Jonathan Lehrfeld

Fed drops key interest rate for second time this year

The Federal Reserve lowered its benchmark interest rate by a quarter percentage point on Wednesday — its second cut this year — bringing it to its lowest range in three years.

October 29, 2025

Here's what the Fed interest rate cut could mean for real estate

Homes.com reporter Moira Ritter and CoStar News reporter Jonathan Lehrfeld discuss how the U.S. Federal Reserve's recent cut to its benchmark interest rate could foster more commercial real estate transactions and indirectly lead to a downward trend in mortgage rates.

September 22, 2025

Fed makes first interest rate cut in nine months. Two more anticipated before year's end.

The U.S. Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate by a quarter-percentage point on Wednesday, the first reduction in nine months. The median projection from policymakers suggests two more quarter-percentage-point rate cuts before the end of the year, an increase from earlier forecasts.

September 17, 2025

Congress mulls blocking energy-efficiency rules for gas heat and appliances

Government mandates for energy-efficient appliances and to phase out natural gas for heating houses and apartments could be on the chopping block. The House of Representatives’ Energy and Commerce committee heard testimony at a hearing on Tuesday that urged a rollback of energy-efficiency rules. The National Association of Home Builders voiced particular concern with state and local governments that have tried to mandate electric power use rather than gas, and stricter appliance standards that the group said have driven up costs for homeowners and renters.

September 10, 2025