Market Datavs. 1 year ago
30-year mortgage6.43%▼ -0.24 pts15-year mortgage5.79%▼ -0.01 pts10-year Treasury4.55%▲ +0.15 ptsMortgage spread1.88 pts▼ -0.39 ptsMedian list price$430k▼ -2.5%List $/sqft$228▼ -2.1%Days on market53 +0 daysActive listings1.1M▲ +1.9%New listings463k▲ +2.4%Pending sales506k▲ +4.9%Housing starts1.18M▼ -8.7%Building permits1.41M▼ -0.4%New-home sales580k▼ -6.8%Existing-home sales4.17M▲ +3.2%Months of supply10.3▲ +0.6 moMortgage delinquency1.89%▲ +0.12 pts
as of Jul 2026
RealtyWire ☰

Homeownership

Escrow Shortage Explained: Why Monthly Mortgage Payments Can Jump

Escrow shortage concept with house model, tax and insurance envelopes, and calculator.

An escrow shortage can surprise homeowners because it can make the monthly mortgage payment jump even when the interest rate has not changed. The reason is simple: many mortgage payments include more than principal and interest. They also include money collected for property taxes and homeowners insurance. If those bills rise, the escrow portion of … Read more

Property Taxes in 2026: Where Homeowners Are Feeling the Biggest Squeeze

Property tax pressure concept with house model, tax envelopes, calculator, and escrow folder.

Property taxes are becoming a larger part of the housing affordability problem in 2026. Homeowners often focus on the mortgage rate and home price, but the full cost of owning a home also includes property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA dues, maintenance and utilities. When property tax bills rise, homeowners can feel the increase even if … Read more