US Purchase Lending Hits 12-Yr Low
In Q1 2026, US residential mortgage originations ↓~13% quarterly to 1.57M loans, while dollar volume ↓~12% to $577.7B, showing a softer start for lending activity.
Purchase loans led the pullback, ↓~20% from Q4 2025 to 581.3K, the lowest quarterly total since Q1 2014 for US home-buying credit.
Purchase lending dollar volume reached $236.8B, ↓~18% quarterly and ↓~8% yearly, with purchase loans at ~37% of originations across US residential lending.
The lending shift was broad: purchase activity was weaker in nearly all analyzed metros, while total originations followed across most markets nationwide.
Heading into summer 2026, loan professionals described slower application conversations, influenced by geopolitical uncertainty, sticky inflation, mortgage rates, and central bank outlook.
Waiting for Interest Rate to Drop? Why it Could Cost You More
Delaying a home purchase due to fear of higher mortgage rates can be costly. Interest rates are unpredictable and may rise, while home prices generally increase over time. Buying now builds equity and secures housing costs amid economic uncertainty. Waiting risks missing out on ideal homes and financial benefits. Assess your debt-to-income ratio and credit score to improve loan options and consider refinancing if rates drop later.
Happy Father’s Day
Approximately 2.5 billion Father's Day cards are sent each year.
Neckties have become a popular traditional gift for Father's Day.
"World's Greatest Dad" is a popular Father's Day phrase.
Breakfast in bed is a common Father's Day treat.
Wishing a fantastic Father's Day to all the dads who strive to be the best versions of themselves.
To every father figure making a positive impact, Happy Father's Day!
The Market Dynamics of June: Sales, Inventory, and Buyer Trends
In June, existing-home sales peak with an 8.2% rise, driven by school breaks, longer daylight, and warm weather, allowing families to search broadly and move before school starts. Inventory typically increases slightly but remains below pre-pandemic levels. Prices reach their highest point with a 3.9% increase due to strong buyer competition. Homes sell fastest, averaging 30 days on market. First-time buyers peak at 32.2%, while cash buyers drop to 19.9%.
Contract signings hit four-year high as sellers reset prices
US housing contract signings rose 4.5% year-over-year in April 2026, the strongest gain in three years, driven by sellers pricing homes realistically. New listings increased 1.4%, with 34 of the top 50 metros showing higher contract signings. Midwest markets led growth, while some Southern markets saw rising demand despite fewer listings due to price corrections. National median list prices fell 2.4%, with fewer price cuts, indicating better seller pricing strategies.
Texas Home Prices Face 2027 Volatility
Texas pricing is being shaped by monetary policy, limited supply, steady migration, and construction costs that keep pressure on several market segments.
Analysts suggest watching late-year inventory because available homes will help clarify Texas market direction and guide buyer and seller strategies with stronger confidence.
Lenders are adjusting loan criteria, making careful capital planning, financing comparisons, and long-term stability central to Texas purchase decisions in this cycle.
Texas Viability Checklist
Inventory by region
Short-term wage growth projections
Home service and maintenance costs
For 2027, Texas participants are encouraged to stay flexible, use professional advice, monitor credible data, and align moves with economic conditions carefully.
US Home Prices Seen Rising Through 2030
Panel-wide expectations point to US home prices ↑~14% from Q4 2025 to Q4 2030, with a calmer pace than pandemic-era spikes for planning purposes.
Near-term expectations stay modest, with prices ↑~2% in 2026, ↑~2% in 2027, and ↑~3% in 2028, helping buyers plan budgets and timing.
The outlook calls for avg. annual price change near ~3%, implying steadier appreciation instead of sharp spikes across the US market ahead.
Sales outlook depends on household formation, available inventory, and budgets, while affordability, confidence, and mortgage-rate levels remain key watch points for clients today.
Mortgage rates are expected to stay above ~6% through 2027, and rate lock-in makes realistic seller pricing important for market time management.
US Housing Recovery Needs Lower Rates
An industry expert says pent-up demand, millennial buyers, household formations, and record equity are real tailwinds, but affordability still limits traction today.
For 2026, housing starts are expected to keep easing, while repair and remodeling activity may dip toward year-end after recent flat trends.
Lower lumber costs are not viewed as the main unlock; mortgage-rate relief would have a much larger affordability impact for buyers nationally.
Rate lock-in remains central: owners with low-3% mortgages often avoid moving into ~6% loans, limiting listings and post-purchase renovation momentum for brokers.
Constructive path: cooler inflation, steadier oil flows, reduced trade uncertainty, and mid-5% mortgage rates could help the US market gain traction again.
Honoring the Flag, Celebrating Its Legacy
Flag Day is the American flag's birthday party every June 14th!
Flag Day was proclaimed in 1916 but officially recognized in 1949. Talk about a late celebration!
Betsy Ross, a seamstress, sewed the first flag. Imagine if designers today made flag-inspired outfits!
Improving Affordability, Emerging Spring Demand May Boost House Price Growth Nationally
National home prices remain slightly below year-ago levels but showed the strongest monthly appreciation in nearly a year, signaling early spring demand and improved affordability. Midwestern and Northeastern markets lead annual price gains, while many Southern and Western markets still see declines. Starter-tier homes in cities like Pittsburgh and Arlington experienced notable price increases. Overall, renewed momentum suggests price declines may be ending, depending on local supply and demand.