GREENWAY BLOG

30 October 2026

MarketMinute | More inventory means more choices for buyers!

  Jobless claims fell to 189K last week, the lowest since July, signaling labor market strength as employers avoided layoffs. Private employers added 86K jobs in October, per ADP. The October BLS report showed job openings at a 4-month high as layoffs declined. Manufacturing expanded for the 10th straight month in October. Its activity index rose to 55.5, despite persistent inflation and supply pressures.   Even with last week's lower mortgage rates, purchase mortgage applications fell 2% and were down 19% from the same time last year. The median asking price fell 2.2% to...

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23 October 2026

MarketMinute | Rates held steady this week

  New claims for unemployment benefits fell to 194K last week, the lowest since July, pointing to unusually low layoffs. Factory output increased 0.3% in September, but manufacturing growth slowed sharply during the 3rd quarter. Oil prices climbed during the week as worries about the Iran conflict pushed crude prices to their highest level since May.   Purchase mortgage applications fell 7% last week and were 18% lower than a year ago, as rates continued to shackle buyers. A record 43% of builders reported cutting home prices in October in an effort to attract buyers...

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16 October 2026

MarketMinute | Who's buying their first home?

Consumer prices rose 0.6% in September, their biggest monthly increase in 5 months, making the Fed's inflation fight more difficult. Wholesale prices jumped 1.3% in September, their biggest monthly increase since March 2022, raising concerns about future price hikes. Retail sales rose 0.8% in September, beating expectations. Much of that increase came from consumers spending more on gas.   NAR reports a 2.5% month-over-month increase in existing home sales for September. The median sales price was $417,500, up 1.3% from last year. First-time buyers made 43% of purchase rate locks...

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9 October 2026

MarketMinute | Buyers find rate relief with financing

The economy added just 29K jobs in September, far fewer than expected, while unemployment edged up to 4.2%. Prices paid by service firms hit the highest level since July 2022, raising concerns that inflation could remain stubborn. The Fed's latest meeting minutes showed most officials expect another rate hike before year-end due to stubbornly high inflation. Purchase applications fell 2% last week and were 15% lower than a year ago, as mortgage rates kept buyers on the sidelines. To offset those rates, more buyers are using ARMs (11% in mid-September) or paying points (50% in August), per...

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2 October 2026

MarketMinute | Applications fall as rates rise

Jobless claims fell to their lowest level since July, while continuing claims hit a 3-year low, signaling a healthy labor market. Job openings dropped more than expected in August, but layoffs also fell, another signal of a solid labor market. Second-quarter economic growth was revised higher to 2.2%. Consumer spending and business investment helped offset higher gas prices. ICE's September mid-month Home Price Index shows 1.41% annual home price growth, down modestly from August’s 1.44% gain. Mortgage rates continued to climb for the 6th straight week, reaching their highest level...

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