Affordability

Once known for its speed and red-hot market, Austin, Texas, is now one of the slowest housing markets in the U.S. A new Redfin report examines the factors in play.

The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council’s Appraisal Subcommittee will host a panel of federal officials discussing residential appraisal review, and how to better understand the challenges and potential solutions related to appraisal bias.

According to a new Redfin report, new listings posted their first annual increase since July 2022, offering homebuyers more options as homeowners continue to put their homes on the market despite mortgage rates hovering near 8%.

As we head into Halloween, mortgage rates continue to edge closer to the 8% mark, resulting in the longest consecutive rate rise reported since the Spring of 2022. Click through to see what else buyers may fear as we enter the final months of 2023.

The MBA reports that affordability improved slightly for the nation’s homeowners in September, as the national median payment applied for by purchase applicants fell slightly month-over-month. Click through to learn more about the changes.

“I’m telling buyers that this is the first time in years they can get a deal on a house, even with high mortgage rates,” said Austin-area Redfin Premier Agent Carmen Gioia.

According to a new survey, less than two in five Americans agree that their voice is being heard in conversations about housing affordability. Many respondents also cited the desire for stronger leadership discussing the topic in their communities. Read more from the survey by clicking through.

Housing activity is still hot as the market transitions from peak rental season, with the Midwest dominating October’s top 30 list of cities with the most rental activity, landing 12 entries in RentCafe's rankings.

Even though zero-down-payment programs exist, the more a person can put down on a home, the more likely they are to get approved for a mortgage and/or be offered a lower interest rate. But as with many things, it comes down to location, location, location...

The second annual Home Equity Punch List survey breaks down the primary sources of anxiety American respondents reported this year, ranging from medical debts to housing costs. Click through to read the full results.