Inflation surprised to the downside, the BLS jobs report came in well below forecasts, and home price appreciation remained resilient.

The price of a home is just one piece of the negotiation. From closing costs and repairs to rate buydowns and timing, discover what other parts of an offer may be on the table.

The MBS Highway National Housing Index continued its downward trend in September, falling from 27 in August to 22. The index has now declined for four consecutive months after reaching a seasonal high of 47 in May. Both buyer activity and home price direction weakened from the previous month.

Four categories drove nearly all of July’s core PCE inflation increase, with portfolio management alone accounting for about half of the monthly rise.

With the US/Iran peace process underway, oil prices have fallen back to pre-war levels, but mortgage rates remain high (due to concerns about the Fed’s hawkish tilt). But inflation may have already peaked, and mortgage rates should follow inflation lower.

We’re excited to introduce an expanded Home Report designed to help future homeowners feel more confident about buying their first home – from getting financially prepared to navigating the path to homeownership.