National News

Housing starts climb 4.6% in June despite softening single-family sector

New single-family home construction declined as builders continue to grapple with macroeconomic headwinds. 

Realtors Relief Foundation raises $500K for Texas flood aid

“Following the tragic floods in Texas, we at the National Association of REALTORS® and the Realtors Relief Foundation are heartbroken at the lives lost and the communities devastated,” said RRF President Greg Hrabcak.

Texas is one of the top states for international home purchases

Texas transactions made up 10% of all international home purchases this past year, according to a report from the National Association of REALTORS®.

MBA: Tariff worries starting to show up in mortgage app numbers

Purchase applications slowed to their lowest level since May as economic worries dampened activity, the Mortgage Bankers Association said. 

What’s new on Zillow? 5 features that enhance the home search experience

Zillow has rolled out five new features this summer to make searching for homes easier and more efficient.

West University Place and Bellaire land on America’s 50 Wealthiest Suburbs list

West University Place and Bellaire ranked among the nation’s top suburbs based on median household income, home values and other economic indicators.

NAR’s new Market Statistics Dashboard provides local housing data to members

The National Association of REALTORS® debuted its Market Statistics Dashboard for members, which provides local housing data intended to help clients buy and sell homes.  

Fannie and Freddie now accept VantageScore 4.0 for mortgage underwriting

The FICO alternative is expected to greatly expand the number of eligible borrowers by allowing rent and utility payments to count toward a credit score. 

NAR claims real estate wins as House passes One Big Beautiful Bill Act

The National Association of REALTORS® has claimed that the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in the House delivers significant victories for homeowners and real estate professionals.

US commissions jump to 5.44% amid cooling housing market

According to a report from Clever Real Estate, the average total commission for U.S. real estate agents is now 5.44%, a rise from 5.32% over the past year, despite the recent broker commission reforms from the National Association of REALTORS®.

NAR: One in five homebuyers considered their pet when choosing neighborhood

Pets aren’t just companions — they’re family. And according to a recent National Association of REALTORS® report, one in five homebuyers actively considered their pet’s needs when choosing a neighborhood.

NAR hails Senate passage of One Big Beautiful Bill Act

The association said the legislation contains five of its key priorities, including a permanent extension for the mortgage-interest deduction and a temporary quadrupling of the SALT-deduction cap. 

US Conference of Mayors backs Realtor.com’s Let America Build initiative

The organization issued a statement in support of the pro-development campaign at its annual meeting in Tampa. 

Where does Houston rank in America’s Best Cities?

Houston’s high rank was due largely to its thriving companies — ranked third in the nation — and restaurants, ranked fourth.

Pending-home sales rise in May as market continues ‘slow thaw’

May’s 1.8% monthly gain follows a 6.3% drop in April, the National Association of REALTORS® said. 

FHFA directs Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac to accept cryptocurrency in mortgages

Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director William J. Pulte posted to X issuing an order that directs Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to consider cryptocurrency as an “asset for single-family loans.”  

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