Homeowners considering extra financing this September may find HELOCs appealing due to their relatively low average rates (around 8.12%), which are cheaper than home equity loans, personal loans, and credit cards. HELOC rates are variable and could drop further with a likely Fed rate cut. Additionally, rising home equity levels mean more borrowing power. However, … Continued
High-net-worth buyers are increasingly relocating to the Mountain West states—Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado—attracted by tax advantages, privacy, natural beauty, and outdoor recreation. Luxury real estate has evolved from rustic cabins to sophisticated estates, including mountain chalets, lakefront homes, gated communities, and modern custom builds. North Idaho is emerging as a notable luxury market … Continued
Texas, Florida, and California lead in total new housing permits, while Idaho, North Carolina, and South Carolina top per capita new construction. The South dominates new housing growth, driven by population influx, job markets, land availability, and regulatory factors. New builds can ease market entry for buyers but may not always favor investors. Trends reflect … Continued
HELOCs average 8.12% and home equity loans 8.23%, as markets expect a Fed rate cut in September that could push borrowing costs lower. Despite the small declines, borrowing remains costly compared to earlier years, with most home equity debt still above 8%, limiting affordability for many households. Home equity balances keep climbing, now at $411 … Continued
Interest rates may drop slightly in 2025—around 0.3%—but don’t wait just for better rates! Ready to buy? Be debt-free, have emergency savings, and keep housing costs under 25% of income. Housing supply is finally growing—inventory is up 28.9% from last year but still below pre-COVID levels. Buyers are staying steady—31% of homes sold above asking … Continued
Despite nine weeks of falling mortgage rates reaching an 11-month low, U.S. home sales have declined due to persistent affordability issues, high home prices, and economic uncertainties. The market faces reduced buyer confidence, slower construction, and limited inventory as many homeowners hold low-rate mortgages, limiting supply. While rental demand and affordable housing may benefit, overall … Continued
Mortgage rates are forecasted to gradually decline from around 6.7% in August to approximately 6.3%-6.5% by December 2025. Leading experts like NAR and Fannie Mae predict rates will stay steady in the mid-6% range with no major drops below 6%. The gradual easing is driven by expected Federal Reserve policy shifts, cooling inflation, and a … Continued
Mortgage rates are expected to gradually ease over the coming years, though a return to 4% remains a longer-term possibility. Past 4% levels were achieved during periods of strong monetary support, showing rates can fall when economic conditions shift significantly. A move back toward 4% would likely require softer growth, lower inflation, and more accommodative … Continued
Renter households are growing fast — 2.5% vs. 0.8% owner growth this year. Single-family starts expected ↓ 3.0% in 2025, ↓ 0.5% in 2026, then rebound in 2027. Multifamily housing is booming — up 6% in 2025 as buyers shift to renting. Inventory of unsold new homes nearly 4× higher since 2022 — builders feel … Continued
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 offers up to $8,000 in federal and state rebates for energy-efficient home improvements, covering 30% of qualifying expenses. Key credits include 30% for solar, wind, and battery storage until 2025, and rebates for heat pumps, insulation, and new windows. Heat pumps can save up to $1,247 annually, while solar … Continued