Mortgage closing fees are in the hot seat. Here's why feds are looking into them.
As home prices nationwide continue to climb, the federal government is looking into a recent spike in upfront costs associated with buying a house.
Home Sales
Buying a home? Expect to pay $18,000 a year in additional costs
The average yearly cost of homeowners insurance, property taxes and utilities is up nearly $4,000 since 2020.
Pending home sales index slumps in April
According to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors, the home sales index showed a slump in April. Brianna Crane, a real estate reporter for Axios, joins CBS News with more details for potential homebuyers.
Home prices reach $387,600 record high, putting a damper on spring
Continued demand and lack of inventory are driving up the prices of homes at a time when mortgage rates are also climbing.
Home sales fell in April, new data shows
Home sales appear to have fallen in April, according to new data from the National Association of Realtors. CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger breaks down the current trends in the real estate market.
Will mortgage rates fall in 2024? Here's what Freddie Mac predicts.
Demand for buying a home will remain strong in 2024 even though mortgage rates have been around 7% this year.
Inflation slightly cooled in April
New Consumer Price Index data indicates inflation slightly slowed in April, but certain costs of living, like gas prices and shelter, are still increasing. CBS News senior business and technology correspondent Jo Ling Kent reports.
Tips for buying a home
Mortgage rates soared to their highest level of the year this week, according to Mortgage News Daily. Holden Lewis, a home and mortgage reporter for NerdWallet, joins CBS News with tips on buying a home.
Here's how much you have to make to afford a starter home in the U.S.
The annual income needed to afford even a basic home in the U.S. has risen sharply since the pandemic, a new report shows.
Here's how to negotiate a lower fee from your real estate agent
It's worth politely asking your agent to lower their commission fee. More than half of those who do so are successful.
Home prices, mortgage rates remain high
While inflation has shown signs of cooling, mortgage rates and home prices are still stubbornly high, making it challenging for many Americans to buy homes. Elise Preston reports.
Here are the most and least expensive U.S. neighborhoods per square foot
Homes in the most expensive ZIP codes cost almost 200 times more than the cheapest on a square-foot basis, a new analysis finds.
Mortgage rates expected to fall in 2024
Some financial experts expect mortgage rates to decline gradually over the coming months. Mark Hamrick, a senior economic analyst for Bankrate, joins CBS News with the data behind this projection.
Housing market outlook for 2024
Will mortgage rates drop and home prices finally fall in 2024? Chen Zhao, who leads the economics team at Redfin, shares some early predictions for the housing market in 2024.
Mortgage rates starting to slowly drop
Sky-high mortgage rates that scared off some potential home-buyers this year are slowly starting to drop. Rates are now at their lowest level since June after hitting a 23-year high in October. Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, joined CBS News to discuss how much lower rates might go.
2023 was brutal for homebuyers. Here's what to expect in 2024.
Mortgage rates recently hit their highest levels in more than two decades, pricing many out of the market. Here's what to expect in 2024.
Rate hike pause could be good for your 401(k)
An end to the interest rate hike cycle may be in sight with inflation cooling. Al Root, a senior writer at Barron's, breaks down how the rate hike pause could positively impact your retirement savings plans.
Thinking of an adjustable-rate mortgage? Here are 3 questions to ask.
Deciding on an adjustable-rate mortgage boils down to how long you plan to own a property and if your income is stable.
Cost of maintenance adds thousands of dollars to homeownership
Homeowners spent a median $22,000 on renovations last year, a sharp increase from the $14,000 spent in 2018.
Couples turn to wedding registry to help save money to buy a home
A rising number of couples are using their wedding registry to ask for down payment donations, according to The Knot.
Mortgage rates touch 8% for the first time since 2000
The average rate for a 30-year home loan crossed the 8% threshold this week, deepening the affordability crisis for homebuyers.
Mortgage rates haven't been this high since 2000
The average interest rate on a typical mortgage is now 7.49%, worsening the nation's housing affordability crunch.
Homes "unaffordable" in 99% of nation for average American
Home prices have jumped so much that Americans must pay a third of their income on housing, according to one study.
Home sales down 15% from 2022, data shows
Existing home sales fell almost 1% in August and were down about 15% over the past year, according to new data from the National Association of Realtors. Aarthi Swaminathan, personal finance reporter for MarketWatch, joined CBS News to discuss the numbers.
Mortgage rates surge to highest level since 2000
Interest rates for a home loan are continuing to soar, driving many aspiring property owners out of the market.
DOJ says "over a million more documents" potentially related to Epstein case have been found
The Justice Department said the process of releasing the Epstein files may take "a few more weeks" due to the volume of materials.
Powerball $1.817 billion Christmas Eve jackpot won by one ticket, in Arkansas
A single winning ticket was sold for Powerball's Christmas Eve jackpot of $1.817 billion, in Arkansas. It was the second biggest winning jackpot in U.S. lottery history.
We asked experts to rate the U.S. economy in 2025. Here's what they said.
The economy remained on track this year, defying the gloomiest predictions. That doesn't mean Americans are thrilled with how things are going.
Kennedy Center Christmas Eve concert canceled after Trump's name added
A planned Christmas Eve jazz concert at the Kennedy Center has been canceled.
California storm threatens homes and holiday travel
Forecasters said Southern California could see its wettest Christmas in years and warned about flash flooding and mudslides, especially in areas scorched by wildfires.
Trump suggests pulling licenses if networks are "almost 100% Negative" about him
President Trump said TV broadcast licenses should be revoked if newscasts and late-night shows are almost entirely negative about him and the GOP.
DOJ releases huge set of Epstein files with many mentions of Trump
The Justice Department early Tuesday released more than 11,000 additional documents and photos from the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Thousands attend Christmas Eve events in Bethlehem, first since Gaza war
Thousands of people traveled from nearby towns and villages to attend Bethlehem's annual Christmas Eve tree lighting ceremony, which was canceled the last two years.
Is anything open on Christmas Day 2025? See which businesses are operating.
Most major retail stores and grocery chains are closed on Christmas Day, with some exceptions.
U.S.
More U.S.
Is anything open on Christmas Day 2025? See which businesses are operating.
Most major retail stores and grocery chains are closed on Christmas Day, with some exceptions.
Powerball $1.817 billion Christmas Eve jackpot won by one ticket, in Arkansas
A single winning ticket was sold for Powerball's Christmas Eve jackpot of $1.817 billion, in Arkansas. It was the second-largest U.S. lottery jackpot ever won.
NHTSA investigating Tesla Model 3 emergency door handles
Traffic safety regulators are reviewing a motorist's complaints that the manual door handles on some Model 3 cars are hard to find, a potential hazard in a crash.
Hawaii cruise passengers face new climate change tax after court ruling
The new tourist tax imposes an 11% tax on the gross fares paid by a cruise ship's passengers to address climate change threats to Hawaii.
DOJ says "over a million more documents" found, potentially related to Epstein case
The Justice Department said the process of releasing the Epstein files may take "a few more weeks" due to the volume of materials.
MoneyWatch
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Is anything open on Christmas Day 2025? See which businesses are operating.
Most major retail stores and grocery chains are closed on Christmas Day, with some exceptions.
NHTSA investigating Tesla Model 3 emergency door handles
Traffic safety regulators are reviewing a motorist's complaints that the manual door handles on some Model 3 cars are hard to find, a potential hazard in a crash.
Hawaii cruise passengers face new climate change tax after court ruling
The new tourist tax imposes an 11% tax on the gross fares paid by a cruise ship's passengers to address climate change threats to Hawaii.
How to save money on your utility bill this winter as heating costs rise
Many Americans face soaring costs to heat their homes this winter. Here are some ways to lower your monthly utility bill.
We asked experts to rate the U.S. economy in 2025. Here's what they said.
The economy remained on track this year, defying the gloomiest predictions. That doesn't mean Americans are thrilled with how things are going.
Politics
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Kennedy Center Christmas Eve concert canceled after Trump's name added
A planned Christmas Eve jazz concert at the Kennedy Center has been canceled.
Trump promises to guard against "bad Santa" in Christmas Eve calls with kids
President Trump spent part of Christmas Eve bantering with kids, updating families on NORAD's Santa tracker and reminding one child that the big guy has a "serious appetite."
Trump-backed candidate declared winner of Honduras' presidential vote
President Trump-backed candidate Nasry Asfura has won Honduras' presidential election, the country's electoral authorities said, ending a weeks-long count.
DOJ says "over a million more documents" found, potentially related to Epstein case
The Justice Department said the process of releasing the Epstein files may take "a few more weeks" due to the volume of materials.
Judge blocks Trump from stripping security clearance from attorney for now
Trump signed an executive order in March saying it was "no longer in the national interest" for attorney Mark Zaid and others to access classified information.
HealthWatch
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FDA approves Wegovy pill for weight loss
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a pill version of the weight-loss drug Wegovy.
Aetna to cover IVF treatments for same-sex couples in national settlement
A federal judge has approved a preliminary agreement for a class action lawsuit requiring Aetna to cover fertility treatments for same-sex couples as they do with heterosexual couples.
Flu season is ramping up, and some experts are "pretty worried"
Doctors and scientists say this year's influenza season could be tougher than usual, with a new version of the flu virus, called H3N2, spreading quickly.
Finding hope through cancer clinical trials
#LillyPartner Cancer clinical trials can offer patients access to investigational treatments that can be explored as early as the time of diagnosis. Ovarian cancer survivor Alicia Dellario and Dr. Arjun Balar, senior vice president of global clinical development at Eli Lilly and Company, join "CBS Mornings" to talk about the potential benefits of cancer clinical trials -- and clarify common misconceptions. Visit cancerclinicaltrials.lilly.com for more information. (Sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company)
Details on new flu strain as cases rise
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there have been 4.6 million flu cases across the U.S. since the season began. Dr. Amanda Kravitz, a pediatrician at Weill Cornell in New York, explains what to know about rising cases, symptoms to watch for and how to protect your family.
World
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Blast at Nigeria mosque kills 5, injures 35 in apparent suicide attack
A bomb exploded during prayers at a mosque in Nigeria, killing five people in what police described as a likely suicide attack.
Trump-backed candidate declared winner of Honduras' presidential vote
President Trump-backed candidate Nasry Asfura has won Honduras' presidential election, the country's electoral authorities said, ending a weeks-long count.
Photos of ways Christmas is celebrated all around the world
Billions worldwide mark the birth of Jesus of Nazareth with various traditions.
Investigators probe plane crash in Turkey that killed Libyan military officials
The private jet carrying Libya's Gen. Muhammad Ali Ahmad al-Haddad and four other military officials crashed on Tuesday.
Thousands attend Christmas Eve events in Bethlehem, the first since Gaza war
Thousands of people traveled from nearby towns and villages to attend Bethlehem's annual Christmas Eve tree lighting ceremony, which was canceled the last two years.
Entertainment
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Kennedy Center Christmas Eve concert canceled after Trump's name added
A planned Christmas Eve jazz concert at the Kennedy Center has been canceled.
NYT movie critic breaks down top 2025 movies
The New York Times movie critic Alissa Wilkinson ranked the top films of 2025. She joins CBS News 24/7 to review this year's list.
Small Oklahoma town pays homage to leg lamp
The leg lamp in "A Christmas Story" might be one of cinema's most iconic props, and one small town in Oklahoma has a special way to celebrate it. Omar Villafranca reports.
Kiefer Sutherland on new comedy "Tinsel Town"
Kiefer Sutherland stars in the new holiday comedy "Tinsel Town," about a washed-up Hollywood actor who lands in a small English town doing a theater production of "Cinderella." He talks about what drew him to the role.
Taylor Swift donates $1 million to Feeding America, group says
Feeding America's CEO said the organization is "incredibly grateful" for Taylor Swift's large donation.
Technology
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Technology
Instacart ending AI price tests for retailers
Instacart says its ending its controversial system of using AI price tests for retailers. Earlier this month, an investigation by Consumer Reports and progressive think tank Groundwork Collaborative found that Instacart's algorithmic pricing charged various prices for the same item from the same store. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Tech companies push for data centers
Massive tech companies wanting to build more data centers in the U.S. are lobbying for support among Americans, according to a recent report by POLITICO. Gabby Miller joins CBS News with more on her reporting.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Top tech gadgets of 2025
Timothy Werth, a tech editor at Mashable, joins "CBS News 24/7" to discuss the best gadgets of 2025.
Instacart to end AI price tests for retailers following investigation
Instacart had drawn criticism for testing an AI-based system that enabled retailers to charge different prices for the same grocery items.
Science
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Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Dinosaur tracks showing "herds moving in synchrony" found in Italy
Most of the footprints are elongated and made by bipeds. The best-preserved ones bear traces of at least four toes.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
Fossil footprints in Bolivia reveal dinosaurs' awkward attempts to swim
Paleontologists have discovered and documented 16,600 footprints left by theropods, the dinosaur group that includes the Tyrannosaurus rex.
Crime
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Terry Rozier seeks to have charges thrown out in NBA gambling case
His lawyers argued that Rozier's alleged involvement in the wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies is limited.
California farming magnate arrested in Arizona in wife's shooting death
A prominent California farmer was arrested in the shooting death of his estranged wife in a remote mountain community in Arizona, authorities said.
D.C. National Guard shooting suspect facing 5 additional federal charges
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, is accused of fatally shooting Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and wounding Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe.
Officials: Melodee Buzzard's body recovered
California authorities announced Tuesday they have found the body of 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard and arrested her mother for murder. See the full news conference.
Delaware state trooper killed in DMV shooting
A Delaware state trooper was killed Tuesday during a shooting at a Wilmington DMV, the Delaware State Police said. The state's governor confirmed the shooter is also dead.
Space
More Space
Space
NASA's search for next lunar rover
NASA astronauts took their first drive on the moon 54 years ago. Now, three companies are competing for a NASA contract to build a new lunar rover for use starting with the Artemis 5 mission in 2030. Kris Van Cleave reports.
Artemis 2 astronauts rehearse countdown for upcoming moon launch
NASA is gearing up to send four Artemis astronauts on looping test flight around the moon in 2026.
Woman is first wheelchair user launched into space
A German aerospace engineer made history Saturday, becoming the first wheelchair user to go into space when she took a 10-minute trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
Jared Isaacman, billionaire who's flown with SpaceX, confirmed to lead NASA
President Trump withdrew Isaacman's nomination for NASA administrator in April, before nominating him again in November.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Why flamingos are returning to Florida
In late 19th-century Florida, hunters pushed flamingos into functional extinction. But something changed over the last 25 years when hurricanes in the Caribbean chased them into the Everglades. Mark Strassmann reports.
Christmas celebrations slowly return to Bethlehem
Thousands traveled from nearby towns and villages to attend Bethlehem's annual tree lighting ceremony in Manger Square -- the first such celebration since 2023. As Imtiaz Tyab reports, there's hope for a brighter future and lasting peace.
Gas leak suspected in deadly nursing home blasts
At least two people were killed, and about 20 others were taken to hospitals, after a gas leak is believed to have sparked two explosions and a fire at a nursing home in Pennsylvania. Lilia Luciano has more on the victims and the investigation.
Burn areas at risk for mudslides in California
The hills of Altadena, California, scorched at the beginning of this year by a wildfire, are now sliding amid heavy rain. Andres Gutierrez spoke to one homeowner who plans to ride out the storm. Andrew Kozak has the forecast.
Heavy rain turns roads to rivers in Los Angeles
The Christmas Eve drive was anything but a holiday gift for many across Los Angeles as heavy rain turned roads into rivers in some areas. At LAX, the last-minute dash to make it home before Christmas had flyers lining up early hoping the storm didn't keep them grounded. Kris Van Cleave reports.