Em2 Real Estate Lab LLC

More Home Buyers Go Under Contract, But Caution Remains Pending home sales inched higher last month as housing affordability improved, but new challenges are emerging. Read more from NAR’s latest home sales report. Contract signings for home sales climbed slightly in February as buyers emerged amid lower mortgage rates and moderating home prices. But c...

Home Sales Barely Move as Inventory Constraints Persist The housing market is sending some mixed signals this spring. Read more from NAR’s latest housing report. Existing-home sales were mostly stuck in place in April, despite what’s typically a busy spring real estate season. The number of For Sale signs in the existing-home market remains relativel...

More Buyers Step Back Into the Housing Market NAR’s chief economist says “cautious optimism” is emerging as the real estate market shakes off some economic headwinds. Pending home sales rose last month, building on March’s modest gains and helping to reverse what had been a sluggish start to the spring housing market. By even some econo...

Florida housing market at inflection point as summer approaches, economist says Florida’s housing market is entering a period where the next several months could help determine whether conditions stabilize or soften later in 2026, according to Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. Brad O’Connor. Florida’s housing market is entering a stretch where the next few months could...

Survey: First-time buyers remain optimistic despite affordability hurdles Many first-time homebuyers still plan to purchase homes despite affordability challenges, with buyers increasingly willing to compromise on location, size and financing strategies to enter the market. First-time buyers may be growing more flexible and financially prepared, even as affordability chal...

Home Sales Remain Steady as Inventory Stays Tight The spring housing market is showing a mix of encouraging signs and ongoing challenges. While home sales are not surging, they are holding relatively steady, and improving affordability may create opportunities for buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines. Existing-home sales in April were near...

New Credit Models Could Bring in More Buyers Updated scoring models will allow government-backed loan programs to consider additional data in underwriting, including rent and utility payment history. WASHINGTON — Federal housing officials on Wednesday announced a major overhaul of mortgage credit scoring that could expand access to home loan...

More young buyers rely on down payment help A growing share of younger buyers is relying on family help, gifts and assistance programs to buy homes, highlighting how affordability pressures are reshaping the path to homeownership. More young buyers are relying on outside help to buy a home, underscoring how affordability pressures are reshapi...

Mortgage rates ease slightly after two weeks of increases Rates edged lower this week after rising the previous two weeks, with the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate dipping to 6.36% and the 15-year fixed rate easing to 5.71%, according to Freddie Mac. The slight decline may help some buyers revisit affordability calculations heading into the summer mark...

Rate-locked homeowners still reluctant to sell While most homeowners with low mortgage rates say they plan to stay put, surveys suggest lifestyle shifts and affordability concerns may eventually drive more listings. Most homeowners sitting on sub-6% mortgages aren't going anywhere soon — but the picture isn't entirely bleak for inventory-starv...