Builders Counting on Lower Rates to Break the Traffic Jam

Builder confidence levels continued kicking a sad little can down the same long and lonesome road. The September National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) held flat at 32, extending the streak to 17 consecutive months below the key 50 mark that separates exp

Big Drop in Building Permits, But Construction Pace is Still Fairly Steady

The Census Bureau’s latest Residential Construction report showed a mixed picture for August, highlighted by a sharp drop in building permits. Total housing starts (the groundbreaking phase of construction) fell 2.3% to a 1.398 million annual rate, led by a 3.4% decline in single-family starts to 90

Biggest Jump in Mortgage Applications Since 2021

What a difference a week makes for mortgage application demand. As we noted last week, mortgage rates were already trending lower than those captured in the weekly survey numbers from MBA and Freddie Mac.  The expectation was that refinance activity would be surging in this week's data.  T

How to Estimate Utility Costs When Buying a House

When you’re shopping for a home, you’re likely focused on the list price and down payment. But don’t overlook utility bills. From electricity and water to internet and trash service, these monthly costs can add up fast, and vary a lot depending on the home. Whether you’re eyeing a home in El Paso, T