Realtor News

The newly named company says it will focus on older housing stock and use AI-powered analytics to help real estate investors make decisions.

The pictures and virtual tours aren’t all that great in many listings – but that’s a benefit for those agents who take extra time to make sure their listing visuals “pop.”

Buyers who put less than 20% down often need private-mortgage insurance – but with a 20% year-to-year uptick in home values, many owners may be able to cancel it now.

38% of homeowner households and 66% of renter households have difficulty paying for usual household expenses, including food, according to NAR’s study. “Housing affordability and food sufficiency are inseparable to families’ balance sheets,” says NAR VP Jessica Lautz.

Of that money, almost $1.5M goes to four groups under HUD’s Private Enforcement Initiative to investigate and litigate complaints filed under the Fair Housing Act.

NAR’s awards highlight Realtors across the U.S. who have dedicated their time, money and passion to helping others – and one 2021 finalist hails from Fla.

U.S. financial markets keep some New Yorkers in New York, and developers think a southern hub might give fence-sitting investors another reason to relocate.

Stay current with creditors tracked by credit score firms, but also do some homework: Understand credit scores and how they impact your life.

In many areas, homeownership not only offers long-term wealth but also immediate cost benefits. For some FHA 3.5%-down buyers, monthly payments actually go down.

Rates continue to average less than 3% as signs show the economy – at least so far – appears to be outpacing the delta variant of COVID.

NAR President Oppler says Realtors have “long advocated for many of the policies,” though the promise of 100K homes “is just a small fraction” of the 6 million needed.

Realtor.com got 18K more new listings in Aug. 2021 than it did in Aug. 2020 – and more were affordable, entry-level homes. Realtor.com’s economist says it’s still a seller’s market, but a well-priced home might get 3 bids now compared to the 10 it would have received in 2020.

Insurers play a big role in financial markets, so if the number and intensity of natural disasters increases, could financial woes follow? A new study hopes to find out.

A cross section of federal agencies tinkered with policies in an effort to boost affordable housing and the middle class, according to the White House. For example, homesteading buyers will have more exclusive time (30 days) to buy foreclosed homes under FHFA.

A thousand things need doing after a hurricane or other natural disaster, but it’s hard to remember all of them. Deal with immediate needs first, then financial issues.

After more than a year of staying at home, many owners forget basic safety precautions before they go out. One study found that 1 in 4 forgot to lock a door.

In July 2020, 2,216 Redfin users moved to Miami; in July 2021, the number grew to 7,610. Some moved because they could work from home, some to escape lockdowns.

Desperation helps scammers. A strong need for affordable housing entices victims to lower their defenses, and some will send money to landlords they’ve never met.

I thought MLS offers of compensation were unilateral and unconditional, but I’m seeing more conditions, such as full compensation only for full-price offers submitted within a set number of days. What does “unconditional” mean?

Americans felt less confident in Aug. When the pandemic resurged, the confidence index fell to its lowest level since Feb – but it’s too soon to draw long-term conclusions.