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BiggerPockets Daily

The Fed Downplays Volatility As Home Sales Beat Expectations

Mar 21, 2025
Recent data reveals a surprising 4.2% rise in existing home sales, despite some regional fluctuations. The housing market is showing signs of revitalization with an increase in inventory and a steady influx of first-time buyers. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve has decided to keep interest rates steady, offering a calm outlook amidst economic uncertainties. This discussion also touches on the impact of tariffs and inflation on housing affordability, painting a dynamic picture of the evolving real estate landscape.
21:25

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Existing home sales rose by 4.2% in February, driven by improved inventory levels and stable mortgage rates, indicating potential market recovery.
  • The Federal Reserve's decision to hold interest rates steady amid inflation concerns suggests ongoing uncertainty in economic stability and future housing affordability.

Deep dives

Existing Home Sales Show Unexpected Strength

Existing home sales have increased by 4.2% in February, reaching an annual rate of 4.26 million homes, providing a more optimistic outlook for the real estate market than previously anticipated. Despite this growth, year-over-year sales are down by 1.2%, reflecting ongoing challenges in fully rebounding demand. According to the National Association of Realtors, improved inventory levels and stable mortgage rates have attracted buyers back into the market gradually. The ability to access more choices appears to be easing some market pressure, suggesting a potential momentum shift as the spring market approaches.

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