In the frenzy of the hot housing market, more buyers are being drawn to older homes for their historic charm. But where are older homes best available exactly?

LendingTree researchers analyzed Census Bureau data to find where the share of older homes—which are defined as housing units built in or before 1939—are most prevalent in the nation’s 50 largest metro areas. They found that older homes tend to be more common in certain areas, and their values can vary significantly relative to the value of all homes in the area.

Ultra-low mortgage rates returned this week, with lenders offering home buyers and refinancers a chance once again to lock in a rate below 3%. But the National Association of REALTORS® warns that these low rates in the 2% range won’t last much longer, and mortgage rates likely will edge up soon. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 2.95% this week, Freddie Mac reports.

For the fourth consecutive month, lenders were able to speed up times to close, as timelines start to near pre-pandemic processing times.

Purchase mortgages showed the most improvement with closing times. The average time it took for a borrower to close on a home purchase was 49 days in April, down from 51 days in March.

The pandemic and technology are rapidly changing how home buyers shop for a house. They are driving an increase in buyers who will put a contract on a home without physically stepping inside it.

More buyers are turning to the new-home market for greater inventory options, but builders are struggling to keep pace. Some smaller firms have temporarily stopped signing new contracts in order to catch up with existing orders, according to reports. Larger home builders are experimenting with blind auctions and shifting away from fixed prices, and they’re increasingly accepting bids on contracts and putting customers on wait lists.

As the economy continues to strengthen, mortgage rates are heading upwards. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage increased from its 2.94% average last week to 3% this week, Freddie Mac reports.

“The good news is that with rates under 3%, refinancing continues to be attractive for many borrowers who financed before 2020. But for eager buyers, especially first-time home buyers, inventory continues to be extremely tight, and competition for available homes to purchase remains high.” says Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist.

Freddie Mac reports the following national averages with mortgage rates for the week ending April 29:

Here’s welcome news for home shoppers: Borrowing costs got cheaper this week. Mortgage rates are back under 3% for the first time in weeks.

The median existing-home sales price surged to a record high in March, climbing 17.2% annually, the National Association of REALTORS® reported Thursday. Median prices nationwide reached a historic high of $329,100. All major regions of the U.S. posted double-digit annual price gains.

As vaccination rates rise, many states are loosening restrictions on travelers, prompting some Americans to look for homes to book for this summer. Short-term vacation rentals are seeing a surge in demand and their owners are prepared for a lively summer.

Airbnb vacation rentals nationwide in July and August are expected to average around $220 compared to last year’s $194 and $185 in 2019, according to Transparent, a vacation rentals data company.

Demand is growing for all types of housing, from large houses to studios and one-bedrooms.