Ralph Wilson - Real Estate For Real

05/30/2026

New on the Market

05/30/2026

Pending home sales inched higher last month as housing affordability improved, but new challenges are emerging. Read more from NAR’s latest home sales report. Contract signings for home sales climbed slightly in February as buyers emerged amid lower mortgage rates and moderating home prices. But c...

05/29/2026

The housing market is sending some mixed signals this spring. Read more from NAR’s latest housing report. Existing-home sales were mostly stuck in place in April, despite what’s typically a busy spring real estate season. The number of For Sale signs in the existing-home market remains relativel...

05/27/2026

NAR’s chief economist says “cautious optimism” is emerging as the real estate market shakes off some economic headwinds. Pending home sales rose last month, building on March’s modest gains and helping to reverse what had been a sluggish start to the spring housing market. By even some econo...

05/26/2026

Florida’s housing market is entering a period where the next several months could help determine whether conditions stabilize or soften later in 2026, according to Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. Brad O’Connor. Florida’s housing market is entering a stretch where the next few months could...

05/20/2026

Many first-time homebuyers still plan to purchase homes despite affordability challenges, with buyers increasingly willing to compromise on location, size and financing strategies to enter the market. First-time buyers may be growing more flexible and financially prepared, even as affordability chal...

05/19/2026

05/18/2026

Updated scoring models will allow government-backed loan programs to consider additional data in underwriting, including rent and utility payment history. WASHINGTON — Federal housing officials on Wednesday announced a major overhaul of mortgage credit scoring that could expand access to home loan...

05/16/2026

A growing share of younger buyers is relying on family help, gifts and assistance programs to buy homes, highlighting how affordability pressures are reshaping the path to homeownership. More young buyers are relying on outside help to buy a home, underscoring how affordability pressures are reshapi...

05/15/2026

Rates edged lower this week after rising the previous two weeks, with the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate dipping to 6.36% and the 15-year fixed rate easing to 5.71%, according to Freddie Mac. The slight decline may help some buyers revisit affordability calculations heading into the summer mark...