In today’s society, the concept of ownership is being challenged like never before. Americans are increasingly opting to rent items ranging from cars and apartments to clothing and furniture. According to a report by Intuit Credit Karma, more adults are choosing to rent goods and services, with 28% routinely renting items. However, when housing is
Real Estate
Despite the increase in mortgage interest rates, home prices have reached an all-time high according to the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index. The index revealed that on a three-month running average ending in June, national prices were up by 5.4% compared to June 2023. This marks a record high for the index,
Sicily, Italy is famous for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and charming hilltop towns. Despite being a popular tourist destination with over 6 million visitors annually, real estate in Sicily is surprisingly affordable. For the price of a 500-square-foot apartment in NYC, you can own a property over 7,000 square feet in Sicily. The commune
In today’s real estate market, the dream of owning a home is becoming less attainable for many individuals. The combination of higher mortgage rates and a limited supply of homes has resulted in soaring prices that put a strain on prospective buyers. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median sales price for homes
Recent data shows that mortgage rates have been decreasing steadily for the past four weeks. However, the response from both current homeowners and potential homebuyers has been less than enthusiastic. Mortgage application volume only rose by 0.5% last week compared to the previous week, as reported by the Mortgage Bankers Association. This slight increase suggests
The looming possibility of a lapse in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) authorization by September 30 poses potential challenges for homebuyers, sellers, and homeowners across the United States. The NFIP, a government-sponsored flood insurance program, is crucial for protecting properties from flood damage, especially in high-risk areas. This article will delve into the repercussions
Affordable housing plays a vital role in the vision of an “opportunity economy” outlined by Vice President Kamala Harris. In a recent economic policy pitch, Harris highlighted the need to lower the costs associated with both owning and renting a home in the United States. Emphasizing the importance of increasing affordability, Harris stated that efforts
Over the past decade, top homebuilders like D.R. Horton and Lennar have reported shareholder returns that have outpaced the S&P 500. However, recent downgrades in investment outlook have caused mixed reactions among analysts and investors alike. Despite the challenges, some investors remain optimistic about the industry’s potential for growth and performance. Influential Factors on the
The National Association of Realtors reported a 1.3% rise in closed sales of previously owned homes in July compared with June, marking the first increase in five months. However, sales were still down by 2.5% compared to the same time last year. The Northeast experienced the largest gains in sales, while the Midwest remained relatively
The recent decrease in mortgage rates has led to a surge in refinancing activity in the housing market. However, despite rates falling for the third consecutive week, applications to refinance a home loan dropped by 15% from the previous week. This decline may be attributed to the fact that applications were 90% higher compared to