High home prices and mortgage rates have made it much harder for Americans—especially first-time buyers—to purchase homes. Many current homeowners, especially those with low or no mortgage payments, are staying put rather than selling, further limiting supply and keeping prices high. Now that more Americans own their homes outright and are building wealth, fewer are
Owning a slice of real estate is becoming increasingly far-fetched for many Americans today. Yet emerging support for homebuying and mortgage benefits may make that dream a reality for employees. For Gen Z workers in particular, financial stability is top of mind, and homeownership remains a key milestone. Yet rising housing costs, high interest rates
The median down payment has hovered around 15% since the COVID-19 pandemic, up from 10% in preceding years. Down payments last declined in the summer of 2023, driven by falling home sale prices. While home prices are increasing today — rising 1.4% year over year in April — home-price growth has slowed and is contributing
As we close out the first week of June 2025, the U.S. housing market continues to send mixed signals. Mortgage rates moved modestly but ended the week slightly lower, while buyer demand remained tepid. Inventory is rising nationwide, reshaping negotiations and hinting at a potentially cooler summer. Mortgage rate snapshot: Where we stand now Mortgage
Listen to this article At a glance: Existing home sales fell 0.5 percent in April, lowest since 2009 Median U.S. home price rose to $414,000, a record for April Mortgage rates hovered around 6.86 percent, discouraging buyers Unsold inventory up 20.8 percent year-over-year, aiding first-time buyers Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes fell in April,