Analysis and Data

An empirical investigation finds that borrowers using Zillow Home Loans pay statistically higher mortgage costs compared with similar borrowers at other lenders, resulting in significant lifetime cost “overcharges” on 30-year loans

A Homes.com year-end review shows listings rose faster than expected in 2025, price appreciation moderated, and sales edged higher, setting the stage for a more balanced market in 2026

Realtor.com data show U.S. homebuyers now need about seven years to save for a typical downpayment — an improvement from 2022, but still roughly double pre-pandemic norms, with sharp regional disparities persisting

Mortgage rates are driving cautious buyer reentry, lifting existing-home sales modestly in November, while limited inventory and affordability pressures continue to constrain origination volume

A new Redfin analysis examines the U.S. cities that are the most competitive housing markets in 2025, where homes are selling rapidly and often above asking price amid constrained supply

The GSE projects a gradual housing market rebound through 2026, with rising home sales, moderating price growth, and mortgage activity improving as interest rates slowly ease

Single-family rent growth has slowed, signaling easing rental pressure in many markets and potential shifts in borrower demand, underwriting assumptions, and purchase opportunities for mortgage originators

Freddie Mac’s November volume data show steady but restrained portfolio growth and continued credit resilience as higher rates and slower origination activity weigh on the mortgage market

In November, home sellers outnumbered buyers by an unprecedented margin — about 37.2% — creating a pronounced buyer’s market with more negotiating power for purchasers and the largest imbalance recorded since at least 2013

With the Fed divided on future rate cuts, MBA projects modest growth, easing home price pressures, and improving origination volumes amid a cooling job market