Remodeling Demand Holds Up Even as Material Costs Jump 6.7%
The Remodeling Market Index held at 61 in Q2 as 74% of remodelers reported material price hikes averaging 6.7% — the rate-lock economy at work.
Housing Market
Housing market news and data for 2026: home prices, inventory, days on market, and buyer demand — plus what the latest trends mean for buyers and sellers.
Home Sales Rebound in June as Inventory Growth Nearly Stalls
Zillow: June sales jumped 9.2% from May while inventory grew just 0.9% annually — a two-year low. The buyer-friendly window is quietly narrowing.
Mid-Atlantic Home Sales Jump 7.3% to a Record Median Price
Bright MLS: June sales rose 7.3% as the Mid-Atlantic median hit a record $460,000 — with higher-income buyers doing the driving.
Real Estate Wire Fraud Checklist: How Buyers and Sellers Can Protect Closing Funds
Wire fraud can drain closing funds in minutes. A verification checklist for buyers, sellers and agents before any money moves.
Multifamily Vacancy Explained: Why Renters and Investors Watch This Number
Multifamily vacancy shows how much rental supply sits empty — and shapes rent growth, concessions and negotiating power.
Multifamily Supply Cliff Ahead? What Slower Completions Could Mean for Rents
Apartment completions are slowing after a record supply wave. What a multifamily construction pullback could mean for rents.
Lease Renewal Strategy in 2026: What Renters Should Know Before Signing
A lease renewal is a negotiation, not paperwork. How renters can use market data and concessions before signing in 2026.
Why Apartment Rents and Single-Family Rents Are Moving Differently
Apartment rents and single-family rents are diverging in 2026 as new multifamily supply cools one market but not the other.
Apartment Concessions in 2026: How Renters Can Negotiate Better Deals
Free rent, waived fees and other apartment concessions are common in 2026. How renters can negotiate a better deal.
Single-Family Rentals vs. Apartments: Which Rents Are Rising Faster?
Single-family rents are still rising faster than apartment rents in 2026. New rental supply explains most of the gap.
Build-to-Rent Housing in 2026: Why Developers Are Chasing Renters
Build-to-rent communities offer single-family space without a mortgage. Why developers are betting on long-term renters.
Short-Term Rental Rules in 2026: What Investors Should Check Before Buying
Short-term rental rules can make or break an Airbnb investment. What to check with cities, HOAs and condo boards before buying.
Rental Yield Explained: How Investors Measure Income Property Returns
Rental yield compares a property’s annual rent to its price. How investors calculate it — and the costs that skew it.
1031 Exchange Basics: What Real Estate Investors Should Know
A 1031 exchange lets investors defer taxes when swapping investment properties, but the IRS deadlines and rules are strict.
Cap Rates Explained: How Real Estate Investors Compare Deals
Cap rates measure a property’s income against its value. How investors use them to compare deals — and where they mislead.
Investor Home Purchases in 2026: Is the Pullback Ending?
Investor home purchases fell to their lowest level since 2020, Redfin data shows. Is the pullback ending or deepening?
Distressed Property Investing: Risks Buyers Should Understand First
Distressed properties promise discounts but carry title, repair and timeline risks buyers should understand first.
Short Sale vs. Foreclosure: Key Differences for Homeowners and Buyers
Short sales and foreclosures both involve mortgage distress, but the process, credit impact and buyer risks differ sharply.
Pre-Foreclosure Explained: What Homeowners and Buyers Should Know
Pre-foreclosure is the window before a foreclosure sale when homeowners still have options — and buyers face real risks.
Foreclosure Rates in 2026: Where Distress Is Building Fastest
Foreclosure filings rose 14% year over year in May, ATTOM reports. Where distress is building fastest — and why it’s not 2008.
Home Maintenance Costs: What New Owners Should Budget Each Year
Home maintenance can run 1% to 4% of a home’s value each year. What new owners should budget for repairs and replacements.
Condo Special Assessments Explained for Buyers and Sellers
A condo special assessment can add thousands to ownership costs. What buyers and sellers should check before closing.
HOA Fees Explained: What Buyers Should Review Before Closing
HOA fees fund shared amenities and maintenance, but rules, reserves and special assessments deserve review before closing.
Escrow Shortage Explained: Why Monthly Mortgage Payments Can Jump
An escrow shortage can raise your mortgage payment even with a fixed rate. Why tax and insurance increases flow through escrow.
Property Taxes in 2026: Where Homeowners Are Feeling the Biggest Squeeze
Property taxes are squeezing homeowners hardest in 2026 where assessments lag prices. Where bills are rising the most.
Climate Risk Disclosure in Real Estate: What Buyers Should Ask Before Closing
Climate risk now belongs in home-buying due diligence. The flood, wildfire, wind and insurance questions to ask before closing.
Flood-Zone Homebuying Checklist: What Buyers Should Ask Before Making an Offer
Buying in a flood zone changes insurance, financing and resale math. A due-diligence checklist before making an offer.
The Insurance-Adjusted Housing Affordability Problem Buyers Should Not Ignore
Homeowners insurance is the missing line in most affordability math. Why coverage costs now shape what buyers can afford.
Homeowners Insurance Nonrenewals: What Buyers and Owners Should Know
Homeowners insurance nonrenewals are rising as insurers reassess risk. What a nonrenewal notice means and what to do next.
Flood Insurance vs. Homeowners Insurance: The Difference Buyers Must Understand
Standard homeowners insurance usually excludes flood damage. What separate flood coverage does — and who actually needs it.