Mortgage rates plunged sharply following the release of a weaker-than-expected August employment report. Rates are now at the lowest level since October.
A long-time favorite of the rich and famous, Italy is now attracting a fresh influx of ultra-wealthy arrivals looking to make the most of la dolce vita.
Lower mortgage rates did very little to move mortgage demand out of a rut it's been in for weeks. Potential buyers need much lower rates to make a difference.
A push to tax the real estate of the wealthy has sparked a backlash among brokers and potential buyers, who say the taxes punish the most important local spenders.