Nicole Friedman

Existing-home sales edged up 0.2%, well below economist expectations and extending the housing market’s long slump.

Nicole Friedman Home sales were flat in April, dealing a substantial blow to a housing industry that was counting on a strong spring season to emerge from an extended slump.

The area’s local real-estate database withdrew the listings as part of an escalating industry feud between Compass and Zillow.

The 30-year mortgage rate increased to 6.51% this week and looks poised to keep rising.

Mortgage rates this week rose to the highest level since August, more bad news for home shoppers during what is usually the busiest time of the year for home sales. The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage rose to 6.51% this week, from 6.36% last week, Freddie Mac said Thursday.

In the fourth year of a struggling market, even real-estate professionals who made it this far are reaching a breaking point.

Home sales in May posted their biggest rise this year, a sign that the housing market’s spring selling season may be showing signs of life. Sales of existing homes rose 3.2% in May over the previous m

Easing mortgage rates and an increase in inventory lured back buyers, boosting sales 3.2% for the month.

Mortgage rates ticked lower this week. But that unremarkable finish belies how volatile the week has been for rates, and how much more volatile it may be in the weeks ahead. The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage fell to 6.47%. That barely budged from 6.52% last week, though it was the lowes

The long list of spiraling costs includes property taxes, insurance, maintenance and home improvements.