If you live in a city that typically sees a lot of storms, like Fort Myers, FL or Abbotsford, BC, installing a storm door can provide added security, protection, and insulation for your home. More so, it can extend the
Building material prices take their toll on new home sales
Record-high building material prices and a continued lack of labor brought down new home sales in April to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 863,000 ― roughly 5.9% lower than the revised March rate, according to a joint analysis from
New home sales trigger concern over lumber prices
Today the Census Bureau reported 863,000 new home sales in April 2021. This was a miss from estimates and revisions for the previous months were all negative. From Census: “Sales of new single‐family houses in April 2021 were at a
8 Easy Tips for Keeping a House Cool in Extreme Heat
When temperatures and humidity levels start to rise, it can feel impossible to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. This can be especially true if you live somewhere with intense summers, such as Tucson, AZ or Houston, TX. If
FHFA’s RFI on appraisals is a critical inflection point
The FHFA’s engagement of industry stakeholders signifies a critical inflection point for appraisal transformation. Modernization will either take root and flourish throughout every branch of the mortgage industry, or our industry could miss a critical window to introduce meaningful reforms.
RamQuest integrates with SearchCONNECT
Texas-based technology company RamQuest announced its title and closing digital network — called “Closing Market” — has integrated with SearchCONNECT, an affiliate of Investors Title and National Investors Title Insurance Company, which provides search solutions in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina,
Home shoppers aren’t the only ones using Zillow
During the early stages of the pandemic, people flocked to Zillow as a way to pass the time in isolation. Makes sense, right? The housing market surged when COVID-19 began, so it’s reasonable to think Zillow-users were looking for their
Jake Fehling to speak at engage.marketing June 17
As the mortgage market swings back to purchase, lenders are looking at ways to welcome new customers, clients and colleagues as they expand their reach. That’s why we’ve invited Movement Mortgage‘s vice president of marketing Jake Fehling to speak about marketing to
Existing home sales data: A bad sign for housing market?
According to the National Association of Realtors, existing home sales for April’s housing market came in at 5,8500,000. This was a miss from estimates and the third straight month of declines in sales. I have been saying we should expect
Home prices increase in 75% of Opportunity Zones
A recent report from ATTOM Data Solutions found that median home prices increased in 75% of the country’s “Opportunity Zones” — economically distressed communities that may qualify for tax deferment — year over year in the first quarter of 2021.
Existing home sales fall for third month in April
April’s existing home sales painted a familiar picture of a market still grappling with low supply as sales dropped for the third month in a row, down 2.7% from March to 5.85 million, the National Association of Realtors reported on
Is housing market demand starting to weaken?
Nearly 50% of homes sold for more than their list price during the four weeks ending May 16, but there are signs that housing market demand may be reaching its peak, according to a recent study from Redfin. Pending sales
Why federal CRA requirement on IMBs is not necessary
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell recently announced his support to extend the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) to nonbanks. The Community Home Lenders Association can’t speak for other nonbank sectors — but applying CRA to independent mortgage bankers seems like a
Will AI solve the problem of appraisal bias?
Accurately establishing a home’s value is not just an important factor in real estate transactions and mortgage lending, it is integral to household wealth creation, as homeownership continues to be one of the primary pathways for Americans to build wealth.
Chelsea Peitz to speak at engage.marketing June 17
Keeping up with the rapidly evolving algorithms and best practices of social channels is no easy feat for marketers. That’s why we’ve invited Chelsea Peitz, national director of social sales for Fidelity National Financial, to explain how she is leveraging
National mortgage delinquency rate finally dips below 5%
April’s 7.08% decline in mortgage delinquencies wasn’t even half of the drop March posted, but it did manage to push the national delinquency rate to below 5% for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, Black Knight revealed
Ex-MBA president McCord pleads guilty to mortgage fraud
The founder of Oklahoma City-based lender and servicer First Mortgage Company, who was also the president of the Mortgage Bankers Association in the late 1990s, pleaded guilty to five counts of bank fraud, money laundering and false statements to a
Mortgage rates rise to the occasion at 3%
After hovering below 3% for a month, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate popped back up six basis points to exactly 3% last week, according to Freddie Mac‘s PMMS. Mortgage rates climbed north of 3% over the first few months of
Shaddock National acquires Continental Title
Dallas-based Shaddock National Holdings announced its majority equity acquisition of Continental Title Company, which has more than 20 locations in Kansas and Missouri. All Continental employees will remain with the company — as will President Matt McBride, who will continue
Local housing markets across the country
Local markets spotlights 5 different areas across the country, showcasing what is uniquely happening in those housing markets. Local real estate agents, loan officers and appraisers share what characteristics are currently defining their market. Bethesda, Maryland Mynor Herrera is personally
Investors are buying up single-family homes across the US
After three straight quarters of declines, home purchases by investors rose 2.7% year over year in the first quarter of 2021, marking the first period of growth since the COVID-19 pandemic began, per a new study from Redfin. Looking to
Home prices rapidly climbing toward $375,000
National median home prices reached $370,528 for the month of April, a 22% increase year over year and a new record, according to a recent study from Redfin. The number of homes for sale also sank to a record-low average
First American names Ken DeGiorgio as president
First American Financial Corporation has announced a new addition to its C-Suite. Kenneth DeGiorgio, who joined First American in 1999, has been named president. In his new position, DeGiorgio will have oversight responsibility for the corporation’s operating groups, including its
Is This New 3D Printed Home the Future of Housing?
One of the world’s first 3D-printed homes has made its debut in Ravenna, Italy. Designed by Mario Cucinella Architects, the 645-square-foot structure is made entirely of local clay — a departure from previous 3D-printed structures that used concrete or synthetic
