US housing market cooling with slower sales and rising mortgage rates; NAR, with 1.5M members, tracks these shifts in real estate.
As of early April 2026, US 30-year fixed mortgage rates have climbed to 6.37%, up from under 6% six weeks ago, driven by the Iran war's impact on energy prices and inflation fears. This rise is slowing US home sales and mortgage applications during the spring buying season. In the UK, house prices fell 0.5% in March, slipping below £300,000, with mortgage rates rising above 5%, signaling a cooling housing market.
Foreclosure filings in the US increased by 20% in February, marking the 12th consecutive month of annual growth. Despite this, rates remain below historic norms. Home sales and prices show mixed signals, with affordability and economic pressures influencing the market. Oil prices and policy responses are key factors.
A government panel has found evidence of child marriages, sexual abuse, and cover-ups within the Yavne'el Bratslav community. The report highlights systematic concealment of abuse and early marriages, with community members fearing retaliation for speaking out. The community's practices are linked to religious beliefs and cultural norms.