Are Investors Really Buying All the Homes?

If you’ve been worried about competing with Wall Street for a home, here’s some good news: Institutional investors (those owning 1,000+ homes) make up a small amount of the market, and they’re pulling back, according to multiple outlets. At the peak of the pandemic housing boom in Q3 2021, institutional investors made up 2.2% of home purchases. By Q2 2024, that number had dropped to just 0.3%.

  • Institutional investors currently own 0.4% of the market.

  • Small investors account for around 18% of the market.

  • Total investor purchases, meaning all non-primary home buyers, hit 14.8% of home sales in Q1 2024, the highest share recorded since data tracking began in 2001.

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Reader Q&A: Westchester County Home Buyers

What should I know about buying a co-op in Westchester vs. NYC? Is buying a co-op worth the hassle?

Westchester’s co-op approval process is similar to New York City’s, but a 2021 Fair Housing amendment requires Westchester co-op boards to disclose financial requirements and provide reasons for rejection. This gives buyers clarity on qualifications. While the process still includes financial scrutiny and board rules, co-ops remain an excellent, affordable path to homeownership and equity building!

How important are school districts for resale value?

School district rankings have a significant impact on home values, even for buyers without children. Homes in top-ranked districts…

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Mortgage Rates Dip as The Spring Market Approaches

Harbor Island Park, Mamaroneck

The U.S. housing market is experiencing a slight easing in mortgage rates, offering a glimmer of hope for prospective buyers as the spring selling season approaches. Today, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate hit a new low for 2025, dropping to 6.70%. Additionally,

  • Refinance activity hit its fastest pace since October 2024.

  • Mortgage applications increased 9% week-over-week, up 2% from last year.

  • Property tours are up 25% from the start of the year, according to Redfin.

Ralph’s Take

Mortgage rates have shown stability, a promising sign for both buyers and sellers as we head into the spring…

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Get Rewarded for Renting

Rocket Mortgage has introduced a new initiative, Rocket Rent Rewards, aimed at assisting renters in transitioning to homeownership by offering up to $5,000 toward closing costs. This program allows eligible homebuyers to receive a credit equivalent to 10% of their total rent payments over the past year when they secure a mortgage through Rocket Mortgage.

  • Eligibility: Renters who have consistently made payments over the last 12 months finance a home through Rocket Mortgage.

  • Benefit Calculation: 10% of the total rent paid in the previous year, up to $5,000.

Ralph’s Take

This is a strategic way to make homeownership a little more accessible for renters. Consistently…

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