October hiring came in much stronger than expected, with other labor market reports offering additional insight into the broader picture.

While your principal and interest stay the same with a fixed rate mortgage, other housing costs can change. Find out how property taxes can affect your monthly payment.

The MBS Highway National Housing Index slipped to 14 in November, down from 15 in October, marking its sixth straight monthly decline. Buyer activity continued to weaken, while the price direction index posted a modest one-point rebound after declining every month since May.

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.