A new AI mortgage app is aiming to transform the traditional home-loan process by dramatically reducing the time required for mortgage underwriting. The online lending platform Better has partnered with OpenAI to launch a tool inside ChatGPT that could streamline mortgage approvals for banks, brokers, and financial technology firms. According to company executives, the application [...]
Rising home buying power is giving many middle-income Americans slightly more flexibility in the housing market. However, despite this improvement, affordability challenges continue to prevent many households from purchasing a home. Higher property prices and still-elevated mortgage rates mean that even modest gains in purchasing ability may not be enough to close the affordability gap. [...]
Rising oil prices triggered by escalating conflict in the Middle East are raising concerns about inflation and household finances. The disruption in global energy markets followed military strikes involving the United States and Israel against Iran, which analysts say created one of the largest oil supply shocks in modern history. As a result, economists warn [...]
Weekly mortgage demand increased even as interest rates experienced significant volatility. Global tensions and economic uncertainty pushed financial markets up and down, which affected borrowing costs for homebuyers and homeowners. Despite these fluctuations, the latest data suggests that demand from buyers is strengthening as the spring housing market begins. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association [...]
A major housing affordability bill aimed at addressing rising home prices in the United States is facing new political obstacles. Although the measure has strong bipartisan support and could pass the Senate soon, it is expected to encounter resistance in the House of Representatives. One of the most controversial provisions involves restricting large investors from [...]
Learning how to test a neighborhood before buying a home can help buyers avoid costly mistakes. Location often ranks as one of the most important factors in real estate decisions. Beyond price, buyers usually consider proximity to family, commuting distance to work or school, and the overall atmosphere of the community. Understanding these elements early [...]
The U.S. housing market is showing signs of improvement for buyers as mortgage rates drop and home price growth slows, though affordability challenges remain. Realtor.com senior economist Joel Berner told NBC News that while 2025 was a “balancing year,” 2026 looks more favorable for homebuyers. This positive shift stems largely from a decline in mortgage [...]
U.S. mortgage rates fell below 6% for the first time in years, giving homebuyers increased affordability. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropped to 5.99% Friday morning, down from 6.21% the previous day, marking the lowest level since February 2023. Over the past year, rates have declined by more than a full percentage point. Rates [...]
Even as rents fall in many cities, the U.S. rental market could face a supply crunch in 2026. Recent data shows new apartment construction has slowed, signaling potential pressure for renters as available units stagnate and macroeconomic conditions keep more people renting. Experts say this slowdown may mark the start of a challenging cycle for [...]
The U.S. housing market started 2026 with a median home price of $422,921, up just 1.1% year-over-year, as the strongest buyer’s market in recent memory keeps growth in check. Buyers now have negotiating power because homes for sale far outnumber active buyers, limiting price spikes. Year-over-year growth has remained below 2% for the past 10 [...]
