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☆ The battle against 6% broker fees isn’t over after a surprise 11th hour court filing
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-28 | by ( Samantha Delouya | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —The US Department of Justice threw even more doubt into a new way of paying for real estate brokers this week, raising concerns about a recent wide-ranging legal settlement. The new rules included in the settlement represented the biggest upheaval to the US real estate market in a century, sowing worry among real estate professionals. The NAR settlement was originally announced in March, and the new rules took effect in mid-August. “This is an important moment for NAR members, home buyers and sellers, and the real estate industry,” said NAR President Kevin Sears in a statement about the settlement approval. Rob Crawford, the owner of Florida real estate firm Loch Realty, said he has heard of real estate brokerages weighing whether to leave the organization.

Persons: Realtors —, ”, Leo Pareja, Kevin Sears, Department’s, –, Tanya Monestier, “, Rob Crawford, Crawford, ” Leslie Heindel, hasn’t, ” Heindel, Heindel Organizations: CNN, US Department of Justice, Realtors, eXp Realty, National Association of Realtors, NAR, Justice Department, DOJ, University, Buffalo School of Law, Loch Realty Locations: Missouri, Florida, Loch, New Orleans

☆ Judge Approves National Association of Realtors Lawsuit Settlement
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-26 | by ( Debra Kamin | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

It’s official: A legal settlement that will rewrite the way many real estate agents are paid in the United States has received its final approval from a federal judge. Judge Stephen R. Bough of the Western District of Missouri on Tuesday approved an agreement between the National Association of Realtors and a group of home sellers who sued the real estate trade group over its longstanding rules on agents’ commissions, which they say forced them to pay excessive fees. It was the last step in an eight-month process that was set in motion when N.A.R., the nation’s largest trade association, agreed to the landmark deal on March 15. It was also largely a formality — Judge Bough gave preliminary approval to the agreement on April 23, and the rule changes detailed in the settlement took effect on Aug. 17, forcing agents across the country to begin adjusting how they do their jobs.

Persons: Stephen R, Bough Organizations: United States, Western, of, National Association of Realtors Locations: United, of Missouri

☆ I bought a $3.25 million home as a single woman. Homeownership is an investment in my future.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-24 | by ( Alcynna Lloyd | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

In 2022, she bought a three-bedroom home in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, for $3.25 million, entirely on her own. AdvertisementOne of the bedrooms in Chestler's Williamsburg condo. Courtesy of Jessica ChestlerWhen you're buying a home with someone else, there's obviously a lot more to consider, especially if you're not married. AdvertisementThere's always that uncertainty: What if the person you're buying with doesn't like it or wants a different lifestyle? There's a certain trepidation — whether you're a woman or a man — when you're single and unsure about your future, which can make people hesitant to buy a home.

Persons: Jessica Chestler, Chestler, Douglas Elliman, I've, It's, Ben Jacobs Organizations: National Association of Realtors, Michelin, bodega Locations: Williamsburg , Brooklyn, New York, Florida, Jessica Chestler New York, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Manhattan, London

☆ Bad news if you’re looking to buy a house in the next two years
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-22 | by ( Bryan Mena | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

After hitting two-decade highs nearing 8% late last year, mortgage rates have fallen, dipping nearly as low as 6% in September. Mortgage rates are expected to stay stuck above 6% for at least the next two years, according to economists and recent forecasts. Home sales are on track for their worst year since 1995 due to home-price growth and elevated mortgage rates. Mortgage rates are closely tied to the 10-year US Treasury yield. Billionaire investor Paul Tudor Jones last month said a swelling national debt under Trump would be frowned upon by the bond market.

Persons: Freddie Mac, ” Lawrence Yun, “, Wells, Fannie Mae, Donald Trump’s, Trump, ” Bernard Baumohl, Paul Tudor Jones, “ We’re, ”, Nick Dus, “ They’ve, Dus, NAR’s Yun, Yun, ” Yun, Samantha Delouya Organizations: Washington CNN, National Association of Realtors, Federal, Treasury, Economic Outlook, Billionaire, Trump, CNBC, CNN, Fed Locations: Wells Fargo, Evansville , Indiana

☆ 'Shark Tank' investor Barbara Corcoran says young people's dreams of buying a home are being crushed
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-22 | by ( Theron Mohamed | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

AdvertisementBarbara Corcoran says it's "disturbing" how young people are being locked out of the housing market. The "Shark Tank" investor pointed to first-time buyers getting older and losing out to cash buyers. High prices, steep mortgage rates, and fierce competition are locking young people out of becoming homeowners, Barbara Corcoran says. Plus, the median age of first-time buyers climbed from 35 to 38. Corcoran also dismissed concerns that the housing market is overheated and headed for a slump.

Persons: Barbara Corcoran, Corcoran, Trump, Sellers, —, they're, Trump's Organizations: Fox Business Network, The Corcoran Group, National Association of Realtors

A sharp drop in mortgage rates brought homebuyers off the fence in October after a slow summer. Sales were 2.9% higher than October of last year, marking the first annual increase in more than three years. While mortgage rates remain elevated, they are expected to stabilize.”There were 1.37 million units for sale at the end of October, an increase of 19.1% from October 2023. That is still high historically, but lower mortgage rates likely caused that share to drop. Mortgage rates are much higher now, at 7.05% on the 30-year fixed.

Persons: ”, Lawrence Yun, ” Yun, Chen Zhao Organizations: National Association of Realtors, Mortgage News, Fed Locations: Redfin

☆ Home sales jumped in October, and housing demand is set to pick up from here, NAR says
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-21 | by ( Jennifer Sor | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

That's partly due to higher inventory levels, which rose 19% in October compared to last year. Existing home sales rose 3.4% in October, the group said. Sales rose 2.9% year-over-year for the first annual rise since July 2021 when Americans were still in the midst of a pandemic homebuying boom. Despite higher inventory levels, existing home prices have continued to rise, with the median existing home price climbing 4% in October to $407,200. Last week, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate ticked lower but remained elevated at 6.78%, three basis-points higher higher than the 52-week average, according to Freddie Mac.

Persons: Lawrence Yun, Freddie Mac, Yun, Zillow Organizations: National Association of Realtors, NAR, Bank of America Locations: Real

☆ Home prices may fall 20% as the housing market thaws — and help get baby boomers moving, research legend says
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-20 | by ( Theron Mohamed | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

AdvertisementMeredith Whitney expects home prices to fall by 10% to 20% as the frozen housing market starts thawing. The veteran researcher said baby boomers aren't selling, restricting the number of homes available. Home prices are poised to fall by up to a fifth as the frozen housing market thaws — and that could help baby boomers sell at last and younger people to become homeowners, Meredith Whitney says. Advertisement"The problem is the baby boomers own 60% of the housing stock," she said, referring to single-family, owner-occupied homes. AdvertisementSeveral economists have predicted a "silver tsunami" as baby boomers sell their homes to downsize or move into care homes, increasing the available supply of single-family homes and reducing prices.

Persons: Meredith Whitney, It's, Price, Whitney, millennials Organizations: Meredith Whitney Advisory Group, Homeowners, Federal Reserve, National Association of Realtors, CNBC

☆ Yun: Reducing spending brings down interest rates
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-18 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailYun: Reducing spending brings down interest ratesLawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors, explains that reducing the national deficit could help lower mortgage rates by impacting bond yields. Although the Fed has cut rates, 10-year yields remain high due to budget deficits.

Persons: Lawrence Yun Organizations: Yun, National Association of Realtors

☆ I'm 30 and bought my first home for $375,000 this year. I have a partner but wanted to buy it on my own.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-17 | by ( Alcynna Lloyd | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

AdvertisementAyriel Von Schert, 30, wanted to buy a home and didn't want to wait until she was married. Von Schert, a real-estate agent, said she's worked with other single women who have also bought homes alone. Recently, I've helped a couple of other single women buy their own homes. AdvertisementI also don't think it's a good idea to commit to anything permanent with someone you're not in a permanent relationship with. AdvertisementI don't think he minds, because we no longer have a landlord telling us what we can or can't do.

Persons: Von Schert, she's, Ayriel Von Schert, I've, we're, wasn't, it's, I'm Organizations: National Association of Realtors, Mesa , Arizona —, Phoenix, Homeowners Association Locations: Mesa , Arizona, Phoenix

☆ Mortgage rates may be stabilizing after the election. Here's what to expect into early 2025
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-15 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Don't expect 'huge swings' on mortgage ratesElection uncertainty contributed to an upward swing in mortgage rates during October. But now that we have a president-elect, mortgage rates are expected to gradually come down over time, Lautz said. Experts say that mortgage rates might head into a "bumpy" or "volatile" path over the next year. "Our expectation is that rates are going to be in the 6% range as we move into 2025," she said. For example, if you bought your home around this time last year, when mortgage rates peaked at around 8%, you might benefit from a mortgage refinance, Lautz said.

Persons: Freddie Mac, it's, Jessica Lautz, Lautz, Jerome Powell, Robert Dietz, Jessica Lautz Jessica Lautz, Jeff Ostrowski, Jacob Channel Organizations: Getty, Federal Reserve, National Association of Realtors, Treasury, Trump, Federal, CNBC Locations: U.S

☆ Here's what the Trump presidency could mean for the housing market, experts say
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-11 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

President-elect Donald Trump wants to address housing affordability in the U.S. by fomenting the construction of new homes. "We're going to open up tracks of federal land for housing construction," Trump said during an Aug. 15 news conference. While building more homes is the simpler answer to address the housing issue in the country, other promises Trump has made could deter affordability efforts, experts say. He also claimed that he would pull down mortgage rates back to pandemic-era lows, although presidents do not control mortgage rates, experts say. Here's how some of Trump's policies could affect the housing market during his administration, according to experts:

Persons: Donald Trump, Trump, Jim Tobin, it's, Jacob Channel Organizations: National Association of Realtors, National Association of Home Builders, Finance, Federal Reserve, Social Security, LendingTree Locations: U.S

☆ Buying a home is expensive. What about ordering one for delivery?
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-11 | by ( Samantha Delouya | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Manufactured housing, sometimes called mobile homes, are homes made in a factory rather than constructed on site, and they have been surging in popularity this year amid America’s housing crisis. Instead, they’re turning to the internet for lower-cost options, whether a pop-up foldable house kit, a tiny home or a traditional mobile home. Amazon is not the first major retailer to sell manufactured homes. More than 100 years ago, American retailer Sears, Roebuck and Co began selling kit homes from its catalog, with some for under $1,000. A 2023 Urban Institute paper argued that mobile homes were “uniquely vulnerable” to natural disasters compared to other housing.

Persons: Julie Johnson, homeownership, SSRS, George Rose, Donald Trump, Sears, Marc Norman, ” Norman, Katie Currid, “, Norman, Johnson, ” Johnson, Rebecca Blackwell, Johnson’s, Julie Johnson's, Patrick Harker, ” Harker, ”, ” CNN’s Chris Isidore Organizations: CNN, Facebook, National Association of Realtors, Getty, Census Bureau, Sears, Roebuck, Schack Institute of Real, New York University, Daily News, Urban, Hurricane, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, “ Locations: North Carolina, America, Boulder City, Boulder City , Nevada, Staunton , Virginia, Staunton, Mobile, Hurricane Milton, Englewood , Florida

Many Americans have been holding back from jumping into the housing market in the hopes that mortgage rates will decline. The average 30-year mortgage rate has been above 6% for two years — and is likely to stay above that level for the foreseeable future, experts say. “Sixes are the new normal,” said Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist at Bright MLS, a mortgage listing services group, referring to 6% mortgage rates. It’s really not going to be impacting mortgage rates at all.”Mortgage rates work differently. When demand for those increases, mortgage rates tend to fall.

Persons: Donald Trump’s, ”, Lisa Sturtevant, Brian Rehling, Trump, Mike Fratantoni, ” Fratantoni, Helene, ” Samuel Tombs, Tombs, Sturtevant, “ It’s Organizations: Federal, Bright MLS, Federal Reserve, Wells, Investment Institute, ”, U.S, Mortgage, Association, “, National Association of Realtors, Pantheon, NBC

☆ Mortgage rates surge higher on Trump victory, causing housing stocks to fall
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-06 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

"The expectation among bond traders coming into the election was that rates would move higher in the event of a Trump victory and especially a red sweep. "The builder stocks are highly sensitive to mortgage rates and mortgage rate expectations. Big builders have been buying down mortgage rates for their customers, but that has been cutting into their margins. Mortgage rates don't follow the Fed, but do react to the central bank's thinking on the economy. Stronger-than-expected economic reports in September and October caused bond yields, and consequently mortgage rates, to move higher.

Persons: Donald Trump's, Matthew Graham, Horton, PulteGroup, Lowe's, John Burns, Trump, Carl Harris, Graham Organizations: Mortgage News, Trump, . Housing, John Burns Real Estate Consulting, National Association of Home Builders, Federal Reserve, National Association of Realtors Locations: U.S, D.R

☆ Average age of first-time homebuyers is 38, an all-time high. Here's what that says about the real estate market
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-05 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

'The biggest issue of housing today'The housing shortage in the U.S. is "the biggest issue of housing today," said Orphe Divounguy, senior economist at Zillow. As of mid-2023, there's a housing shortage of 4 million homes, according to the NAR. Rent prices increased faster than tenants' wages during the pandemic. "We're seeing renters staying renters for longer because affordability has been so squeezed," he said. High rent prices not only affect your ability to save money to buy a home, it can affect your ability to pay down any existing debt, Lautz said.

Persons: homebuyer, Jessica Lautz, Orphe Divounguy, Jonathan Scott, Scott, Selma Hepp, Divounguy, Lautz Organizations: National Association of Realtors, NAR, HGTV, CNBC Locations: U.S

☆ Americans who bought homes in 2024 were older and richer than ever
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-04 | by ( Samantha Delouya | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Like first-time buyers, the typical repeat buyer has gotten older, with their median age increasing to 61 years from 58 last year. Repeat buyers’ median household income rose to $114,300 from $111,700 in the last year, as well, according to the NAR. First-time homebuyers may have trouble competing with repeat buyers, who could possibly have sold an existing home to purchase a new one. Repeat buyers were able to enter the housing market with much larger down payments (median 23%) than first-time homebuyers (median 9%). Thirty-one percent of repeat buyers paid all cash for their homes.

Persons: homebuyers, homebuyer, ”, Jessica Lautz, ” Lautz Organizations: CNN, National Association of Realtors, NAR Locations: America

☆ The average age of U.S. homebuyers jumps to 56—homes are 'wildly unaffordable' for young people, real estate expert says
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-04 | by ( Mike Winters | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The average age of homebuyers in the U.S. has risen by six years since July 2023 — another sign that younger Americans are being priced out of the market due to escalating ownership costs. The average age of homebuyers is now 56, up from 49 in 2023, according to the National Association of Realtors' annual state-of-the-market report released Monday. That's a historic high, up from an average age in the low-to-mid 40s in the early 2010s. The median age of first-time buyers also rose from 35 to 38, while the share of first-timers dropped from 32% to 24% of all buyers for the year ending July 2024. The median U.S. home price is now $435,000, per NAR — up 39% since 2020 — while the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has more than doubled to over 6% in that time.

Persons: I've, Bob Driscoll Organizations: National Association of Realtors, Rockland Trust Locations: U.S, Massachusetts, Rockland

☆ The typical first-time homebuyer in America is older than ever before
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-04 | by ( Alcynna Lloyd | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The typical age of a first-time homebuyer in the US has reached an all-time high: 38. First-time buyers make up 24% of all buyers, the lowest level since NAR started tracking in 1981. The changing characteristics of the typical first-time homebuyer in America are proof of the strain. The typical first-time buyer now has a median age of 38 — up from 35 in 2023. The typical first-time homebuyer is richer than ever, too.

Persons: It's, —, — Gen Zers, millennials, haven't, Jorge Argota, Argota, He's Organizations: National Association of Realtors, Service, NAR Locations: America, Miami, Florida

☆ Should I pay off my mortgage in retirement? New book tackles big money questions
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-03 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Mortgage rates may affect payoff calculusThe mortgage payoff calculus may change based on whether people can outearn their mortgage rates with safe, guaranteed investments, Benz said. For mortgage rates that are 6% or more, paying that balance off will provide a guaranteed return. Admittedly, the argument over whether to pay off mortgages is "much more emotional and psychological than it is financial," Jenkin said. The big money questions people ask themselves to prepare for retirement are just as important as the emotional ones. What brought you joy while you were working may change in retirement, Michael Finke, a professor of wealth management at The American College of Financial Services, tells Benz.

Persons: Jessica Lautz, Benz, JL Collins, Collins, Robert Daly, Ted Jenkin, Jenkin, Michael Finke Organizations: Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, National Association of Realtors, Benz, Getty, CNBC, CNBC FA, The American College of Financial Services Locations: Atlanta

☆ 7 major US cities where homes are both affordable and easy to find
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-03 | by ( James Faris | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Home transaction activity is up since mortgage rates are down from their peak. The US housing market perked up after mortgage rates plunged from their mid-summer peak through mid-September, even though they've experienced a remarkable resurgence since then. Pending home sales rose 7.4% in September, which was the largest leap since the spring, a late-October report from the National Association of Realtors found. "Further gains are expected if the economy continues to add jobs, inventory levels grow, and mortgage rates hold steady." 7 affordable cities with home inventoryEven though homeowners have been reluctant to give buyers a discount, there are still places where aspiring proprietors can find fair deals.

Persons: —, they've, Lawrence Yun, Realtor.com, Ralph McLaughlin Organizations: Service, National Association of Realtors Locations: Realtor.com

☆ The world is about to get some much-needed clarity on the US economy’s future
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-03 | by ( Bryan Mena | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

One bit of clarity they’re sure to get: The Federal Reserve’s latest interest rate decision, due to be announced Thursday. The Fed lowered borrowing costs in September for the first time in more than four years while signaling additional rate cuts. But a slew of economic figures have been released since the decision, which is important because the Fed’s decision are guided by what those figures show. Investors are betting with near certainty that the Fed will deliver a quarter-point cut, according to futures. Lower rates could entice home buyers to come off the sidelines, and for businesses it could continue plans that have “baked in” lower rates.

Persons: Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, Jerome Powell’s, America’s, Harris, Harris ’, ” “, Lawrence Yun, ” Yun, they’re, It’s Organizations: Washington CNN, Federal, Fed, The Wall Street, US, Trump, Federal Reserve, Duke University, Institute for Supply, National Association of Realtors

☆ Rent and home prices are through the roof. Harris and Trump each say they have the answer
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-02 | by ( Samantha Delouya | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

That shortage also affects rent prices. In August, Harris unveiled a multi-pronged plan to lower housing costs. The plan also includes two main proposals to lower rent costs. Both plans to lower rent would be subject to congressional approval, meaning that the measures may be difficult to pass even if Harris wins the presidency. Unlike Harris, Trump has not rolled out a formal housing plan, but he has tied plans to deport undocumented immigrants to housing.

Persons: Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, “ It’s, ”, Jim Parrott, That’s, ” Parrott, Mario Tama, Freddie Mac, Harris, Trump, “ We’re, homeownership, SSRS, “, Nick Pappas Organizations: CNN, Urban Institute, National Economic Council, SSRS, National Association of Realtors, Trump, Economic, of New, Treasury, Federal Reserve, “ Locations: Arizona , Nevada , Wisconsin , Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Carolina, Los Angeles , California, America, of New York, Kansas

☆ Inside Realtors' Fight for Control of America's for-Sale Home Listings
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-31 | by ( James Rodriguez | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +17 min

Agents might be emboldened to share listings among private networks of in-the-know brokers rather than market them to everyone. And if the goal is a transparent market that prioritizes consumers, the clear-cooperation policy is a flawed tool. Redfin estimated that in the second quarter of 2019, about 1.7% of listings, or some 18,000 homes, were likely pocketed. In a hot market, it's easier for brokers to market a home off the databases and still get it sold. What has changed since the rule went into effect is brokerages' eagerness to control access to home listings.

Persons: Smart, —, they'll, Brian Boero, Goliath, Davids, MLSes, doesn't, weren't, Joe Schmo, Saul Klein, Howard Hanna's, Howard Hanna IV, Robert Reffkin, Mauricio Umansky, Redfin, Glenn Kelman, Kelman, haven't, Victor Lund, There's, Buckle Organizations: MLS, National Association of Realtors, NAR, Coldwell, Network, San Diego, Compass, Service, of Justice

☆ How the cost of housing is expected to change under Trump or Harris
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-30 | by ( Allie Kelly | John L. Dorman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Detailed below is what Harris and Trump have proposed in order to address these worries. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have both pledged to address high prices by boosting the supply of homes. Related storiesThe Democratic candidate also said she plans to expand the existing low-income housing tax credit, which incentivizes the rehabilitation or building of housing targeted at lower-income households. As president, Trump proposed major cuts to the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development's budget, including slashing housing assistance and community development aid. AdvertisementWhile in office in 2017, Trump proposed a budget for the 2018 fiscal year that would have significantly cut rural housing subsidies.

Persons: Harris, Trump, —, Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, Daryl Fairweather, Redfin, Fairweather, Jessica Lautz, multifamily Organizations: Service, Business, Democratic, Peterson Institute for International Economics, Builders, of Housing, Urban, National Association of Realtors, Democratic Party Locations: America

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