Mortgage rates face pressure from war and inflation

Rates could move higher in August as the war in Iran, persistent inflation and uncertainty over the Federal Reserve’s next steps keep pressure on Treasury yields.

Wealthy buyers snap up neighboring properties to build private compounds

Luxury buyers are combining homes and vacant lots for more privacy, security and space, driving up demand – and premiums – for adjoining properties.

US Housing Shortage Is Getting Better

According to Zillow, the US housing shortage grew by only 43,000 homes in 2024 to a total of 4.7 million homes. It was the smallest increase in years. Housing affordability also stopped worsening in 2024, as about 33% of for-sale listings on Zillow were affordable for a median-income household, the

Southern states see a more buyer-friendly market

New construction is giving homebuyers more choices and negotiating power across the South, including Florida, according to HomeServices of America’s 2026 Mid-Year National Housing Outlook. The shift increases competition for sellers and makes accurate pricing and local market guidance more important