Glut of new supply drags down BTR and multifamily rental rates in the Sun Belt

Rents for both multifamily and single-family built-to-rent units moved sideways over the last year. Still, rents in most major Sun Belt markets are down annually due to a glut of new housing, according to the latest Yardi Matrix National Multifamily Report.  Meanwhile, rental growth is typically the

NRMLA speaks out on the future of federal reverse mortgage programs

After federal housing leaders issued a request for information in October about the future of two key reverse mortgage programs, the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA) weighed in last week with a detailed list of suggestions. The trade group issued an 11-page letter to the U.S. De

House committee is set to review Senate-approved housing bill

The ROAD to Housing Act wasn’t included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) released on Sunday, despite speculation that it might sneak in as an attachment to the more urgent priority $900 billion defense spending bill.  Still, the bipartisan housing legislation, which enjoys widespread

Sweeping new zoning targets Nashville housing affordability

Nashville, one of the fastest-growing Sun Belt cities over the past decade, has been working to address the housing affordability issues that accompanied its massive economic development. Confronted with a shortage of nearly 90,000 homes, the Nashville Metro Council made its most significant move si

ROAD to Housing Act dropped from NDAA, sparking trade group response

The ROAD to Housing Act was left out of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in the final House text released Sunday, leaving the mortgage industry to continue pushing for housing provisions into the first quarter of next year.  The bipartisan bill — which includes policies to address

MBA voices support for proposed cut to community banks’ leverage ratio

Late last month, federal banking regulators proposed lowering the Community Bank Leverage Ratio (CBLR) for qualifying community banks and bank holding companies from 9% to 8% while extending the timeframe for certain banks to remain in the program. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC)

Buyer owes $24K after breaching buyers broker agreement, arbitration finds

Since the implementation of mandatory buyer broker agreements via the business practice changes outlined in the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) commission lawsuit settlement agreement, many have wondered what happens if a buyer breaches a contract.  Jeff Lichtenstein, the broker-owner of Flo

After another lapse in coverage, trade groups urge Congress to pass long-term NFIP bill

Last week, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) and 14 other trade groups representing insurance companies, lenders and other financial institutions urged Congress to approve a long-term reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). In a letter to congressional leaders dated Dec.

December housing demand near 3-year high as spreads improve

As mortgage purchase applications approach a three-year high, it’s vital to recognize the significant role played by mortgage spreads. Without the improvement in mortgage spreads starting in 2024, we would not have gotten mortgage rates below 6.64%, which spurred the last 18 weeks of positive data.

Kansas City sellers reduce listing prices as inventory grows faster than buyer demand

Nearly half of Kansas City metro home sellers cut their asking prices in the week ending Nov. 29, 2025, as the market navigates a delicate balance between rising inventory and slowing buyer activity. The 45.2% price reduction rate coincides with active listings climbing to 4,723 homes while weekly a

Limited inventory and price cuts shape Cincinnati’s housing market

The Cincinnati-Middletown metro area absorbed 427 homes in the week ending Nov. 29, 2025, outpacing new inventory additions of 347 listings as 41.8% of active properties reduced asking prices. The Ohio metro maintained just 2.3 months of supply, tighter than the national average of 2.8 months, while

Nashville housing market balances as inventory and price cuts rise

Nashville’s housing market recorded 7,277 active listings during the week ending Nov. 29, with 39.1% of sellers reducing prices as the metro’s inventory climbed to a 3.4-month supply. The median list price held at $594,900 while price per square foot reached $260.8. The Music City market absorbed 66

Price reductions surge in Charlotte, but median list price remains firm

Price reductions swept through 53.3% of Charlotte metro’s active listings during the week ending Nov. 29, 2025, while the median list price held firm at $475,000. The market maintained a 2.6-month inventory supply with 4,958 active homes for sale. The Charlotte–Gastonia–Rock Hill metro absorbed 462

Atlanta housing supply grows, price reductions outpace U.S. average

Atlanta’s single-family housing market entered December with 20,998 active listings, creating distinct conditions that separate it from broader national patterns. The metro’s 3.4-month supply exceeds the U.S. average of 2.8 months, while 39.9% of sellers have reduced asking prices. The Atlanta–Sandy

Indiana’s shifting housing market, price cuts are driving faster sales

Indiana homes sold 17.6% faster year-over-year in the week ending Nov. 29, with absorbed listings jumping to 1,780 from 1,514. Nearly half of active listings (47.7%) featured price reductions across the state’s tracked metros, creating favorable conditions for buyers entering the traditionally slowe

APEX Residential enters Arizona luxury market

APEX Residential has officially launched in Arizona, entering the state’s luxury real estate sector with what its leaders describe as a commitment to integrity, strategic representation and elevated client service. The firm is led by founder and managing member Kirk Linehan and founding partners Jim

7 best real estate schools in Georgia (GA) for 2026

To obtain a real estate license in Georgia, you’ll need to complete a 75-hour prelicensing course before passing the state exam with at least a 72% score. You’ll want to enroll in a program that will help you gain the essential knowledge and skills you’ll need to ace the exam and succeed in your new

Most prospective homebuyers want to seal the deal in 2026

Homeownership remains a top goal for Americans despite a challenging housing market, according to a new consumer survey from REMAX — highlighting affordability concerns, lifestyle priorities and community preferences as keys in shaping the plans of prospective buyers. Although 88% of respondents sai

Inventory, affordability take center stage in House hearing

U.S. Rep. Mike Flood (R-Neb.) pressed federal housing officials Wednesday on what he described as costly and counterproductive red tape, using a House Financial Services Committee hearing to highlight regulations he feels are worsening the national housing shortage. The hearing focused heavily on in

Zillow expects calmer 2026 housing market, improved affordability

Zillow says the housing market is on track for a steadier 2026, with modest price growth, slightly higher sales and mortgage rates that remain above 6%. The forecast follows what analysts describe as a year of small but meaningful gains for homebuyers — including improved affordability and more buye