Real estate news covering housing prices, mortgage rates, commercial real estate, REITs, and property market trends.
Fannie Mae's July 2026 Housing Forecast predicts the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate will fall to 6.3% in early 2027, earlier than previously expected. The rate averaged 6.55% in mid-July. Fannie Mae expects the rate to average 6.3% for both 2026 and 2027.
This commentary argues that home buyers who fail to comparison shop for mortgages often overpay significantly, citing a Bankrate study showing 87% of buyers in 2025 paid excess costs averaging over $3,300 annually. It suggests that convenience-driven lender choices lead to higher costs and provides a guide for shopping effectively.
Abu Dhabi's total real estate transactions hit Dh117 billion ($31.9 billion) in the first half of 2026, a 112% year-on-year increase. Sales transactions rose nearly 164% to Dh86.1 billion across 16,838 deals. Foreign direct investment into the property sector more than quadrupled to Dh13.8 billion, surpassing the total for all of 2025.
Consumer Affairs Victoria launched Federal Court action against Harcourts Judd White and three agents for allegedly underquoting 11 properties in Melbourne's east. An agent allegedly told a vendor the practice was 'all strategy'. The agents named are Andrew Dimashki, Anna Du, and Julie Wells.
Fixer-upper homes are selling at a 14% discount compared to move-in-ready homes in 2026, the steepest Zillow has recorded. The discount is nearly double last year's 7.3%, driven by tariffs, inflation, and labor shortages.
This commentary argues that the US housing market has shifted from a pandemic-era frenzy to a slower pace, where buyers are more selective and sellers must price conservatively and anticipate concessions. It suggests that sellers should prioritize a quick sale over maximizing profit, using conservative underwriting and pricing strategies.
The author argues that downsizing from a large dream home to a smaller apartment, though initially difficult, led to greater happiness and financial peace. She contends that the idealized American dream of homeownership can become overwhelming, especially after major life changes like divorce, and that smaller living spaces can offer unexpected benefits.
This commentary argues that when family members sell a home at a discount, structuring the transaction as a gift of equity at full market value is better than simply lowering the purchase price. It contends this approach improves loan-to-value ratios, helps qualify for better mortgages, and avoids out-of-pocket closing costs.
This commentary argues that homeownership in Philadelphia is still attainable despite rising prices, using the personal story of a buyer who found an affordable townhouse in East Falls. It suggests that with persistence and an open mind, buyers can remain in the city rather than relocating to cheaper areas.
The commentary argues that post-closing possession in real estate transactions is a flawed practice, contending it creates legal ambiguities and financial risks for both buyers and sellers. It suggests that the potential for disputes over property condition and occupancy outweighs any convenience, advocating for traditional closing timelines.