- The IRS will allow workers to contribute more to 401(k), 403(b), 457 plans and IRAs in 2026, including higher catch-up amounts for people 50 and over.
- Low-interest loans are now available for damaged homes, businesses and nonprofits in six Florida counties hit by the Oct. 26 storms.
- Experts say today’s “revenge saving” mirrors the extreme budgeting sometimes seen when buyers save for a down payment, as Americans shift from post-pandemic splurging.
- Community associations can prohibit feeding ducks if it leads to pests, messes, or other issues. Their rules often allow limits on wildlife feeding to protect shared spaces.
- Marketplace listings can work for rentals, entry-level homes or luxury properties, with quick responses to messages key to turning comments into customers.
- Rates on 30-year mortgages ticked up to 6.24% from 6.22% last week, while 15-year rates averaged 5.49%, down from 5.5% last week, Freddie Mac said.
- Federal housing programs are starting again after the shutdown ended, restoring FHA, VA, USDA and NFIP activity. Closings may still see delays due to backlogs.
- Inflation, missing economic data and signs that companies plan to raise prices are raising doubts about whether the Fed will move forward with another rate cut.
- A six-step open house strategy stresses staging, clear signage, warm engagement and prompt follow-up to create meaningful connections and win new customers.
- Owners are embracing bold, highly personal design in late 2025, from vivid colors to textured finishes, even as neutrals are expected to return in 2026.
- Fannie Mae is dropping its 620 minimum credit score rule, giving lenders more flexibility to assess borrower risk without changing core loan standards.
- Fewer homeowners are completing a For Sale By Owner transaction and are heavily turning to real estate agents for guidance, NAR found.
- Agents who tailor holiday marketing for AI-driven searches, mobile users and shareable local content can stand out and turn seasonal interest into new clients.
- Adjustable-rate mortgages made up about 10% of all mortgage applications in September, the highest share in nearly two years and well above the post-2008 average of 6%.
