Mortgage rates started the year slightly above 7% but are heading into the holiday season near the 6.2% level. Looking ahead to 2026, lenders and industry experts expect some relief, though not a dramatic shift. On Monday, Mortgage News Daily reported that 30-year conventional fixed rates averaged 6.24%, down 2 basis points (bps) over the past week and 83 bps lower than at the end of 2024. Meanwhile,...

Economic growth is expected to slow in 2026 and remain below trend for several years as higher interest rates and lingering inflation pressures weigh on the U.S. economy, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s December Economic and Mortgage Finance forecasts. MBA economists Mike Fratantoni, Joel Kan and Judie Ricks wrote that the forecasts show 2025 GDP growth of 1.6% and a 35% chance of a...

H18 has partnered with The Curated Collection Group to introduce Fort Lauderdale’s first fully wellness-driven pre-construction home collection. The limited series includes six individually designed, freestanding residences located in one of Fort Lauderdale’s most desirable and walkable neighborhoods, Victoria Park, a walkable residential area just minutes from Las Olas, downtown, and the...

The new year brings good news for the housing...

This Trending Now story features the most-saved powder room photos uploaded to Houzz since Jan. 1, 2025.The year’s most popular powder room photos show how small spaces can make a big impact. Packed with personality, each powder room is a jewel box of design...

Long to-do lists, multiple projects, endless admin — all these things and more can present a challenge when it comes to staying organized and efficient at work. To help you manage projects efficiently and create time to grow your business, we asked professionals on Houzz to share their best...

Image CEO Moishe Gubin discussed the company’s strong 2025 performance, acquisition strategy, and priorities looking...

Digital currencies like Bitcoin, long associated with volatile trading and speculative finance, are increasingly being examined for a more utilitarian role in one of the world's oldest and least digitized asset classes: real estate. From cross-border property purchases to fund settlements and rental payments, proponents argue that blockchain-based currencies could eventually streamline transactions that...

For both HomeServices of America and Chris Kelly, 2025 was a year of change.  The changes began in April, when Kelly, an 18-year veteran of the firm, was appointed CEO, after Gino Blefari, who had led the company since 2019, stepped down and transitioned into the position of chairman emeritus.  In the months after Kelly’s appointment, HomeServices of America announced several leadership...

Before you’re allowed to help people finance their dream homes, you must get the proper education to obtain your MLO license. Online mortgage schools have made it easier to complete your education requirements, you just have to decide the best option for you. It’s important to consider your own learning preferences. Do you prefer online, self-paced courses or in-person learning? Will you need extra...