The buying frenzy of a year ago is long gone. Home buyers have pulled away, sellers are holding back, and the whole housing market is locked in a deep freeze.
The highest rates in 20 years are dashing the dreams of some would-be homebuyers. Others stretch to buy but spend close to $1,000 a month more in monthly payments for a typical house.
Remote appraisals shot up during the pandemic, replacing in-person inspections by appraisers. Even as restrictions ease up, they could be the standard for how homes are valued.
Higher mortgage rates and home prices have pushed the monthly payment to buy the median-priced home in the U.S. up more than 50% since the start of last year. Many first-time buyers can't afford it.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development disproportionately sells homes in flood-prone areas, NPR finds. Housing experts warn that this can lead to big losses for vulnerable families.
Sales of existing homes fell 6.6% in February from the month before. Meanwhile, prices are up 16% over the past year, giving homeowners about $2 trillion more in equity and widening the wealth gap.
