Updated forecasts from Fannie Mae and the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) show modest improvements ahead for housing, with Fannie projecting 4.85 million home sales in 2025 and MBA forecasting 4.3% average mortgage rates through 2027.
At the June 17–18 FOMC meeting, the Federal Reserve held rates steady and maintained its forecast for two rate cuts in 2025, while Fed Chair Jerome Powell warned that rising tariffs could drive inflation higher in the months ahead.
At the May 2025 FOMC meeting, the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at 4.25%–4.5%, with Chair Jerome Powell emphasizing a wait-and-see approach amid mixed signals—resilient consumer spending, low unemployment, and lingering inflation.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell used the word “uncertainty” several times during the FOMC press conference. Housing came up twice, with reporters more focused on tariffs and the economy. Here’s what that means for housing and real estate professionals.
HousingWire reports that President Trump’s executive order aims to cut housing costs by cutting regulations, expanding housing supply, and reshaping federal agencies like HUD and FHFA.
At the NABE annual meeting, Fed Chair Jerome Powell signaled smaller, measured rate cuts for the remainder of the year, while addressing the persistent challenge of housing inflation.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell spoke before the House Financial Services Committee on July 10, 2024. We’re focusing on Powell’s statements in discussions related to housing, as well as Maxine Waters’ opening remarks on the subject.
Following the June 11-12 FOMC meeting, Fed Chair Jerome Powell summed up the results at the press conference. He reiterated the Committee’s decision to maintain the current federal funds rate and signed only one rate cut by the end of 2024.
At the FOMC press conference on May 1, 2024, Jerome Powell announced the Fed would hold rates steady, citing stubborn inflation leading to a wait-and-see approach. This BAM article breaks down all of Powell’s remarks on housing inflation and market rents.
Fannie Mae’s ESR Group published its August 2023 commentary on recent economic data and its likely impact on the housing market. Data points to an eventual downturn, which they now expect in the first half of 2024, though a soft landing is possible.
Byron Lazine, Lisa Chinatti, and Tom Toole discuss the latest CPI data, the Fed’s (outdated) playbook, consumer confidence, the MLS PIN decision, technology for the real estate industry, and the Boston mayor’s incentive for converting office buildings for residential use.
Rent has surged by 208% since 1985, surpassing both inflation and income growth, according to new research from Real Estate Witch.
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