Key Highlights

Agent commission rates have remained largely unchanged nearly nine months after new rules from a major legal settlement took effect, providing stability for both agents and clients. Meanwhile, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has paused the implementation of key consumer protections, including a rule that would have removed medical debt from credit reports—meaning such debt will continue to affect credit scores for now. Starting in May, the FHA, and USDA will end loan eligibility for certain non-citizen borrowers, including DACA recipients and work visa holders, which could significantly impact access to government-backed loans. On a more positive note, new homes are becoming more affordable than existing ones, offering greater value and opportunity for prospective homebuyers.