Realtor News

While indoor smoking is generally banned, some condo associations have started nixing it in outdoor spaces – but it likely requires a majority vote of unit owners.

HUD’s “Climate Action Plan” has broad goals: Help communities prepare, set green building/electrification goals, create jobs and revise environmental review policies.

At 3.1%, this week’s average 30-year-mortgage rate is barely higher than last week’s 2.98%, but any rise above a whole number can have a psychological impact on buyers.

After Zillow’s stock price fell, a shareholder filed a lawsuit alleging execs drove up prices with “misstatements and/or omissions” about its home-flipping business.

Homeownership remains an American dream, perhaps more so as first-time buyers face escalating challenges. A Harris Poll found younger Americans (age 18-44) are more likely to consider homeownership an important financial goal (45%) than older, 55+ adults (30%).

Get creative: Boost the curb appeal by tackling overgrown plants or with new paint. The right home staging can also help buyers see their things in the space.

NAHB survey: Almost 9 out of 10 builders can’t find enough framers and carpenters, with more than 55% of single-family builders reporting a shortage in 16 trades.

The national association’s 2022 president, Leslie Rouda Smith, is a broker associate from Dallas, Texas. President-elect Kenny Parcell is a broker-owner from Utah.

While construction fell in Oct. – builders blame supply and labor issues – a 4% increase in building permits suggest developers expect an increase in housing starts.

The award honors the most active Realtor associations working internationally. The fifth-year-in-a-row win allows Florida Realtors to apply for Diamond status next year.

In marketing content, a hyperlocal focus says, “I’m a friend who can help you navigate and love this community.” Start by keeping up with all neighborhood events.

In Front Range, Colo., Zillow bought hundreds of homes and, in one case, outbid a private buyer already offering more than list price. Many sellers wondered why Zillow would pay so much for their home, thinking the company had a magic formula they didn’t understand.

According to NAR, the changes create greater transparency for consumers and “more explicitly state’ the spirit and intent of the NAR Code of Ethics and policies regarding information about commissions and broker participation in the marketplace.” Policies take effect Jan. 1.

A property is “smart” if it has an internet connection and at least 3 “smart” items. That’s not very expensive to create now and 33% of U.S. homes are considered smart.

NAR’s board and delegate body met in back-to-back meetings Monday. In addition to MLS changes, it focused on governance, financing, taxation, legal actions and more.

Commercial real estate is often considered a hedge against inflation since rents can be increased and real estate values tend to rise.

An FHA report finds stability and suggests premiums – money paid by borrowers to offset future loan troubles – should be lowered. But HUD wants a “cautionary approach.”

A closing gift isn’t just a gift – it’s a “remember me the next time you want to buy or sell a house.” The best ones show that you understand a buyer’s wants and needs.

In Sept., NAR filed a petition asking the Dept. of Justice to change or drop its opposition to an agreement announced earlier. On Fri., it reacted to DOJ’s response.

Even commercial sectors hit hardest by COVID-19 are showing signs of life. Given tight residential markets, though, office-to-housing conversions are a hot topic.