Keys to the housing market for the rest of 2026
The second half of 2026 hinges on whether demand stays positive with mortgage rates near 6.60% and tighter comps from July onward.
Housing Market
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Home flipping slowed in early 2026 but investors saw returns tick up
ATTOM reports 64,348 Q1 2026 flips, 8% of sales, as typical gross returns rose to 25.4% and gross profit increased to $66,000.
3 quick takes on Kevin Warsh’s first Fed meeting
Kevin Warsh called policy uneven for housing, ended dot plot guidance and launched a Fed task force as the 10-year yield sits near 4.50%.
What to look for in Kevin Warsh’s first Fed meeting
With oil at $75.80 and mortgage rates near 6.50%, housing is watching whether Warsh can keep the Fed patient on hikes.
Why housing demand is up and inventory is down in 2026
Pending sales rose to 75,856 vs 72,039 in 2025 as inventory turned negative year over year with mortgage rates near 6.58%.
Continued Iran conflict raises mortgage rate risk into late 2026
If the Iran conflict lasts five to six more months, the peak mortgage rate could run 0.375% to 0.435% above 6.75% despite better spreads.
Housing demand stays positive with mortgage rates near 2026 highs
Weekly pending sales increased to 75,935 versus 69,636, and purchase apps were up 7% year over year despite higher mortgage rates.
Boston’s international business boom equals more demand for housing
For real estate professionals, international business shows up in relocation traffic, rental demand and luxury purchases tied to expansion.
NALHFA: HUD cuts would worsen housing affordability challenges
Jonathan Paine, executive director of NALHFA, says proposed cuts will only exacerbate existing hurdles for many Americans.
Housing inventory just turned negative year over year
Housing inventory turned negative year over year as supply hit 795,921 vs 803,479 last year, with rates at 6.56%.