Tag: Interest Rates

  • Home prices in the Twin Cities soften, supply remains scarce

    Home prices in the Twin Cities soften, supply remains scarce

    According to new data from Minneapolis Area Realtors and St. Paul Area Association of Realtors, since last summer, housing prices have dropped 3.1% to a median sales price of $396,100. This is the largest annual decrease since December 2011. In the Twin Cities area, prices decreased significantly during April and May. However, in June, they… Read More

  • Federal Reserve raises rates, suggests a pause in hikes 

    Federal Reserve raises rates, suggests a pause in hikes 

    Throughout much of the spring, the housing market slowed to a pace not seen since before the pandemic began. Buyers have continued to pause their home searches due to overall economic uncertainties and continued increases in interest rates.  The Federal Reserve began raising rates last year in an attempt to put pressure on the overheated… Read More

  • Home Price Growth Stagnates as Rates Dampen Market Activity

    Home Price Growth Stagnates as Rates Dampen Market Activity

    Higher mortgage rates and overall affordability woes are leading to drop off in activity in the Twin Cities housing market on both the buyer and seller ends of the spectrum. Consequently, the median home price in the metro area saw a minute 0.6 percent growth to $342,000 in February. Moreover, the overall housing market is… Read More

  • Despite Headwinds, Builder Confidence Grows in February
    ,

    Despite Headwinds, Builder Confidence Grows in February

    Homebuilder sentiment rose for the second consecutive month, according to the latest report from the National Association of Homebuilders. Builder confidence in the market increased seven points in February to 42 – the second strongest reading since September 2022. This latest report, driven by softening mortgage rates and increasing demand for inventory, comes despite rising… Read More

  • Higher mortgage rates sidelined buyers in 2022

    Higher mortgage rates sidelined buyers in 2022

    According to new data from Minneapolis Area REALTORS® and the St. Paul Area Association of REALTORS®, the Twin Cities housing market last year was a tale of two markets. The first half of 2022 reflected much of the all-out frenzied feeling of the previous year and a half. Fierce and competitive buyer activity with multiple… Read More

  • Fed raises rates by 75 basis points

    In its continued effort to fight inflation, the Federal Reserve raised the federal funds target rate another 75 basis points mid-September. This is the third consecutive increase of 75 basis points. The large hikes are sending shockwaves through the financial markets and the overall economy. Federal Reserve officials have now hinted at plans to continue… Read More

  • Housing inventory remains low even as housing market shifts

    Housing inventory remains low even as housing market shifts

    Across the country rising mortgage rates and inflation have had a stifling impact on the housing market. It is no surprise when considering that from the start of the year, mortgage rates have more than doubled, increasing from 3% in January to rates now over 6% this fall. Permits for new single-family homes have fallen… Read More

  • Millennials want to own homes, but affordability stands in the way

    Rising interest rates, coupled with an already tight and competitive market, are impacting purchasing power of would-be homebuyers. Consequently, the housing market is starting to see a shift in who is buying homes — especially in the millennial age group. Millennials are now the largest generation of potential homebuyers, but this age group is becoming… Read More

  • Not all housing markets are the same

    Not all housing markets are the same

    As mortgage rates hurdled over 6% in September, the highest level on record since the Great Recession, buyers are starting to become more hesitant during their home search. Many buyers are even being completely priced out of the market. Concerns over rising interest rates, delays in project timelines, rising construction costs, labor shortages and other… Read More

  • Builder confidence stumbles as market conditions shift

    Builder confidence stumbles as market conditions shift

    Market headwinds are taking their toll on builder sentiment. Increasing mortgage rates, labor shortages and continued material challenges are proving to be roadblocks to home construction this summer, and homebuilders are feeling the effects. The National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) monthly confidence index reported a nearly record-level drop in sentiment in July. The index… Read More