Holds Strong Most seniors want to stay in their homes as they age, but many doubt it will happen. The trend shapes housing supply, renovation demand and multigenerational living. WASHINGTON – The vast majority of U.S. adults 65 and older (93%) say they currently live in their own home or apartment. Within this...

This Home Feature Is Making a Comeback A once-common home feature is drawing renewed interest from homeowners seeking more usable living space. Experts say demand could climb sharply. WASHINGTON – The market research experts at Business Research Insights (BRI) report that the three-season sunroom market size is projected to nearly doub...

Fed Uncertainty Clouds Rate Cut Outlook FAU economists said lingering inflation and delayed data are making the Fed cautious about cutting rates, adding uncertainty that shapes spending decisions. BOCA RATON, Fla. — Even as updated inflation data shows persistent price pressures, the Federal Reserve faces continued uncertainty over inte...

Rates Then vs. Now: Who Had it Harder? From 16% in the 1980s to mid-6% today, rates tell only part of the story as higher home prices reshape affordability and financing decisions. NEW YORK — Mortgage rates are one of the most influential drivers of the U.S. housing market dynamic, but they are often misunderstood. And, for generations...

What Credit Score Changes Mean for Borrowers New scoring models and buy now, pay later reporting in 2026 could change who qualifies for a mortgage. Agents should watch for shifts in approvals and timing. WASHINGTON — If you've been hearing that credit scores are changing, you're not imagining it. 2026 is shaping up to be a transition year fo...

What’s Driving Rates Into the 5s Mortgage rates are back in the 5% range, but inflation data suggests they should be rising. Here’s what’s quietly driving the drop and what it could mean next. NEW YORK – Mortgage rates continue to be at the lowest level we've seen in a few years. It's welcome news for homeowners looking to re...

Does Refinancing Make Sense Near Retirement? With rates shifting and 2026 changes ahead, homeowners nearing retirement face a tougher refinance call. Here’s what could tip the balance. MIAMI – If you’re approaching retirement and wondering whether refinancing your mortgage still makes sense, you’re far from alone. Millions of homeowner...