Today's Market News:
Home Affordability Improved in April...But Rates Are Rising
During April, potential home buyers saw affordability improve slightly, due to declining mortgage rates and rising incomes. A household earning the average U.S. income would need to spend 40% of their income to afford the median-priced home nationwide, down from 42% a year ago.
Unfortunately, the income required to buy a home was still $29,000 higher than the typical income. In addition, Freddie Mac's Mortgage Rates chart shows that rates began creeping up in late April, putting a dent in current affordability.
Buying a home is getting more affordable in 34 of the 50 most populous U.S. metros, led by Chicago, Oakland and Dallas. However, there are metro areas considered seller's markets in New Jersey, California, New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Rhode Island.1
House Passes Revised ROAD to Housing Act
An updated version of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act was recently passed by the House of Representatives.
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act was created to help close the nation's housing supply gap and make homes more affordable. The bill gives communities new tools and resources to build more homes, while streamlining federal processes that delay new construction. The bill also modernizes federal programs to expand home ownership opportunities, takes steps to improve access to credit, and strengthens awareness of VA home loan benefits.
Over the past year, the House and Senate have worked on housing legislation, releasing updated versions.
- The Senate first passed the ROAD to Housing Act in October 2025, while the House later passed its own version, the Housing for the 21st Century Act, in February 2026.
- In March, the Senate approved an updated bill, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, that combined parts of both proposals.
NBC Creates Index of Home Buyer Opportunities
National news station NBC is reporting on the real estate market with their News Home Buyer Index. The Index rates the current buyer market, using scores of 0 to 100 on a national and county-by-county basis. The higher the index value, the greater the difficulty.
The Index consists of four factors:
Cost: This factor considers current home prices, buyer incomes and what percentage of buyers can afford to buy. It includes related expenses, such as homeowners' insurance.
Competition: Is it a buyer's or seller's market? This factor considers the percentage of homes sold above list price, and the number that sold within two weeks of being listed.
Scarcity: The current inventory, and what changes are expected in the coming month.
Economic instability: This factor considers how market volatility, unemployment and interest rates are affecting buyers.
This month's Home Buyer Index comes in at 72 — a 0.4-point improvement since April 2026. The factor scores are as follows:
- Cost 76.4
- Competition 38.8
- Scarcity 65.9
- Economic Instability 93.3
Make It Fun for Prospects to Find You
Virginia agent Lisa DuBois has achieved what agents all hope for...her videos have gone viral, earning her millions of views. After deciding that she didn't like the standard, formal approach, she decided to put a spin on her listing walk-throughs by playing hide-and-seek with viewers.
Here's an example: A camera scans around a bedroom. You hear a whisper: "I've hidden under so many beds in Northern Virginia. Tell your kids — it's not a monster; it's Lisa DuBois. But not today. I'm over here!" Then Lisa pops out from behind a closet door.
Her playful approach began in late 2024, as she wasn't pleased with her early video marketing. "It wasn't me — I was too buttoned up," she says.
A few views turned into millions after she teamed up with real estate brand strategist, Eric Cruz, who urged her to be her goofy self. DuBois has hidden under tables and blankets, behind curtains and even inside a Murphy bed. She admits she's gotten stuck a few times.
Her advice to other agents: "Be yourself. Don't try to force something or be someone you're not. Authenticity sells — it gets views, clicks and followers." Plus, she adds, it's a lot more fun for you and your clients.4
Offline Lead Generation Ideas
Volunteering for local charities or causes you care about is a great way to build relationships, establish yourself as a community leader, develop your brand, and generate leads organically. Look for events such as serving on a local nonprofit board, mentoring students, or participating in community cleanup events.
Join local business associations like your local Chamber of Commerce. Each meeting can be your chance to network and generate referrals. Be sure to look for home inspectors, attorneys, and others that will join you in supporting your clients, and brainstorm ways to collaborate.
Advertise in local media. Not everyone spends their days online. Placing ads in local newspapers, magazines, or radio stations can effectively reach potential clients in your area. Consider running ads that highlight a specific listing or service or invite readers to an event you're hosting. And be sure to include several ways for readers to contact you.
Organize a client appreciation event. This can be anything from a summer barbecue to family movie night and is a great way to stay in touch with past clients. Be sure to let attendees know that they're welcome to bring friends and family members. Don't forget to follow up on new leads after the event and add them to your CMS for future nurturing.
I can assist you with these and other lead generation strategies, including co-hosting buyer education and client appreciation events. Contact me any time to get started.5
Sources: 1redfin.com, 2nar.realtor, 3nbcnews.com, 4nar.realtor, 5theclose.com
Recent Comments