National News

Housing starts rise in December on strong multifamily sector

While multifamily starts surged 13.7% compared to November, the pace of new single-family housing construction slid 2.3%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Inflation worries sap builder confidence in January

“While lean existing home inventory and solid buyer demand are supporting the need for new construction, the combination of ongoing increases for building materials, worsening skilled labor shortages and higher mortgage rates point to declines for housing affordability in 2022.” — NAHB Chairman Chuck Fowke

Redfin to acquire Bay Equity Home Loans

The San Francisco Bay-area mortgage lender is licensed in 42 states including Massachusetts.

New kitchen renovation trends: How homeowners are splurging in 2022

The 2022 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study is out, and the most popular kitchen renovation trend is upgraded countertops.

RE/MAX CEO stepping down in March

Board member Stephen Joyce will serve as interim CEO as the company conducts a search for a permanent replacement.

SP200 ranks the most-powerful people in residential real estate in 2022

The Swanepoel Power 200, or SP 200, annual ranking of the most-powerful and influential leaders in residential real estate has been released.

Homeowners face record supply shortages entering 2022

Despite the record low number of homes for sale, prices and pending sales continue to rise.

Homeownership remains cheaper than renting in majority of U.S.

Homeownership remains a cheaper option than renting in the majority of areas, according to a new study by ATTOM Data Solutions.

America’s Most Trusted® study: Which homebuilders topped the list for 2022?

Taylor Morrison topped Lifestory Research’s annual list of America’s Most Trusted® Homebuilders — for the seventh consecutive year.

Mortgage applications fall during last two weeks of 2021

At the same time, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rose to 3.33%, its highest level since April 2021, the Mortgage Bankers Association said.

Inflation has buyers and sellers rethinking their plans

Inflation concerns are influencing plans for homebuyers and sellers, according to a recent Redfin survey.

Boston Housing Scorecard: Housing starts, inventory both plummet in December

Nationally, interest rates rose as builder confidence fell.

S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller: Boston home prices continue their climb

Nationally, housing prices were also on the rise, according to the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price NSA Index. 

Pending-home sales return to negative territory in November

“There was less pending home sales action this time around, which I would ascribe to low housing supply, but also to buyers being hesitant about home prices,” National Association of REALTORS® chief economist Lawrence Yun said.

Boston Agent magazine’s top 10 national news stories of 2021

Take a look at which national stories from the year generated the most interest with our readers.

New-home sales soar 12.4% in November

The median sales price of new homes hit a new high of $416,900.