December jobs data continues to support lower mortgage rates
December jobs growth slowed to 50,000, keeping mortgage rates near 6% with steady and Trump’s MBS move supporting better spreads.
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WSJ: DOJ leadership halted antitrust review of Compass–Anywhere deal
Compass closed its acquisition of Anywhere Friday, with the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg reporting that DOJ leaders blocked a deeper antitrust review.
Real estate leaders weigh in on potential ban on large investors
The proposal has sparked debate over the role of Wall Street-backed landlords — and whether restricting them would meaningfully lower prices.
Elon Musk says retirement savings could become ‘irrelevant’
Musk’s perspective stands in contrast to ongoing economic realities for many Americans, especially older adults preparing for retirement.
Sharp decline in mortgage rates revives hopes of a refi surge, LOs say
A modest mortgage rate drop may boost refinancing by 15% to 25%, but lenders caution that activity depends on rates staying low.
Housing starts fall to lowest point since 2020, led by a stall in the Sun Belt
Housing starts fell 7.8% year-over-year in October, led by steep declines in the Sunbelt and Mountain West regions.
Compass-Anywhere merger closing imminent, brokers share plans to compete
The Compass-Anywhere merger could close Friday, giving the new firm over 50% market share in major metros and reshaping competition.
Trump directs GSEs to buy $200B in MBS to push mortgage rates lower
President Donald Trump said Thursday that he is directing representatives at the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) to purchase $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities (MBS), a move he said is intended to bring mortgage rates down.
Unexpected retirement expenses can strain senior homeowners
Researchers found that unexpected costs are the norm, not the exception. In any given year, 83% of retired households experience at least one unexpected expense.
Toll Brothers announces Karl Mistry as new CEO, Doug Yearley to become Executive Chairman
Karl Mistry becomes CEO as Toll Brothers leans on high-income buyers and plans its complete exit from the multifamily business.