National News

NAR names Nykia Wright interim CEO, replacing retiring Bob Goldberg

Nykia Wright has been named interim CEO for the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), effective Nov. 20.

Nearly one-third of homes for sale are new construction

New single-family home sales increased by 12.3% during September, the fastest pace since early 2022.

Likely increase in first-time Hispanic homebuyers

Around 70% of new homebuyers will be Hispanic by 2040, according to projections from the Urban Institute. Based on the 2020 Census data, Hispanics are the quickest growing demographic in the U.S. However, with rising interest rates and escalating home prices, affordability issues are appearing for young Hispanic homebuyers.

New-home sales jump in September despite interest rates 

The median price of a new home sold during the month fell to $418,800 from $433,100 in August, the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reported. 

Short supply helps drive existing-home sales to 13-year low 

The median existing-home price for all housing types in September was $394,300, up 2.8% from $383,500 in September 2022.   

Housing starts rebound in September after August dip 

Specifically, single-family homes were built at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 963,000, up 3.2% from 933,000 in August and up 8.6% from 887,000 a year earlier, according to government figures. 

The hottest home trends of 2024 — according to Zillow

Brutalist style and sensory gardens may seem at odds — but they are both hot home design trends that will rule 2024. At least, according to new predictions from Zillow.

Buyer agent commissions hang in the balance during federal case beginning this week

No matter what the jury decides, it could take years for the appeals process to work itself out, delaying any potential changes to agent commissions.

Buyers can now search by school on Zillow

Prospective buyers can access the search-by-school feature via the search bar on Zillow’s iOS mobile app.

Coldwell Banker Affiliates names Jason Waugh president 

Waugh most recently served as president and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Real Estate Professionals.

MBA: Mortgage apps rise on increase in ARM activity 

A 15% rise in applications for adjustable-rate mortgages drove overall mortgage applications higher in the most recent weekly survey. 

Homebuyer pessimism hits all-time high

More than eight in 10 Americans think it’s a bad time to buy a home, according to a new survey from Fannie Mae.

Major real estate brands open option for agents to leave NAR

Agents from CENTURY 21, Coldwell Banker, ERA, Sotheby’s International Realty, Corcoran and Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate — and RE/MAX — will all have the option to leave NAR pending new settlements.

Houston one of the ‘World’s Best Cities’

Houston is among the best cities in the world, according to World’s Best Cities’ 2024 ranking of the most desirable cities planet wide.

Opendoor and eXp Realty partner for ExpressOffer platform

eXp Realty partnered with real estate technology company Opendoor to integrate an application programming interface into its ExpressOffers platform.

These small Texas cities are some of the best in the country

Nearly one-third of Americans say they’d prefer to live in the suburbs — but which small towns offer the best options for homeowners and buyers?

Oops! We could not locate your form.