Feed aggregator
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.
The last time inflation rose as mortgage rates fell? Never. But the world is awash with cash, and that holds down mortgage rates, says Wells Fargo senior economist.
Forecasts always include caveats that may upend predictions, but NAR’s Lawrence Yun says the market is hot right now – and he sees more of the same in 2022. While next year’s sales may not surpass 2021 numbers, he expects a banner year compared to those before the pandemic.
Currently, Apple permits iPhone users’ survivors to delete data without reading, but a new “Legacy Contact” feature will allow them to designate data inheritors.
Buyers may find a newly flipped home more appealing because much of it feels new – but not all flips are the same. An inspection is highly recommended.
After WWII, white veterans got homebuying aid through the GI Bill, yet many Black veterans did not. A group of senators now want to offer that benefit to descendants.
It took four years, but a 55-plus Poinciana community of 5K residents won a class action lawsuit against the developer over issues related to amenity ownership and use.
Owners who postponed selling during the pandemic – perhaps waiting for a sign that price increases were slowing – appear ready to list their home within the next six months. Many, however, plan to overprice it – and they expect bidding wars to push the final price even higher.
The firm sold about 20% of the homes Zillow Offers currently owns to an investment firm, leaving it about 7,800 – but it goes up to 16,000 after pending sales close.
It will be easier for international visitors to book short-term rentals. Airbnb will soon give renters a translation option that includes more than 60 languages.
The first step in building a strong newsletter that boosts marketing efforts? Think about your preferred readers – their desires, needs and interests.
Between July 2020 and June 2021, U.S. homes sold at a record pace. However, many owners didn’t stay in their home as long, with average tenure dropping from 10 years in last year’s report to eight years this year. Still, 9 out of 10 buyers (87%) and sellers (90%) used an agent or broker.
Prices rose in 99% of the 183 markets NAR measures quarterly, and 16% (to $363,700) overall. Of the top 10 metros for year-over-year price gains, five are in Fla.
The fear of rapidly rising mortgage rates appears exaggerated, as this week’s 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage averaged 2.98% compared to last week’s 3.09%
Screening tenants is okay but only if based on valid data. A CFPB rule, backed by HUD, says relying on “same name comparisons” is a fair housing violation.
Good cyber hygiene keeps potential attacks from becoming successful security breaches. Cybercrime’s cost is projected to rise 15% per year for five years.
International buyers sidelined by the pandemic are ready to meet with real estate pros in Fla. and across the U.S., though a lack of supply may prove frustrating.
|
