NAR Existing-Home Sales Report Shows 1.2% Increase in October
November 20 2025 | |
"Home sales increased in October even with the government shutdown due to homebuyers taking advantage of lower mortgage rates," said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. "First-time homebuyers are facing headwinds in the Northeast due to a lack of supply and in the West because of high home prices."
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Mortgage Applications Decrease in Latest MBA Weekly Survey
November 19 2025 | |
“Mortgage rates increased for the third consecutive week, with the 30-year fixed rate inching higher to its highest level in four weeks at 6.37 percent,” said Joel Kan, MBA’s Vice President and Deputy Chief Economist. “Application activity over the week was lower, with potential homebuyers moving to the sidelines again, although there was a small increase in FHA purchase applications."
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NAHB Offers Lawmakers Recommendations on National E-Verify System
November 19 2025 | |
“Approximately 80% of NAHB members have fewer than 10 employees and often lack human resources, legal departments and even office-based hiring processes,” said Gamvroulas. “Therefore, NAHB believes that any legislation which mandates the use of E-Verify nationwide must work for the smallest employer as well as it works for the largest.”
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Builder Sentiment Relatively Flat in November as Market Headwinds Persist
November 18 2025 | |
“While lower mortgage rates are a positive development for affordability conditions, many buyers remain hesitant because of the recent record-long government shutdown and concerns over job security and inflation,” said NAHB Chairman Buddy Hughes, a home builder and developer from Lexington, N.C. “More builders are using incentives to get deals closed, including lowering prices, but many potential buyers still remain on the fence.”
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Study: Mortgage Refinances Have Significant Fraud Risks
November 18 2025 | |
Fraud and forgery claims tied to refinance transactions have risen considerably in recent years, representing over 40% of all title insurer losses and expenses, according to a new study released today by global consulting and actuarial firm Milliman Inc.
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MISMO Calls for Participation in New Initiative to Standardize Title Order Data Exchange
November 18 2025 | |
“The Title Order Dataset is a critical next step in strengthening interoperability and efficiency across the mortgage ecosystem,” said Bryan Bedard, Rocket Close, Chair of the Title and Closing Docs to Data DWG. “By creating a standardized approach to how title orders are exchanged, we’re helping lenders and title companies save time, reduce errors, and move closer to a truly digital process.”
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NAR Forecast: Home Sales Expected to Jump 14% in 2026
November 14 2025 | |
Mortgage rates are projected to decline modestly, averaging around 6% in 2026. Yun emphasized that while rates are influenced by more than Federal Reserve decisions alone, broader economic factors are contributing to gradually lower borrowing costs. "As we go into next year, the mortgage rate will be a little bit better," said Yun. "It's not going to be a big decline, but it will be a modest decline that will improve affordability."
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American Land Title Association Welcomes End of Government Shutdown
November 13 2025 | |
“The American Land Title Association is pleased that Congress and the administration have reached an agreement to reopen the federal government,” said ALTA CEO Chris Morton. “Ending the shutdown alleviates the uncertainty that homebuyers, sellers and lenders have experienced for more than a month, allowing real estate transactions to move forward without further delay. An operational government is essential to a healthy housing market and the confidence of everyone involved in property transactions.”
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Mortgage Applications Increase in Latest MBA Weekly Survey
November 12 2025 | |
“Purchase applications picked up almost 6 percent over the week to the strongest pace since September, despite mortgage rates increasing slightly, with the 30-year fixed rate rising to 6.34 percent,” said Joel Kan, MBA’s Vice President and Deputy Chief Economist. “Purchase applications for conventional, FHA, and VA loans increased, as potential homebuyers continue to shop around, particularly in markets where inventory has increased and sales price growth has slowed."
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Home Prices Increased in 77% of Metro Areas in Third Quarter of 2025
November 06 2025 | |
Home prices rose in 77% of metro markets (176 out of 230) during the third quarter of 2025, according to the National Association of REALTORS®' latest quarterly report. This is up from 75% in the second quarter. Four percent of metro areas recorded double-digit price gains in the third quarter, down slightly from 5% in the second quarter of 2025.
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NAHB and NARI Offer Guidance for Working with Remodelers
November 06 2025 | |
“The sudden closures of remodeling firms around the country underscore the critical importance of integrity and accountability in our industry,” said NARI President Aaron Enfinger, CR. “NARI and NAHB remain united in our commitment to protecting consumers and upholding the highest ethical standards that safeguard home owners, vendors and the industry as a whole.”
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First-Time Home Buyer Share Falls to Historic Low of 21%, Median Age Rises to 40
November 04 2025 | |
"The historically low share of first-time buyers underscores the real-world consequences of a housing market starved for affordable inventory," said Jessica Lautz NAR deputy chief economist and vice president of research. "The share of first-time buyers in the market has contracted by 50% since 2007 – right before the Great Recession. The implications for the housing market are staggering. Today's first-time buyers are building less housing wealth and will likely have fewer moves over a lifetime as a result."
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