Housing Market Hotness Index

The Housing Market Hotness Index saw a slight decrease to 96.42, indicating a struggling market due to persistent near 7% mortgage rates, affordability issues, and economic uncertainty, particularly regarding job security. Consequently, inventory is accumulating, with significantly more sellers than buyers, leading to a disappointing spring season, as active markets in some northern states contrast with weaker conditions in Florida and Travis County, TX.

The U.S. housing market shows signs of stagnation, with the Housing Market Hotness Index remaining flat for the week ending May 18, 2025. This struggle is largely attributed to persistently high mortgage rates (near 7%)and inflationary concerns from tariffs, all contributing to economic uncertainty. As a result, inventory levels are increasing even during the peak season, with April 2025’s months’ supply of existing homes (4.5) reaching its highest since May 2020.

The U.S. housing market saw a slight rise in activity last week, with the Hotness Index ticking up to 96.80. However, the market remains largely stagnant as high mortgage rates and economic uncertainty continue to deter buyers. While inventory is increasing, demand remains weak, especially in several Florida markets.

Despite a slight increase in early May 2025, the US housing market remains generally sluggish due to high prices and interest rates, though affordability in the Northeast and Midwest continues to drive localized brisk activity, contrasting with slower markets elsewhere.

Housing market Hotness Index dipped slightly in late April 2025 due to economic uncertainty and affordability issues, showing regional variations with strong markets contrasting with slowdowns and seller incentives.

The Housing Market Hotness Index shows a stagnant market despite the spring season, as affordability challenges and economic uncertainty persist for buyers, leading to seller concessions in many areas, with notable regional variations in demand.

A slight rise in the Housing Market Hotness Index for the week ending March 30, 2025, belies continued subdued national housing market activity. Buyer challenges from high prices and rates, seller lock-in to low mortgages, and negative economic sentiment persist.

Despite mortgage rates holding steady around 6.6% and lingering economic uncertainties, the Housing Market Hotness Index has climbed to 93.22, signaling a continued thaw from the winter slowdown. However, unlike previous years, the market remains somewhat subdued, with inventory increasing and properties lingering on the market longer.

The Housing Market Hotness Index, while showing signs of activity, remains significantly below last year’s levels, signaling a market still grappling with high mortgage rates and home prices. This, coupled with economic uncertainty and recession concerns, is keeping many buyers and sellers hesitant.