The Federal Reserve announced another 25-basis-point cut to the federal funds rate on October 29, marking its second consecutive quarter-point reduction this fall. Though the Fed doesn’t directly control mortgage rates, these decisions influence borrowing costs across the economy. Anticipating the move, mortgage lenders had already begun lowering rates throughout October, with 30-year averages nearing 6%, the lowest level in more than three years. Despite this decline, housing demand remains muted, as mortgage applications have continued to fall. The Fed’s latest rate cut reflects its attempt to balance a slowing…
Read MoreMonth: October 2025
Nine major housing markets see price declines in August
U.S. home prices rose just 1.5% in August compared to a year earlier, marking the slowest pace of growth since 2023, according to the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Home Price Index. This slowdown, down from July’s 1.7% increase, signals that the post-pandemic housing boom continues to lose momentum. In fact, nine of the 20 major metro areas tracked saw year-over-year price declines, and for the fourth consecutive month, home values failed to keep up with inflation. With inflation rising 2.9% during the same period, homeowners effectively lost purchasing power, while potential…
Read MoreHow remodelers can boost their marketing
As the industry grows, each remodeler needs to stand out in their marketing. Comrad Digital Marketing gives their insights on how remodelers can grow their online presence to attract new customers. Many clients will Google or ChatGPT, “best remodeler near me,” and go with the first result. Being visible in the online atmosphere is key to being trusted in the eyes of clients. Quality digital marketing starts with a quality website. It includes the basics like who you are and what you do. Do you specialize in kitchen remodeling? Or have…
Read MoreCalifornia leans into the trades
California has approved $25 million in grants to fund 88 apprenticeship programs through the state’s Employment Training Panel (ETP), aiming to train more than 22,000 workers in skilled trades. The initiative, supported by employer-paid taxes rather than the state’s General Fund, focuses on building long-term, high-quality careers in industries like construction. State leaders emphasized that apprenticeships are key to developing sustainable career paths and strengthening California’s economy. According to officials, these programs align directly with industry needs and will provide participants with the tools to secure stable, well-paying jobs that…
Read MoreHardwood and lumber companies ask for tariff relief
Hardwood and lumber companies across the U.S are asking for federal support because of the effect of tariffs on their businesses. The Hardwood Federation sent out a letter to the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Treasury and the United States Trade Representative. This was sent on Oct. 14, the same day the tariffs took into effect. In the letter the Hardwood Federation cited issues in hardwood exports including how fom 2022-2024, hardwood exports product exports decreased $930 million and hardwood lumber exports fell 20% or $663 million. They also included the…
Read More5 Home Renovation trends you’re expected to see in 2026
Design experts are already forecasting the biggest home renovation trends for 2026, and they suggest that homeowners will be moving away from open-concept layouts in favor of more defined and functional spaces. Architect Peter Miles predicts that as people continue spending more time at home, traditional floor plans with designated areas, such as private home offices, will become more desirable. In addition, wellness-focused renovations are expected to grow, with homeowners adding amenities like home gyms, saunas and meditation rooms to support healthier lifestyles. Improved air quality and natural light will…
Read MoreThe Ongoing Strength in Luxury Remodel Segment
Due to the ongoing government shutdown, much of the key federal economic data used by businesses to make informed decisions, such as housing statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, has been temporarily unavailable. As a result, analysts are relying on private reports, such as the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing’s data, to assess current market trends. This report focuses on North American luxury homes, defined by price relative to income in specific regions. For instance, luxury homes range from about $784,000 in Philadelphia to over $2.2 million in Boulder, Colorado.…
Read MoreResidential Interior Wood Doors Market
The global residential interior wood doors market is set for steady growth over the next decade, increasing from USD 19.05 billion in 2025 to USD 26.87 billion by 2035 at a 3.5% CAGR. This expansion is being driven by advances in automation, digital design and sustainable material innovation, which are transforming how doors are produced and customized. Manufacturers are increasingly adopting CNC and robotic technologies to enhance precision, reduce waste and meet growing demand for personalized designs. The rise of digital design and customization platforms is also reshaping customer engagement…
Read MoreRemodeling expects steady growth into next year
Home renovation and maintenance spending is expected to stay steady through late 2025 and into mid-2026, according to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA). The forecast predicts a 2.4% year-over-year increase in early 2026, followed by a slight slowdown to 1.9% growth by the third quarter. This stability reflects consistent activity in remodeling permits and single-family home sales, which are keeping homeowner improvement demand strong. Total remodeling expenditures are projected to reach a record $524 billion by early 2026, underscoring the sector’s resilience despite broader market fluctuations. Looking ahead,…
Read MoreRemodel of the week: Vineyard Haven
Originally built in 1873, the three-story, nearly 5,800-square-foot home needed an aesthetic and structural remodel. The Victorian residence in Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts received many mismatched renovations as it changed owners throughout the years. Only interior designers Vineyard Decorators, were initially brought into the project. However when the homeowners discussed how unlivable the space felt to their lifestyle, Martha’s Vineyard Engineering & Design were brought in for architecture and engineering and D. Best Construction handled the renovation construction. “This project was probably the most unique of its kind because I would…
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