National News

NAHB: Residential construction spending rises in May thanks to single-family sector

Strong growth of single-family construction spending drove the increase, while spending on multifamily construction was flat, the National Association of Home Builders said.

Realtors Relief Foundation launches 20th anniversary campaign

In light of the increasing number of natural disasters in recent years, the foundation commemorated its 20th anniversary by launching Hope Rising, “a campaign designed to ensure the foundation can respond to disasters as quickly and effectively as possible.”

Lenders accused of maternity-leave discrimination

Denying a mortgage to a woman because she is on or plans to be on maternity leave is against the law, but some lenders are accused of doing just that.

NAR: U.S. housing market is short 5.5 million homes

The shortage of housing in America is more “dire” than previously expected, and the NAR’s new report puts pressure on lawmakers to provide additional public funding and policy incentives to fix this massive underbuilding gap.

Existing-home sales slide again in May

The median existing-home price for all housing types rose to $350,300 in May, marking another new record.

70% of homebuyers still facing bidding wars

Market competition has eased up recently, but seven in 10 buyers still face bidding wars, according to a new report from Redfin.

New-home mortgage applications drop 9% in May

On a year-over-year basis, new-home mortgage applications were down 5.9% in May, the Mortgage Bankers Association reported, citing its Builder Application Survey.

Housing market simmers down, but pending sales are still up

Although pending sales are up 29% from last year, they are starting to slow down, dropping 9.7% from their peak four weeks ago.

Could zoning changes help boost supply and balance the market?

With high costs slowing construction and potentially lowering homeownership for many, easing zoning rules may be the most effective way to increase the supply of new housing. 

High-end home sales, prices jump as market flourishes

High-end home sales surged in the three months ended April 30 as prices also rose and listings increased.

RE/MAX joins The LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance

The new corporate sponsorship makes certain training, resources and networking opportunities available to RE/MAX agents.

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Builders report historic, broad-based levels of materials shortages

Special questions added to the National Association of Home Builders’ monthly builder survey found 90% or more of respondents had experienced shortages of plywood, oriented strand board, framing lumber and appliances, with most other materials also hard to come by.

COVID and a booming housing market have fueled a record number of Realtors

The COVID pandemic has caused a shakeup in where, and how, many people work. That has helped propel a thriving housing market.

Zombie foreclosures up 21% across the country

Of the 99 million residential properties in the U.S., approximately 1.4 million (or 1.4%) are vacant this quarter, with “zombie” home rates increasing both quarterly (21%) and annually (5.6%).

Asian-American homeownership grows but shows disparities between different ethnic groups

The number of Asian-headed households grew 83% in the past two decades, but economic inequality and inequity between different Asian ethnic regions is still an issue.

Mortgage applications drop 4% on higher rates in latest MBA survey

“Demand is robust throughout the country, but homebuyers continue to be held back by the lack of homes for sale and rapidly increasing home prices.” — MBA Associate Vice President of Economic and Industry Forecasting Joel Kan