What April’s Home Sales Drop Means for You — and What’s Behind the Generational Shift in Housing

Home sales dipped again in April, signaling a cooling market influenced by affordability issues and rising rates. Meanwhile, younger generations are inheriting homes from their parents, bringing new complexities to homeownership and real estate decision-making. And a major real estate firm is under scrutiny for tactics that may be putting sellers at a disadvantage. Here's what you need to know now.

April Home Sales Fall Again — Should Buyers Be Concerned?

Read the full story → CNBC

According to the National Association of Realtors, home sales fell in April by 0.5%, the slowest April pace since 2009. While inventory is improving, high interest rates (still averaging just above 7%) and record-high home prices are keeping many would-be buyers on the sidelines. The median home price in April hit $414,000, a 1.8% jump from the previous year.

Consumer Takeaway: The market is shifting slightly toward buyers, especially as homes sit longer and more options become available. If you've been waiting, now may be a time to revisit your search with fresh eyes—and a preapproval in hand.

Compass Criticized for Listing Strategy That May Hurt Sellers

Read the full story → Boston.com

Compass Real Estate is catching heat for a marketing approach that keeps listings private during early phases of promotion, only showing them to internal agents. Critics say this may reduce a seller’s reach and could violate fair housing rules by giving certain buyers unfair access.

Consumer Takeaway: Whether you’re buying or selling, transparency in the process is vital. Ask your agent how your listing will be marketed—or how competing offers are managed—so you know your rights and opportunities are protected.

Millennials Inheriting Homes… and Complex Decisions

Read the full story → Business Insider

As baby boomers retire or pass down assets, millennials are increasingly inheriting family homes. But these inheritances come with decisions about taxes, property upkeep, and emotional attachments. Some homes are outdated and need work, while others carry reverse mortgages or unclear ownership documents.

Consumer Takeaway: If you expect to inherit a home—or already have—talk to a financial advisor or real estate professional. Whether you keep, rent, or sell the property, smart planning now can save you from tax issues and financial headaches later.

Real Estate-Related Stock Performance (as of May 22, 2025)

Stock	Price	Change
Rocket Companies (RKT)	$13.10	▲ 1.15%
UWM Holdings (UWMC)	$4.35	▲ 1.23%
Zillow Group (ZG)	$67.50	▲ 0.99%
Redfin Corp (RDFN)	$10.25	▲ 1.28%
Lennar Corp (LEN)	$112.00	▲ 0.74%
D.R. Horton (DHI)	$125.50	▲ 0.46%
Equifax Inc. (EFX)	$281.00	▲ 0.16%

Summary: While home sales are cooling, real estate-related stocks posted gains today, signaling continued investor confidence in housing’s long-term outlook.

Homebuyer & Investor Perspective: Smart Next Steps

• Time Your Move: Slower sales and more listings could work in your favor. Explore less-competitive price points before the summer push.

• Understand Your Agent’s Role: Ask for full transparency on how listings are shared or promoted—it could affect your buying or selling power.

• Plan for Inheritance: If a family home is part of your future, talk with professionals about the tax, title, and financial impacts before a crisis hits.

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