A decade of rapid expansion into American neighborhoods Data centers power the cloud computing and artificial intelligence systems that have become central to everyday life, and they have emerged as significant economic engines for the regions that host them. Federal Reserve Banks in Philadelphia, Cleveland, Chicago, Atlanta, and Dallas have all cited data center development as a driver of regional economic activity in recent reports.But rapid ex
Report finds transactions fell for most of the nation’s top areas for new housesThe country's top markets for sales of new homes remained largely unchanged in 2025, with most of the 50 metropolitan areas posting fewer sales than in 2024, reflecting national trends of sluggish sales for new construction.Real estate analysis firm Zonda released its 2026 Local Leaders list last week through Builder Magazine. The report tracks 50 housing markets ac
Overall employment fell by 23,000 in July due to a sizable reduction in educational services by local governments. The private sector squeaked out more jobs. Federal government jobs, after a big reduction in the past year, are stabilizing. Year-to-date is showing a positive 426,000 more jobs.The 3.1% wage growth would be the slowest gain in 5 years. Consumer price inflation is running faster, so wage gains are wiped out at gas stations and grocer
The National Association of REALTORS® released its research on home prices and affordability for the second quarter of 2026.Home prices rose in 80% of metro markets in the second quarter of 2026, up from 71% last quarter, according to the National Association of REALTORS®’ latest report. The data points to stronger homeowner equity and continuing affordability challenges for buyers. The median price for a single-family existing home in Am
Jay Washington grew up in the house his mother bought in 1984 in Augusta, Ga., with no college degree and only her single income at a local manufacturing plant. He said her real estate agent had a prediction when she got the keys."'In about, like, five years, you're probably going to give me a call and thank me for being able to get this house,'" Washington said.Indeed, she did just that. Today, she's still in the home, whose value has steadily g
Builders are facing rising costs long before the first nail is hammered, but they’re still finding ways to compete for affordability-minded buyers.Buying a brand-new home may seem like it starts with a floorplan and foundation. But long before the first wall goes up, the price tag is already climbing.Builders are covering costs for:purchasing the site for constructionsecuring permits and zoning approvalsconnecting water, sewer, electricity and
“The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.55% this week,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “Purchase application demand has weakened recently, but housing affordability is more favorable and housing inventory continues to rise, thus the backdrop for prospective homebuyers is modestly improving.”The 30-year FRM averaged 6.55% as of July 16, 2026, up from last week when it averaged 6.49%. A year ago at this time
Condos are becoming cheaper as inventory swells — but experts warn that the list price doesn’t paint the full picture.More than half of community associations (54%) plan to increase regular assessments — the recurring fees that condo owners pay to help cover expenses like building maintenance, insurance and landscaping — because of rising insurance costs and to build up cash reserves to meet new lending standards, according to a May 2026&
Affordability challenges continue to rattle buyers, but the latest data suggests conditions may soon start to improve.Housing affordability is showing signs of improvement lately, but costs still may be the biggest reason many buyers remain hesitant to get into the market. Existing-home sales—which includes single-family homes, townhomes, condos and co-ops—fell 2.4% in June from the previous month, backing off a five-month high reached in Ma
