How to protect your buyers from appraisal catastrophes
With multiple offers being the order of the day, buyers are overbidding to outgun their competitors. What happens if an appraisal comes back low? Here are a few important steps to take before writing an over-asking offer
by Carl Medford Mar 23
Rising rates and low inventory cause home sales to plummet
Existing-home sales were down 6.6% from January to February, according to data released Monday from the National Association of Realtors
by Patrick Kearns Mar 22
America's hottest neighborhoods: The North End in Boise, Idaho
The North End has hiking trails, coffee shops and tree-lined streets. Those amenities have helped make it eminently livable, and one of the hottest neighborhoods in the US
by Jim Dalrymple II Mar 22
Number of homes sold above list price soared in February: Redfin
The median home sale price in the US rose 14.4% to $336,200 in February
Rising rates are slowing home construction
Housing starts plummeted in February as interest rates and lumber costs soared, according to data released Wednesday by the US Commerce Department
by Patrick Kearns Mar 17
Frontline workers are at greatest risk of housing shortage
A new study from the Urban Land Institute shows that middle-income households of frontline workers are being impacted most significantly by exacerbated housing shortages as a result of the pandemic
by Lillian Dickerson Mar 16
5 ways the pandemic mortgage boom has changed the market
Mortgage experts Ann Thompson and Christian Wallace share how the pandemic changed the mortgage market and what it means for today's consumers at Connect Now
by Marian McPherson Mar 16
Rent prices continue to soar across US: CoreLogic
Rent prices are significantly higher than they were at the same time last year, rising by 3.8% nationwide in January, according to a Single-Family Rent Index report released Tuesday
Eyes on Houston: Why the city is becoming a dream location
As an agent, investor and relocation specialist in Houston, Natasha Carroll knows the city's housing market inside out. Here's her take on why Houston is becoming an ideal destination for many
by Victoria Kennedy Mar 16
February sees record new bookings for short-term rentals: AirDNA
While short-term rental stays that took place during February were at a record low, new bookings made during the month hit a high, according to short-term rental analytics company AirDNA
by Lillian Dickerson Mar 12
Everyone is moving to Florida! Or maybe they aren't
Despite narratives about buyers flocking to Florida, data from Atlas Van Lines and Florida's 2020 Demographic Estimating Conference suggest the migration patterns are negligible
by Lillian Dickerson Mar 12
IBuyers still on slow road to recovery: Redfin
IBuyers purchased 0.3% of all homes sold across 418 US metro areas analyzed by Redfin during the fourth quarter of 2020, down from 0.8% of all homes sold the year before
by Lillian Dickerson Mar 11
New program aims to help build wealth in communities of color
Project REACh aims to address economic disparities that hinder wealth creation in underserved communities by supporting community banks
by Christopher G. Cox Mar 11
Lawmakers, economists worry home price growth will 'choke off' buyers
Economists told Politico the yearslong imbalance of demand and supply will come to a head this year as first-time buyers give up on homeownership
by Marian McPherson Mar 10
Mortgage applications decrease 1%
Climbing mortgage rates have slowed demand for refinance applications, while purchase applications remain strong moving into spring, according to Mortgage Bankers Association
by Lillian Dickerson Mar 10
Share of mortgages in forbearance dropped 3 points at end of February
The overall decline of mortgage loans in forbearance was led by Ginnie Mae loans, which dropped by 7 basis points from the previous week to 7.28% of loans in forbearance