HomByt
Housing News & Insights

Daily housing context for buyers who want signal, not noise.

HomByt Insights packages the headlines that actually matter: affordability, leverage, underwriting context, and practical buyer implications.

Updated from Joe Ventrone's latest note
Rates, trends, and buyer implications

Rate snapshot

Daily benchmark panel

SOFR

5.31%

+0.01%

Short-term funding benchmark

10Y Treasury

4.42%

-0.03%

Long-end rate barometer

30Y Mortgage

6.78%

-0.05%

Illustrative market average

Joe Ventrone newsletter · Gov. DeSantis signs sweeping land-use bill curbing local zoning control & Private listings are not just a listing fight, they may affect appraisals |

Buyers finally have leverage in the housing market

Here are 3 smart ways to use it. ​ ​ Apr 7, 2026, (MarketWatch) -- If a seller won't budge on a listing price, try asking for these concessions instead House hunters still face challenges from rising mortgage rates and climbing home prices, but the balance of power is now in their favor. Here's how they can use it effectively when they make an offer on a home.

What this means for buyers

For buyers, the practical takeaway is simple: here are 3 smart ways to use it. ​ ​ Apr 7, 2026, (MarketWatch) -- If a seller won't budge on a listing price, try asking for these concessions instead House hunters still face challenges from rising mortgage rates...

Joe Ventrone newsletter · Gov. DeSantis signs sweeping land-use bill curbing local zoning control & Private listings are not just a listing fight, they may affect appraisals |

Where are mortgage rates headed?

What to know for spring homebuying season. ​ Summary Rising mortgage rates, driven by increasing oil prices and inflation, are impacting the spring housing market. While rates are expected to remain in the low-6% range, their trajectory is uncertain.

What this means for buyers

For buyers, the practical takeaway is simple: what to know for spring homebuying season. ​ Summary Rising mortgage rates, driven by increasing oil prices and inflation, are impacting the spring housing market. While rates are expected to remain in the low-6%...

Joe Ventrone newsletter · Gov. DeSantis signs sweeping land-use bill curbing local zoning control & Private listings are not just a listing fight, they may affect appraisals |

Private listings, homes marketed extensively before appearing on a Multiple Listing Service (MLS), are becoming more prevalent

This trend, championed by Compass CEO Robert Reffkin, raises concerns about the accuracy of mortgage data. By concealing days on market and price reduction history, private listings distort crucial information used by appraisers, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and automated valuation models, potentially impacting lending decisions and mortgage credit pricing. - Real Estate...

What this means for buyers

For buyers, the practical takeaway is simple: this trend, championed by Compass CEO Robert Reffkin, raises concerns about the accuracy of mortgage data. By concealing days on market and price reduction history, private listings distort crucial information used...

Joe Ventrone newsletter · Gov. DeSantis signs sweeping land-use bill curbing local zoning control & Private listings are not just a listing fight, they may affect appraisals |

The future role of the MLS is uncertain, with questions surrounding data control and the best approach for serving both sellers and buyers

A structured approach to maximizing MLS data value is suggested, including data collection, protection, curation, distribution, and monetization. Various related topics, such as data distribution, consumer control, data infrastructure, and regulatory environment, must also be considered. What Is The Future Role of the MLS?

What this means for buyers

For buyers, the practical takeaway is simple: a structured approach to maximizing MLS data value is suggested, including data collection, protection, curation, distribution, and monetization. Various related topics, such as data distribution, consumer control,...

Joe Ventrone newsletter · Gov. DeSantis signs sweeping land-use bill curbing local zoning control & Private listings are not just a listing fight, they may affect appraisals |

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani unveiled a “racial equity plan” aimed at addressing affordability and racial disparities in the city

The plan, which prioritizes resources for “black and brown” New Yorkers, includes initiatives like universal childcare and affordable housing development in underserved neighborhoods. However, the plan has faced criticism, with Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon suggesting it may be illegal and requiring review. Mamdani To Prioritize City Resources For ‘Black And Brown’ People ​ ​ Anthony IafrateApril 07,...

What this means for buyers

For buyers, the practical takeaway is simple: the plan, which prioritizes resources for “black and brown” New Yorkers, includes initiatives like universal childcare and affordable housing development in underserved neighborhoods. However, the plan has faced...