landsman news roundup

Forbes: The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropped 13 basis points to start March and then stalled, finishing out the month two basis points higher from where it started, at 6.65%, according to Freddie Mac data. One basis point is one one-hundredth of a percentage point.

AZBigMedia: A typical “starter home” — defined for this analysis as being among those in the lowest third of home values in a given region — is worth at least $1 million in 233 cities. Five years ago, there were only 85 such cities. However, the latest number has slipped slightly from 239 at the start of this year, as sellers have so far made a stronger return to the market than buyers, causing home values to soften.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: This summary presents a sampling of economic information for the area; supplemental data are provided for regions and the nation. Subjects include unemployment, employment, wages, prices, spending, and benefits.

AZBigMedia: Here are the Top 10 master-planned communities in Arizona, based on public voting for the 2025 edition of Ranking Arizona, the state’s biggest and most comprehensive business opinion poll. Ranking Arizona is based purely on opinion and ranks companies based on how voters answer this simple question: with whom would you recommend doing business?

AppraisersForum: Once a cornerstone of real estate transactions, the appraisal industry is now facing an existential crisis. A closer look reveals a troubling disparity between the compensation appraisers receive and the escalating demands placed upon them. This unsustainable imbalance is threatening the viability of the profession.

ArizonaRealEstate.com: Here you'll find statistics on residential listings in Arizona and surrounding communities, updated every day from the MLS, including the average price, average days on market, average price reduction, and more.