New Home Sales Slide to Multi-Year Lows

New home sales weakened further in May, extending the pullback seen over the past several months as elevated mortgage rates and affordability pressures continued to weigh on buyer demand. According to the latest Census Bureau and HUD data, sales of new single-family homes fell to a seasonally adjust

Mortgage Applications Edge Higher Despite Elevated Rates

Mortgage applications posted a modest increase last week, though overall activity remained subdued by historical standards as borrowing costs held relatively steady. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reported a 1.0% increase in total application volume on a seasonally adjusted basis for the wee

Housing Starts Not Nearly as Scary Without Weird Multifamily Nosedive

Residential construction activity cooled in May, as housing starts and completions both moved lower while building permits edged down only slightly. Last week's Census Bureau data suggests builders are still navigating uneven demand and affordability pressures, with a sharper pullback in starts than

How to Compare Apartments Beyond Monthly Rent

When searching for a new apartment, it’s easy to focus on one number: the monthly rent. But two apartments with the same advertised price can have very different overall costs and living experiences. Utility fees, lease terms, amenities, commute times, and maintenance quality can all affect whether