Pending Home Sales Rose in February Before Iran War Sent Mortgage Rates Higher

Pending home sales rose in February as mortgage rates hit a three-year low, before the Iran war caused an oil shock that sent mortgage rates sharply higher. Contract signings were up 1.8% last month compared to January but declined 0.8% from a year earlier, the National Association of Realtors® repo

What Credit Score is Needed to Buy a House?

The minimum credit score to buy a house varies by loan type: Most borrowers need a credit score between 500 and 700 depending on the mortgage program. Higher credit scores lead to better mortgage rates: Stronger credit can help you qualify for lower interest rates and more favorable loan terms. You

What Factors Affect How Quickly a House Sells?

How fast a house sells depends on a mix of pricing, location, condition, marketing, and market conditions—some of which you can control, and others you can’t. While some homes attract offers within days, others sit on the market for weeks or months, often due to small missteps that compound over tim

Zillow Jumps Into Premarketing With Exclusive Listing Partnerships

It was April of 2025 that portal behemoth Zillow announced its “listing access standards,” taking a hard stance against so-called “selective access” to listings. As some brokerages—most notably Compass—pushed for “private exclusive” marketing plans, Zillow argued that properties for sale should be l