In this weeks COVID-19 update, from the Realtor.com YouTube channel, Senior Economist George Ratiu talks about the changes in the economy and real estate markets, starting with the surprising rise in jobless claims. He follows-up with mortgage rates, which experienced the fourth consecutive weekly decline, boosting sales of existing homes. He also discusses the welcome increase in the number of homes listed for sale this summer, based on Realtor.com’s weekly inventory release.

George covers the latest data on the new construction front, including the softening builder sentiment and the mixed numbers for housing permits, starts and completions. George wraps up the update with the latest quarterly Realtor.com/The Wall Street Journal Emerging Housing Markets Index, which highlights smaller cities, with strong economies, entrepreneurial diversity, good quality of life, and a growing share of non-local home shoppers seeking affordability.