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  • Mortgage rates average 6.41% in May

    Mortgage rates average 6.41% in May

    According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.41% in May 2026, up 7 basis points (bps) over April. Additionally, the average 15-year rate averaged 5.76% in May, up 7 bps from April and up 33 basis points since the end of February.

    The 10-year Treasury yield, a key benchmark for long-term borrowing, averaged 4.47% last month, 16 bps higher than in April. Stronger-than-expected inflation pushed yields upward, with the 10-year yield reaching 4.6% during the month. Rising energy prices kept inflation high, as fuel oil prices increased 5.8% and gasoline prices rose 5.4%.

    Persistently high inflation has also impacted household budgets, with the personal saving rate falling to 2.6% in April.

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  • Average homebuyer’s down payment decreases

    Average homebuyer’s down payment decreases

    According to a new Redfin analysis, the average homebuyer’s down payment is down from last year, falling to $64,000 in March 2026, down 1.5% year-over-year. The average down payment was 15%, down from 16.1% in 2025.

    Down payment percentages were highest in three California metros: San Jose, San Francisco and Anaheim, all at 25% each.

    Down payments were lowest in Virginia Beach at 2% and Detroit at 5%, which are both considered affordable markets.

    The data in the report is from an analysis of county records across 40 of the most populous U.S. metropolitan areas. March 2026 is the most recent month for which data is available.

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  • Wellness is driving bathroom design trends

    Wellness is driving bathroom design trends

    The era of minimalistic, sterile bathrooms is over and is being replaced with personality-driven and wellness-inspired designs. Increasing natural light flowing into the space has become the leading priority, followed closely by heated floors and biophilic design elements that strengthen the connection between indoor spaces and nature. Enhanced air quality is becoming another leading factor in bathroom design, once again inspired by wellness.

    These rising design trends are replacing the all-grey and all-white interiors that were once dominating contemporary design.

    “The cold, sterile material palettes are being replaced with warm, tactile and nature-integrated designs,” Alexzandra Aguirre of Phoenix Interior Design.

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  • Cole West announces new President of Homebuilding

    Cole West announces new President of Homebuilding

    Cole West, one of the nation’s fastest-growing homebuilders, announced Chris Winter’s appointment to President of Homebuilding. Founded in 2016 by Colin Wright, the privately-held Utah-based company currently has 21 active communities across the state.

    Winter’s last position at the company was Division President for Cole West’s Southern Utah homebuilding operations. Previous to Cole West, he served as Vice President of Finance in Northern California for PulteGroup.

    “Chris’ proven leadership and deep understanding of the Utah market make him exceptionally well-suited to lead our homebuilding operations during a time of significant growth,” said Darlene Carter, CEO of Cole West. “Chris has already overseen the development of more than 1,400 homes throughout his tenure with Cole West. His expertise, vision, and commitment to our team and local community are invaluable as we continue to expand our presence throughout the state.”

    “It has been a privilege to be part of Cole West’s evolution from a startup homebuilder to a leading, diversified real estate company in Utah, and I am honored to step into the role of Homebuilding President,” said Winter. “I appreciate our commitment to, and unwavering pursuit of, excellence through intentional design, quality craftsmanship, and a commitment to building communities that we can be proud of. We have some exciting projects in the works, and I look forward to helping shape these communities.”

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