How have mortgage rates changed in the past year?

Mortgage rates have fallen to their lowest level in almost a year, with the 30-year fixed-rate loan dropping to 6.61% last week.

Which demographic has emerged as the fastest-growing homebuyers in the U.S.?

Single Black women are now among the fastest-growing homebuyers in the country, despite facing systemic racial and gender barriers.

Home / Business and Economy / Home Equity Gains Skyrocket in South and Midwest, Lag in DC and Louisiana

Home Equity Gains Skyrocket in South and Midwest, Lag in DC and Louisiana

Q: Which regions have seen the biggest gains in home equity since 2020?

Southern and Midwestern states like West Virginia and Oklahoma have experienced triple-digit increases in home equity during this period.

24 Aug

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Summary

Home equity stakes have surged since 2020, but some regions see bigger gains
Mortgage rates drop to lowest level in almost a year, but affordability still an issue
Single Black women among fastest-growing homebuyers despite challenges

Home Equity Gains Skyrocket in South and Midwest, Lag in DC and Louisiana

As of August 24th, 2025, the real estate market has seen some significant shifts over the past year. One of the most notable trends is the dramatic increase in home equity stakes for most Americans, particularly in the South and Midwest regions.

Since 2020, states like West Virginia and Oklahoma have experienced triple-digit gains in home equity, putting homeowners in these areas in a strong financial position. However, not all regions have seen such impressive equity growth. Washington D.C. and Louisiana, for example, have actually lost equity during this period.

The housing market has also been impacted by fluctuating mortgage rates. Just last week, the 30-year fixed-rate loan dropped to 6.61%, its lowest level in almost a year. While this makes mortgages more affordable, the decline is far from the dramatic plunge seen during the pandemic. High home prices continue to be a significant barrier for many prospective buyers.

Despite these challenges, one group has emerged as a bright spot in the housing market: single Black women. This demographic is now among the fastest-growing homebuyers in the United States, defying systemic racial and gender barriers to become proud homeowners.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.