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At the national level, the middle class is typically defined as households that earn between two-thirds and double the household median income. Based on 2023 figures, that means those with an annual income between $53,740 and $161,220. Compared to its peak, inflation in the U.S. has eased substantially. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,

Many factors make it hard to buy a home today, but the one that makes “the biggest difference” in today’s market is the housing shortage, Property Brother Drew Scott said at CNBC’s Your Money event on Thursday. “I don’t think people realize this shortage of housing that we have affects everything,” added his brother Jonathan

A completed planned development is seen in Ashburn, Virginia, on Aug. 14, 2024. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds | AFP | Getty Images Mortgage demand moved lower again last week, even though mortgage interest rates didn’t move. Total mortgage application volume dropped 6.7% from the previous week, hitting its lowest level since July, according to the Mortgage Bankers

Sales of previously owned homes fell 1% in September compared with August, to a seasonally adjusted, annualized rate of 3.84 million units, the slowest pace since October 2010, according to the National Association of Realtors. Sales were 3.5% lower than in September 2023. Sales fell in three out of four U.S. regions, with just the

Bond traders are at it again, pushing Treasury yields higher and signaling the Federal Reserve was too heavy-handed when it cut interest rates by a half-percentage point last month. The recently rising yields have put pressure on the stock market — and specifically, names in our portfolio tied to housing. The 10-year Treasury yield —

Twenty/20 Saving for a home down payment can feel challenging, given current real estate prices. Using the right assets can help give your balance a lift. When you actually need the money is the “biggest driving factor,” said Ryan Dennehy, principal and financial advisor at California Financial Advisors in San Ramon, California. The firm ranked No.

Matt Champlin | Moment | Getty Images When a real estate agent works with a prospective homebuyer, they’re required to point out physical or material defects in the property. A death on the property? It depends on the state where the house is located. In most states, death doesn’t count as a material defect requiring

A commercial building available for rent in Melville, New York, April 17, 2023. Howard Schnapp | Newsday | Getty Images The tide could be turning for commercial real estate. The Federal Reserve began its interest rate cutting cycle in September, lowering the Fed funds rate for the first time since 2020 by 50 basis points,

As mortgage rates stagnate around 6%, prospective homebuyers are feeling nostalgic for the 3% interest rates of 2020 and 2021. Google search results for the term “assumable mortgage” spiked in May, following a steady upward trend starting in 2022. Mortgage assumptions allow buyers to take over an existing mortgage at its current rate, possibly securing

A pedestrian crosses a road in front of residential buildings in Beijing, China. Qilai Shen | Bloomberg | Getty Images China vowed more financial support for real estate projects that fall under its so-called whitelist and to speed up banks lending of 4 trillion yuan ($561.8 billion) for such projects, according to the nation’s housing

Morsa Images | Getty Buying a home is often the biggest financial decision you’ll ever make. It’s not just about choosing a place to live; it’s about making a long-term investment that will impact your financial future for years to come. Therefore, if you are looking to buy a home, there are certain steps you should

A sign is posted in front of a home for sale on August 07, 2024 in San Rafael, California. Justin Sullivan | Getty Images Mortgage interest rates rose last week for the third straight week, hitting the highest level since August. That caused demand from both current homeowners and potential homebuyers to take a big

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu delivers his annual policy address at the Legislative Council on Oct. 16, 2024 in Hong Kong. China News Service | China News Service | Getty Images Hong Kong chief executive John Lee announced moves aimed at addressing the city’s housing affordability crisis, calling it “an issue of great

Anton Wormann, 32, moved to Japan in October 2018. Courtesy of Anton Wormann Anton Wormann, 32, has always had a passion for DIY projects and creating beautiful spaces. So, after he discovered that his neighbor’s property had been abandoned, he decided to purchase it and bring it back to life. Upon inspection, Wormann discovered that