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May 2026

Sellers See Profitable Spring Opportunity

A survey found 74% said now was a good time to sell, while 83% expected asking price or more in Early-Spring. Most potential sellers expected a quick deal. About 75% anticipated selling within 4 mo, including 27% expecting a sale within 1 to 2 mo. The typical home spent 57 days on market, reinforcing seller confidence that listings could still move relatively...

Affordability Reshapes Who Can Buy

Nationally, management and business workers remained most likely to own homes, while service workers had the lowest rates despite posting the biggest 10-yr gain. In >60% of metro areas, the top homeowning occupation changed since 2014, showing local housing costs and job markets increasingly shaped ownership chances. Management and financial workers held near...

Buy now, benefit now: How builder incentives are reshaping real estate seasons

New home construction buyers benefit from year-round opportunities as builders offer incentives and price cuts to maintain sales amid affordability challenges. About 40% of builders are lowering prices, and 65% use incentives like rate buydowns and closing cost assistance, providing buyers more negotiating power outside the traditional spring surge. Buyers should focus on readiness, local market...

Home Purchase Activity Up 20% Over Last Year

Mortgage applications fell 1.6% last week after a prior 7.9% rise, with refinance applications down 4% due to a slight increase in 30-year fixed mortgage rates to 6.37%. Purchase applications rose nearly 2% weekly and were over 20% higher than last year, reflecting improved homebuying sentiment amid increased housing inventory. The refinance share dropped to 42.5%, while adjustable-rate mortgage activity...

US Purchase Activity up 21% Yearly

Purchase applications recently ↑1% and were ↑21% yearly, showing buyers are moving forward as inventory conditions look more favorable nationally for many shoppers. Total mortgage application volume recently ↓1.6% seasonally adjusted, after a prior ↑7.9%, while unadjusted activity ↓1%, tracking overall loan demand across programs. The 30-yr fixed rate...

$100K Federal Benefit Cap Explained

A policy group proposed a $100K annual cap for couples retiring at normal retirement age, with a $50K limit for single retirees. The cap would be adjusted for inflation, retirement age, and marital status, producing small immediate savings that grow over time for trust funds. Modeling suggests inflation indexing could close one-fifth of the solvency gap, while...

SoCal Buyers Need 2026 Affordability Strategy

For 2026, affordability gaps are expected to stay wide across California, keeping buyer planning and local guidance especially important through changing conditions. Even if mortgage rates decline, projected home-price growth may limit affordability improvements, so buyers should prepare budgets before touring homes or making offers. For SoCal households, the...

The ultimate guide to luxury homes real estate: Trends, tips and what defines premium living in 2026

Luxury homes now emphasize smart technology, sustainability, wellness amenities, and prime locations offering privacy and connectivity. Key trends in 2026 include wellness-centered design, eco-friendly features, multigenerational living spaces, experiential amenities, and branded residences. Limited inventory and strong global demand keep prices high. Buyers should consider total ownership costs,...

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