Prominent real estate economist Matthew Gardner shares insights on the first quarter of 2025 — including his takes on tariffs, immigration, brokerage acquisitions, mortgage rates and more.

The average 30-year mortgage saw its contract interest rate jump to 6.90% from 6.81% the week before, the Mortgage Bankers Association said. 

The S.K. Pierce mansion, an alleged hotspot for paranormal activity, hit the market for $1.2 million earlier this month.

The surprisingly large decline in the pace of housing starts comes as builder sentiment remains depressed by tariff worries and high prices. 

The new owner, however, is international artist Enrique Cabrera — and he plans to shake up the home’s reputation.

Parejo added that eXp’s recent decision to adhere to Zillow’s anti-private listing policy is not exclusive to the online portal.

In a statement, Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman also asked MLSs to create a “coming-soon” designation that precludes search sites from showing listing history. 

All homes were sold during March. Note that listing prices may differ from actual sales prices.

eXp Realty was the first brokerage to publicly join Zillow, announcing its commitment to ensuring eXp listings are available on Zillow within 24 hours of marketing to consumers.

The upgrades that brought homeowners the most joy in 2024 were primary bedroom suites, kitchens and new roofing.

By choosing to list their homes privately, homesellers in 2023 and 2024 forwent a collective $1 billion, according to new research from Zillow.

“In a plot twist, baby boomers have overtaken millennials — the largest U.S. population — to become the top generation of homebuyers,” said Jessica Lautz, NAR’s deputy chief economist and vice president of research.

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate (BHGRE) Gary Greene’s marketing department was named the No. 1 marketing team in the entire BHGRE network.

The acquisition of the mortgage servicer comes on the heels of Rocket’s $1.75 billion deal for Redfin. 

These are the new Texas listings with the highest price tags. All properties were listed in the last month.

Designed by architect Eric Owen Moss in 1977, the multifamily home is located just minutes from the Pacific Ocean in Playa Del Rey, California.