From Our Economists
Today’s Hot Jobs Report is Pushing Mortgage Rates Up, But It Shouldn’t Be
The Fed will look at the big picture–including the fact that rates have already increased so much recently–when considering a November rate hike. At first
Climate Change Pushes Up Home Insurance Premiums
Originally published to Forbes on September 18, 2023. A recent study from PolicyGenius found that quoted homeowner’s insurance premiums increased by 21% nationally from May 2022
4 Ways to Buy Your First Home, Even as Affordability Worsens
Originally published to Forbes on September 12, 2023. For many young Americans, the dream of owning a home feels less like a middle-class milestone and more
How Would a Government Shutdown Impact the Housing Market? Low Demand in D.C., Temporary Dip in Mortgage Rates, Loan Delays
The impact of a federal government shutdown on the economy and the U.S. housing market would likely be small, unless it lasts much longer than
Fed Projects Rates Will Be Higher For Longer, Upping Chance of Elevated Mortgage Rates Into Next Year
The Fed increased projections for 2024 and 2025 rates at its September meeting, though it kept rates unchanged for now. That will likely keep mortgage
The UAW Strike Could Be a Drag on the U.S. Economy: Here’s the Good News and Bad News For the Housing Market
The United Auto Workers strike could hamper U.S. economic growth and potentially encourage the Fed to lower interest rates, which would bring down mortgage rates.
Mixed-Bag Jobs Report Keeps the Fed On Track for a June Rate Cut
The latest jobs report was a mixed bag, but homebuyers and sellers can still expect the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates in May or
January’s CPI Report Is Nail in the Coffin For March Interest-Rate Cut
The latest inflation report came in hotter than expected. For homebuyers and sellers, that means mortgage rates are likely to stay elevated for now–but we
January’s Hot Jobs Report Is Good and Bad For Homebuyers: Strong Labor Market Puts Money in Pockets, But Props Up Mortgage Rates
The latest jobs report came in stronger than expected. Together with the Fed press conference and news from the U.S. Treasury this past Wednesday, this
Today’s Fed Press Conference Was Disappointing–But Not Devastating–For the Housing Market
The Fed essentially took a March interest-rate cut off the table, which means mortgage rates are likely to stay higher for longer. But we still
December’s Inflation Report Unlikely to Impact Mortgage Rates
Consumer prices rose slightly more than expected to close 2023, but the news shouldn’t move mortgage rates much or impact the overall housing market. The
Latest Jobs Data Makes March Rate Cut Slightly Less Likely
A look below the surface reveals a less-hot picture of the late-2023 labor market than the hot December jobs headline suggests. The latest jobs report
