Census Bureau: Cost of Homeownership Rising

U.S. homeowners’ median monthly costs rose 3.8% to $2,035 in 2024, with mortgage holders spending 21.4% of income as rents climbed 2.7% to $1,487.

Hurricane Season Forecast Eased

AccuWeather trimmed its hurricane outlook to 13–16 storms and 6–9 hurricanes, citing dry air, dust and wind shear, though Gulf waters remain very warm.

Jobless Claims Dip in State, Jump Nationally

Florida’s jobless claims fell 1.7% to 5,624 last week, while U.S. filings surged 11% to 263,000, which was the highest weekly total since 2021.

Mortgage Rates Tick Slightly Higher But Maintain This Week's Range

The underlying bond market (which dictates the rates offered by mortgage lenders) weakened moderately overnight.  Weaker bonds equate to higher rates, all else equal.   "Higher rates" is contrary to many media outlets' coverage this week, but there's an important reason. Most news organizations that