News / Features

NAR: Existing-home sales fall again in July, but could stabilize

A recent decline in mortgage rates could return some purchasing power to buyers going forward, National Association of REALTORS® chief economist Lawrence Yun said. 

Compass cuts signing bonuses following Q2 market downturn

Compass revealed big losses — to the tune of $100 million — in its second quarter report. And as a result, the firm will no longer offer equity or cash incentives to new agents.

Bay State home prices rise, closed sales fall

For the fifth month in a row in July, home sales declined nationally, including here in the Bay State, as home prices continued to rise.

Home, condo sales rapidly declined in July

July single-family home and condo sales continued to plummet last month as the market continued to cool.

New-home construction falls 9.6% in July

The pace of housing starts for both single-family and multifamily residences was down on a month over month basis, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reported. 

Massachusetts named best place to live in the US

WalletHub compared all 50 states across five metrics covering affordability, economy, education and health, quality of life and safety.

NAHB: U.S. in a “housing recession,” single-family starts will decline in 2022

The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index fell for the eighth straight month in August, as the key measure of builder confidence indicated a pessimistic outlook. 

Homebuyer competition falls to lowest level since start of pandemic

Worcester had one of the highest rates of homebuyer competition in July

Four projects to bring 136 new housing units to Boston neighborhoods

The Boston Planning & Development Agency approved the projects at its August meeting.

New policy adds diversity, equity, inclusion to Boston’s large development projects

The Boston Planning & Development Agency has adopted a new policy requiring developers to disclose diversity, equity and inclusion plans for large projects when filing.

Keller Williams launches new business-development programs for agents

The brokerage’s new “communities” will provide its agents with specialized training, technology, coaching and referral opportunities. 

Mortgage rates fall to four-month low as buyers return to market

Homebuyers may catch a break this month as rates have come down nearly a point from the recent high on fears of a recession.

Zillow brings Opendoor offers to its platform

Sellers using Zillow may request and view an offer directly from Opendoor and compare it to an open-market sale with a real estate agent. 

Boston has the nation’s second-highest average monthly rent at more than $4,800

Boston’s average monthly rent is $4,878, a 17.4% increase from the previous year.

Rental and homeowner vacancy rates still near historic lows, Census data shows

The national rental vacancy rate dropped to 5.6% in the second quarter of the year while the homeowner vacancy rate remained at 0.8%.

Mortgage rates fall below 5% — for the first time since April

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.99% as of Aug. 4: down 0.8% from last week. The news marks the first time since April that mortgage rates have dipped below 5%.

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