The Fed left rates unchanged, citing solid growth and a steady job market. Officials want clearer progress on inflation before resuming cuts, likely later this year. WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve pushed the pause button on its interest rate cuts Wednesday, leaving its key rate unchanged at about 3.6% after lowering it three times last year. The central bank said in a statement that there are...

Paying the mortgage and repairs on a home in your partner’s name may still give you legal rights, even if your name isn’t on the deed. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Question: I purchased a house with my girlfriend, but because she had better credit, we put it in just her name. Besides splitting the down payment, I’ve been helping pay all the bills, including the mortgage, and I even paid to have the...

The president issued an executive order to limit large investors’ home purchases and outlined plans to lower mortgage and credit card rates to expand homeownership. WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump's plans for bringing homeownership within reach of more Americans involve pushing for lower interest rates on home loans and credit cards, and banning large institutional investors from buying...

Pending home sales fell 9.3% in December as limited inventory and seasonal factors slowed contracts. Buyer and seller traffic expectations improved for early 2026. WASHINGTON — Pending home sales in December decreased by 9.3% from the prior month and 3.0% year over year, according to the National Association of Realtors® Pending Home Sales Report. The report provides the real estate ecosystem –...

Builder confidence weakened as affordability pressures persisted, yet lower rates, price cuts and incentives are giving buyers more leverage. WASHINGTON – Builder confidence moved lower to start the year as affordability concerns continue to weigh heavily with buyers, and builders continue to contend with rising construction costs. Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family...

Rates on 30-year mortgages fell to 6.06% this week from 6.16% last week. A year ago, the rate averaged 7.04%. Rates on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages dropping to 5.38%. MCLEAN, Va. — The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate is now down to its lowest level in more than three years. The benchmark 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate eased to 6.06% this week, down from 6.16% last week, mortgage buyer...

During divorce, homeowners face decisions about selling or keeping a home, qualifying for a mortgage on one income and handling housing costs linked to children. NEW YORK -- January is such a common time to file for divorce that it's been long known as "divorce month" among family lawyers. It marks both the end of the holidays and the start of a new tax year, which can make it simpler to financially...

Young buyers are pooling resources as lenders adapt, offering programs for unrelated co-borrowers and credit models that better reflect real-world payment behavior. NEW YORK — Gen Z is turning to co-buying as a practical path to homeownership amid today’s affordability challenges. Surveys show that more than half of aspiring home buyers say their income is not high enough to cover upfront buying...