Newsletter Stories

• What metro report cards reveal about homebuilding and affordability
  While REALTOR explored the housing industry’s geographic variation at a state level earlier this year, a new analysis from the company explored the 100 largest metros in the United States. Ten metro areas received a grade in the “A” range, while each scored greater than 50 on both the affordability and homebuilding components: Des Moines-West […]
• BLM sells 940-acres for future master-planned community in Nevada
  The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced the sale of 940 acres of federally managed public land to the City of Las Vegas. The $94 million sale is expected to make way for up to 6,000 homes in a new master-planned community, Monument Hills. “This is exactly the kind of bold action Nevada needs to […]
• The new trends defining fall’s luxury interiors
  Restrained color palettes have defined luxury interiors for years. This fall, however, interior design is shifting towards warmer and darker tones. Pale white oak and bleached finishes are being replaced by walnut, espresso oak and other rich brown woods. It is no secret why; dark wood introduces depth into a space, especially against ivory upholstery, […]
• September builder confidence at 32
  In the September National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) /Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), builder confidence fell three points from August to 32. This is the lowest recorded report since September 2025. NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz noted that this is likely a continuation of headwinds facing the homebuilding industry: building materials costs rising, […]
• Bay Area estate is August’s highest home sale
  An estate in Hillsborough, Calif., sold for $70 million and was the highest U.S. home sale in August, followed by a $51.5 million waterfront villa in Miami Beach, Fla. California is home to six of August’s 10 priciest sales, with four in the Bay Area and two in Orange County. Three of the most expensive […]
• Fischer Homes taps new President
  Fischer Homes, a privately held homebuilder operating in 11 markets, announced Jason Finch as its president. This decision is part of a broader leadership restructure and divides the president and chief operating officer roles into two positions. The COO, Jay Smith, will continue in his position. Finch first joined the company in 2013 and most […]
• Mortgage rates average 6.76%
  The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.76%, according to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS). Freddie Mac released the most recent PMMS results on Sept. 10, 2026. The current FRM is up from the previous week’s average of 6.71%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.35%. The 15-year FRM averaged […]
• Drawing Inspiration from California’s History
  The Chadmar Group seamlessly integrates comfort with rustic charm In 1932, architect Cliff May blended Spanish colonial haciendas with casual indoor-outdoor living in San Diego, Calif., marking the birth of the state’s first ranch-style home. Tailored to California’s hot climate, the homes are known for their open layouts and low-pitched roofs, meant to be comfortable […]
• Fed raises rates for the first time in 3 years
  On Sept. 16, 2026, the Federal Reserve increased its benchmark interest rate target range by 25 basis points to 3.75%–4.00%. This bump is not a shock, as many economists predicted the Fed would increase rates to combat rising inflation. However, this is the first rate hike since July 26, 2023. The unanimous decision to raise rates […]
• Mortgage applications decline in August
  Mortgage application activity continued to decline in August, as shown in the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Market Composite Index, a measure of total mortgage application volume. The MBA declined 3.2% month-over-month in August on a seasonally adjusted basis, marking the sixth consecutive monthly decline. Compared to a year ago, total mortgage applications declined 9.1%. Applications […]