The Realtor.com® economic research team is preparing for a full slate of market reports and economic indicators over the next five days.
Senior economists Hannah Jones and Anthony Smith kick off the week with the Summer 2026 Wall Street Journal/Realtor.com Housing and Luxury Market Rankings on Monday morning.
Smith will also debut his new “Low-Key Luxe” series on Wednesday with a focus on Delaware’s high-end homes, while economist Jiayi Xu breaks down second-quarter rental trends in New York City on Tuesday and Los Angeles on Thursday.
Key economic data releases will provide fresh insight into market fundamentals. Tuesday’s U.S. Census Bureau Housing Vacancy Survey is expected to show homeownership rates remaining surprisingly stable despite affordability headwinds, with rental vacancies moving closer to pre-pandemic norms.
Also on Tuesday, the Case-Shiller home price index will likely reflect modest national growth, driven by strength in the Midwest and Northeast alongside declines in the South and West.
Monetary policy takes center stage on Wednesday as the Federal Open Market Committee votes on interest rate policy, with the benchmark rate expected to hold steady at a range of 3.50% to 3.75%.
Senior economist Joel Berner will be closely watching Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh‘s press conference after the rate decision, ready to deliver insights and analysis.
Meanwhile, Thursday’s PCE inflation report—the Fed’s preferred gauge—and persistent conflict in the Middle East remain the biggest wild cards for mortgage rates moving forward.
After three straight weeks of rising mortgage rates, Freddie Mac’s weekly report on Thursday will show whether the trend continues, or buyers see some rate relief.
For full reports, the Market Clock, and raw housing data, visit realtor.com/research.
