Did Rates Have Anything to do With Big Surge in Home Sales?

New home sales surged in August, breaking a two-year stretch of range-bound activity. The Census Bureau and HUD reported a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 800,000 , up 20.5% from July’s revised 664,000 and 15.4% above August 2024’s 693,000. This is the strongest monthly gain since the pandemic bo

Mortgage Apps Barely Advance Thanks to Previous Week's Momentum

Mortgage application activity technically hit another long-term high last week, but that's only because it was riding the coattails of the previous week's stellar momentum. According to MBA’s Weekly Applications Survey for the week ending September 19, total volume rose 0.6% on a seasonally adjusted

List Price vs Sell Price: What’s the Difference?

Key takeaways: List price is the initial asking price. Sell price is the final, agreed-upon price. The difference between the two reflects market status and negotiation outcomes. In the world of real estate, you’ll often hear terms like “list price” and “sell price.” While they might sound similar,

How to Buy a House When You’re Self-Employed: What to Know Before You Apply

Key takeaways:  Yes, you can buy a home self-employed: You’ll just need extra income proof for lenders. Keep paperwork ready: Tax returns and bank statements show steady earnings. Boost your finances: Strong credit, low debt, and savings make approval easier. Buying a house while self-employed can f