GREENWAY BLOG

31 January 2025

MarketMinute | New home sales are a bright spot amidst rate challenges.

The Fed left its policy rate unchanged in January and sent a clear signal it will keep rates unchanged until fresh data dictates otherwise. Consumer confidence unexpectedly dipped to a 4-month low in January. Optimism fell due to the future labor market and economic outlook. However, the economy remains on solid footing. A still-strong labor market helped power consumer spending as GDP grew 2.5% in the fourth quarter.  New home sales were up 6.7% year over year in December. Annual sales came in 2.5%...

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31 January 2025

Is Renting or Buying a Better Fit for You? Take This Quiz to Find Out!

  Should You Rent or Buy a Home? Deciding whether to rent or buy a home is a big decision—one that depends on your lifestyle, financial situation, and long-term goals. There’s no right or wrong answer, but this simple exercise might help you find which option feels more aligned with where you are right now. Take a look at the chart below and think about which options resonate more with your priorities:   What Do Your Answers Say About You? If you answered mostly A’s , homeownership might be the right option for you. It offers stability, the opportunity to build equity, and the freedom to create a...

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24 January 2025

MarketMinute | How much more are homeowners paying for insurance?

New unemployment applications hovered near pre-pandemic averages last week, but continuing claims surged to a 3-year high of 1.9 million. The number of consumers making only the minimum credit card payment jumped to a 12-year high in 2024. Delinquencies also rose to new highs. Global think tank The Conference Board projects the U.S. economy will expand at an upwardly revised 2.3% pace in 2025.  A Treasury Department study found home insurance costs rose 8.7% faster than inflation from 2018-22, driven...

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17 January 2025

MarketMinute | Are starter homes a thing of the past?

Wholesale and consumer inflation rose less than expected in December, supporting speculation of continuing Fed policy rate cuts this year. December retail sales came in slightly lower than expected but showed the economy was still growing at a solid pace at year's end. New jobless claims increased more than expected last week but remained at levels consistent with a healthy labor market.  In 2023, just 9% of homes built in the U.S. were under 1,400 square feet, considered a typical starter home,...

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10 January 2025

MarketMinute | Check out these 2025 rate predictions

Minutes from the last Fed meeting showed members favored slowing rate cuts to balance inflation risks with those of economic overheating. Job openings unexpectedly rose in November. Slower hiring points to a softening labor market but not one that needs Fed intervention. Jobless claims fell to an 11-month low last week. Continuing claims rose slightly. The balance points to relative stability in the jobs market.  MBA and Fannie Mae expect mortgage rates to stay above 6% through 2025 due to a strong...

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