Here is your real estate news for Thursday, January 22nd.
Pending Home Sales Retreat After Recent Gains
Yesterday’s big national housing story came from the latest National Association of REALTORS® Pending Home Sales report, showing a 9.3% month-over-month decline in pending contracts in December and a moderate 3.0% year-over-year dip. The slowdown was seen across all four U.S. regions, though the South posted a slight annual increase. REALTORS® say these figures could reflect seasonal search patterns, but they nonetheless signal a pause in the market rebound seen earlier in the winter.
Federal Housing Policy in the Spotlight After Davos Speech
A second dominant theme yesterday involved national housing policy as President Trump spoke at the World Economic Forum in Davos, outlining new actions and proposals to affect housing affordability. That included a high-profile executive order aimed at limiting large institutional investors’ ability to purchase single-family homes and broader calls for lower mortgage rates and expanded first-time buyer access. Analysts note the practical impact of such measures will depend on future regulatory definitions and broader market dynamics.
Mortgage Rates (January 22nd, 2025):
- 30-Year Fixed-Rate: 6.20%
- 15-Year Fixed-Rate: 5.76%
- 30-Year Jumbo: 6.38%
- 10 Year Treasury Yield: 4.29%
In the competitive real estate market, staying informed is crucial for both buyers and sellers. By understanding mortgage trends, housing market shifts, and the broader economic environment, individuals can make well-informed decisions. This knowledge can lead to more effective pricing strategies, better investment timing, and smoother transactions. For buyers, tracking mortgage rates can help them secure more favorable terms, while sellers who know their local market trends can set more competitive listing prices. Overall, staying updated on these topics not only helps real estate professionals serve their clients better, but also empowers everyday buyers and sellers to achieve their property goals.
Thanks for reading,
Chris
