Blog


  • Challenger reports a sharp decline in layoffs in December. Job cuts hit a 17-month low, potentially signaling labor market stabilization.
  • After falling in November, private payrolls rose 41K in December, slightly below expectations, according to private payroll company ADP.
  • Minimum wages went up in 19 states in January. Most rose to $15/hour or more, providing a pay bump for an estimated 8.3 million workers.

Housing News

  • The median existing home price rose to $409,200 in November, according to NAR. Home prices are up more than 50% nationally since 2019.
  • President Trump sparked headlines with talk of banning institutional home investors. Institutions own 2-3% of the single-family rental market.
  • Realtor.com reports 67% of builders offered sales incentives during December, the highest share in more than 5 years.

 

Market Minute Report - Mortgage News