Highway Blog
Latest News
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Mortgage Market News
This succinct analysis of the previous week’s news shows what’s happening in the markets and why.
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Fed Holds Rates Steady, Gas Prices Drive Inflation
May 4, 2026
The Fed left rates unchanged, while inflation climbed on higher gas prices. National home values rose for a seventh straight month, and new construction showed mixed signals.
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Pending Home Sales Rise, Retail Sales Surprise
April 27, 2026
Pending home sales ticked up in March, retail sales beat expectations, and jobless claims highlight continued shifts in how people work.
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Home Sales Slip, Wholesale Inflation Cooler Than Expected
April 20, 2026
Home sales slower, builder sentiment weaker, and wholesale inflation slightly cooler than expected.
Talking Points
Views on all the real estate news from the past week, deep dives on trending topics, a bit of inspiration, and more.
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Weekend Talking Points - 'Where the Homes Are'
May 8, 2026
Oil prices, inflation fears, and mortgage rates are likely to remain elevated until the US/Iran conflict ends. But even today, mortgage rates are nearly a half a percentage point lower than they were at the same time last year, and many markets are significantly more buyer-friendly.
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Weekend Talking Points - 'Dissent at the Fed'
May 1, 2026
A day after the Fed voted to keep rates steady, the March PCE (inflation) figure jumped to +3.5% YoY, driven by higher oil prices. Mortgage rates moved up as well, but they’re still half a percent lower than they were a year ago, and flattish national home price growth is helping to improve affordability in many cities.
Weekend Talking Points – ‘Not Over Yet’
April 17, 2026
The US/Iran war continues, but the stock and bond markets are increasingly behaving as if it’s already over, with the S&P 500 stock market index now above its pre-war levels and average 30-yr mortgage rates slowly returning to the low 6% range.
MBS Highway Housing Index
Real-time updates on homebuyer activity, pricing pressure and sales pace both regionally and nationally.
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April 2026 MBS Highway Housing Index
April 12, 2026
The MBS Highway National Housing Index fell 5 points in April 2026, dropping from 47 in March to 42. While national price direction remained relatively steady, buyer activity declined sharply, likely reflecting the recent rise in mortgage rates.
March 2026 MBS Highway Housing Index
March 10, 2026
The MBS Highway National Housing Index rose 4 points in March 2026, climbing from 43 in February to 47. A year ago, the index stood at 45. The spring seasonal upswing continues to build, with the buyer activity sub-index crossing into expansion territory for the first time since May 2024.
February 2026 MBS Highway Housing Index
February 9, 2026
The MBS Highway National Housing Index jumped in February 2026, rising 9 points from January to 43. A year ago, the index stood at 41. Lower mortgage rates and improved affordability are boosting the normal seasonal upswing.
Visionary Voices
This in-depth analysis by our team of experts on crucial topics like inflation, the Fed and economic data will help you address your clients’ biggest questions and concerns.
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The Wealth Building Power of Homeownership
March 31, 2026
Even amid market uncertainty, buying a home now can boost long-term wealth: home prices are projected to rise about 4.4% over the next year, and purchasing early – by age 30 – can lead to a 22.5% higher net worth by age 50.
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The Cost of Waiting for Lower Rates
March 4, 2026
Many buyers are delaying their home purchase, hoping mortgage rates will come down. That sounds logical, but waiting could cost you more than you expect.
Pivotal Week for the Fed
January 30, 2026
A busy week at the Federal Reserve featured President Trump’s plan to nominate Kevin Warsh as the next Fed chair and a divided decision to hold interest rates steady.
Borrower-Ready Insights
Easy-to-share content that helps explain mortgage basics, common pitfalls, and buyer considerations.
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FAQ: Can I buy a home if I have student loan debt?
May 12, 2026
Wondering if student loan debt could affect your ability to buy a home? Here’s what lenders look for and the steps you can take to strengthen your path to homeownership.
FAQ: What are the key costs to budget for when buying a home?
May 5, 2026
When buying a home, it’s important to plan for key costs like closing fees, monthly mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and ongoing maintenance - expenses that, when managed wisely, support homeownership as a powerful path to building long-term wealth.
FAQ: Do global events affect mortgage rates?
April 28, 2026
Global events can play a significant role in shaping mortgage rates, influencing everything from inflation to investor behavior and overall market conditions.
Product Updates
Enhancements we’re making to help industry professionals better serve their clients.
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Product Update Alert: Buy vs Rent
Help your clients realize the true advantages of owning a home with our enhanced Buy vs Rent tool.
Product Update Alert: Cost of Waiting
Our updated Cost of Waiting tool helps our subscribers demonstrate how delaying a purchase for even a year or two could cost buyers thousands in appreciation, amortization, equity and more.
Product Update Alert: Debt Consolidation
Our newly enhanced Debt Consolidation tool helps your clients achieve their financial goals and gain a better position to build wealth for their family.
