All about the MLS: The fascinating history of real estate listings

Sep 18, 2024
The MLS is in the news a lot. But what is it?
Most multiple listing services are owned by local realtor associations and operate under rules set by the National Association of Realtors.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Homebuilder confidence up ahead of expected rate cuts

Sep 17, 2024
Easing monetary policy would make construction and mortgage loans cheaper, potentially lifting a depressed housing market.
Lower rates would make homes cheaper to build and bring down mortgage costs a bit.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

Firms market homes in West Bank settlements to Jews in U.S., stoking controversy

Sep 12, 2024
Pro-Palestinian activists have protested gatherings at synagogues that pitch properties in Israel and Israeli-occupied land.
Pro-Palestinian activists gathered in Brooklyn, New York, in March to denounce Israel's war in Gaza and demand an end to the sale of occupied Palestinian land in the West Bank.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

The history behind the "shotgun" houses of New Orleans

Aug 22, 2024
Despite their association with New Orleans, researchers say the shotgun style originated farther afield.
A traditional clapboard Creole cottage in the Faubourg Marigny historic district of New Orleans.
Tim Graham/Getty Images

More trouble for real estate loans, but not the kind you think

Aug 8, 2024
High interest rates, lower than expected rents, and an oversupply of new apartments are squeezing landlords, especially those located in Sunbelt states.
Apartments are stealing office buildings' thunder when it comes to economic distress.
Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images

More homeowners are "equity rich," but what can they do with that wealth?

Aug 1, 2024
High interest rates often make home equity loans or cash-out refinance options unappealing.
"You can sell some of your mutual funds," says Jenny Schuetz of Brookings Metro. "You can't sell off a part of your house."
David McNew/Getty Images

In a tight housing market, Texas is seeing some relief for buyers

Jul 30, 2024
"I have not seen us write more than two offers before getting an acceptance, whereas before it was writing offer after offer after offer," said Houston real estate broker LaTisha Grant.
House prices are continuing to rise nationally, but Texas is an exception.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

In Boston, office to residential conversions gain traction, aided by subsidies

Jul 26, 2024
Amid widespread office vacancies, developers say creating apartments could provide housing and help stave off declining values.
The views from 95 Berkeley St. could add to the office building's appeal for apartment dwellers.
Courtesy City of Boston

Real estate industry braces for commissions overhaul

Jul 25, 2024
But how much will really change on August 17?
The upcoming change will remove real estate agents' incentive to steer buyers toward a listing with a higher commission.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Home sales figures released against a backdrop of rising inventory

Jul 24, 2024
Some sellers who have delayed putting their homes on the market are now doing so, but inventory is still lower than normal.
Even though housing inventory is higher than it was last year, it's still relatively low in most of the market.
Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images