Real Estate Chic

05/07/2026

The spring housing market has more homes for sale and lower mortgage rates than either of the past two springs, but that has not been enough to shake buyers loose. Economists and agents say fear and uncertainty, driven by geopolitical tensions, job loss concerns, and broader economic instability, are driving decisions more than the actual cost of a mortgage.

03/28/2026

Spring buyers have more homes to choose from and prices are falling, but rising mortgage rates are adding a new headwind. Inventory is up 7.8% year to date and the median list price has fallen for 22 straight weeks, down 1.9% from a year ago. But rates jumped to 6.38% this week, the highest in six months, as the Iran war rattles financial markets.

03/24/2026

Japan has 8.5 million abandoned homes, most inherited from aging relatives whose heirs moved to cities and walked away. The U.S. could be next. With 60% of American homes built before 1980 and a massive wealth transfer underway, experts warn that without structural reforms, the American inheritance could become a liability instead of a windfall.

03/18/2026

03/18/2026

03/16/2026

The number of single female homeowners in the U.S. hit a record 20 million last year, even as their overall homeownership rate dipped slightly from 52% to 51%, according to First American Financial Corp. The dip isn't a sign of weakening demand, says deputy chief economist Odeta Kushi. "The rate softened not because fewer women owned homes, but because more women formed independent households."

03/02/2026

Which home upgrades really pay off at resale? From high-return exterior improvements to smart interior renovations, learn what buyers notice and what projects homeowners should avoid. https://bit.ly/4aQAreh