Realtors press housing priorities in D.C.

Realtors will meet with lawmakers on federal issues tied to everyday customer challenges, including tight inventory, seller tax concerns and buyer access.

Mortgage Rates Near Lowest Levels in Weeks

Mortgage applications bounced higher last week after the holiday-shortened period, though the increase largely reflected a normalization in activity rather than a meaningful improvement in underlying demand. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reported a 10.8% increase in total application volume

Mortgage rates climb toward 2026 highs as inflation pressure persists

The 30-year fixed mortgage rate climbed to 6.52% this week, just below its 2026 peak, while the 15-year fixed rate rose to 5.84%, Freddie Mac reported. Both rates remain below year-ago levels of 6.84% and 5.97%, respectively.

The retention strategy most brokers overlook

Broker-owners can use personal contact, open communication and shared community work to make agents feel valued before competitors try to recruit them away.