homeowners

Mortgage rates in the United States have reached 7%, reviving concerns about housing affordability. The Wall Street Journal examines what the milestone means for buyers, sellers and the broader housing market, as higher borrowing costs continue to squeeze demand and keep many would-be purchasers on the sidelines.

Fortune reports that the S&P 500 has significantly outperformed the US housing market as an investment, prompting a debate over whether aspiring homeowners would be better off renting and investing in stocks instead of buying a home. The comparison weighs stock market returns against home price appreciation, challenging the long-standing assumption that homeownership is the most reliable path to building wealth.

Rising housing and land prices in Seoul and other major South Korean regions have led to higher property taxes imposed on owners. The increase is drawing attention from homeowners and market watchers, who are assessing how heftier tax bills will affect household costs and the housing market.

Hail is costing the United States billions of dollars a year in damage to roofs, crops, cars and infrastructure, and scientists warn the problem could intensify as climate change alters storm patterns. Hailstorms are among the costliest weather events, and insurers and homeowners are increasingly exposed. Discussion centres on why hailstorms may be growing more destructive and how communities can prepare.

Fixed mortgage rates moved higher again this week, according to a Sunday, September 27, 2026 rate roundup that also tracks refinance rates. The continued upward drift means prospective homebuyers face larger monthly payments, while homeowners weighing a refinance may find less savings than before. Borrowers are being advised to compare lenders and watch rate trends closely.

Home prices in Gilbert, Arizona continue to climb even as buyer demand softens, according to local reporting. The combination of rising prices and weakened demand is drawing attention from residents and prospective buyers weighing whether to enter the market or wait for conditions to cool.

Home prices in Wake County, North Carolina, declined in August, according to local reporting. The dip was not uniform across the county: markets in southern Wake County, including areas like Holly Springs, held up better than the rest of the region. The report suggests buyers in those southern communities are still supporting prices even as the broader county market cools.

Kansas official Holscher made two stops in Emporia, discussing education funding, property tax relief, and policies on data centers. The visit gave local residents a chance to hear directly about state priorities affecting schools, homeowners' tax bills, and the rapidly growing data center industry. Local radio reported on the appearances as part of coverage of statewide policy debates.

Homeowners in Long Beach, California are preparing for high surf and possible coastal flooding as Hurricane Polo moves up the Pacific coast. Residents are taking precautions such as sandbagging and securing property. Local officials are monitoring conditions and warning people to stay clear of beaches and low-lying coastal areas.