Following an almost 9% jump in mortgage applications last week, the Mortgage Bankers Association reported a 2.5% decrease in applications in its latest report for the week ending April 23, 2021. Mortgage applications decreased despite mortgage rates falling for the
When is the Best Time to Sell a House?
Timing can be everything when it comes to selling a home. From which season you choose to list your home down to the month and even the day can impact how quickly your home can sell and for how much.
The 100-years-war over real estate commissions
In 2002, Natalya Delcoure and Norman Miller, two real estate economists, set about to learn what fees consumers pay real estate agents in America. They were especially interested in real estate commissions. What Decloure and Miller discovered was somewhat shocking.
Considering a fixer-upper? What you need to know
Fixer-uppers are tempting prospects. Such properties let you buy into a desirable neighborhood at far below typical market value. That’s because you’re not buying a typical house. With fixer-uppers, you must think carefully. Ask yourself: Will this house be worth
10 Best Home Improvements Under $10k Worth the Investment
Your home is meant to be a place of enjoyment. It’s where you relax after a long day of work, have friends over for backyard barbecues, and ultimately it generates wealth through building equity over the years. Making certain home
FHFA releases new refi option for low-income borrowers
Following an incredible year for refinances that mostly benefited wealthier borrowers, the Federal House Finance Agency announced it is implementing a new refi product that targets low-income borrowers with single-family mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. According to
San Jose Real Estate Market & Investment Overview
Data by C.A.R. The forecast is an estimate from various sources. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. We will discuss the latest San Jose real estate market trends. The San Jose’s housing
Zillow and Yelp Rank the Top U.S. Metros for Digital Nomads
These areas offer the best mix of available, affordable and flexible rental housing and community amenities sought after by those with newfound flexibility to explore the country as they work remotely Go to Source Author:
Housing Gains Could Grow Black Wealth More Than $500 Billion in a Decade
A new Zillow analysis finds Black households saw modest progress narrowing the racial wealth gap during the pandemic, and that housing factors will largely impact whether that gap grows or shrinks throughout the next 10 years. Go to Source Author:
Surge in New Listings Signals Potential Relief for Frustrated Shoppers
Home appreciation breaks new records as demand crush persists, but inventory crunch shows signs of relenting Go to Source Author:
Fairway Mortgage to partner with Milwaukee Brewers
Wisconsin-based Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp. announced Wednesday a multiyear partnership with Major League Baseball‘s Milwaukee Brewers. Fairway will have signage placed throughout the Brewers’ home stadium, American Family Field, and will participate in multiple off-the-field Brewers initiatives, such as the
Credit scores, and the end of mortgage forbearance
As part of the landmark CARES Act passed in 2020, Congress stipulated that mortgages in forbearance as a result of COVID-19 must be reported as “current” on credit reports. The legislation saved millions of homeowners from having their credit scores
Charter Title forms Hispanic division for Nebraska markets
Nebraska-based Charter Title and Escrow has formed a Hispanic division to further assist Spanish-speaking customers, Realtors and loan officers in the region, the company announced on Wednesday. Per Angela Miller, Charter Title agent, Hispanics make up the fastest-growing demographic in
Hispanic homeownership surged in 2020
Hispanic homeownership in the U.S. climbed significantly in 2020 – there are now 8.8 million Hispanic homeowners in the country, according to a report released this week by the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals. That’s 725,000 more than
Margin compression could serve as accelerant toward digital closings
As a leader in the adoption, implementation and use of digital mortgages Camelia Martin’s breadth of experience has never been more relevant to the industry. A 2020 Woman of Influence, Martin joined Snapdocs earlier this year as Head of Industry
The CFPB is coming for you: here’s how to prepare
If you’re caught in the sights of the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau — or if you’re hoping to avoid the regulator’s scrutiny altogether — here’s what you need to know in 2021. The regulator is no longer “taking it easy”
Sales of luxury homes skyrocket in first quarter
Sales of luxury homes rose 41.6% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2021, crushing sales of affordable homes (7% increase) and mid-priced homes (5.9%), per a recent report from Redfin. Redfin defines “luxury” homes as selling for an average of
8 Landscaping Renovations to Consider Before Selling Your Home
First impressions are everything, and making sure you create a lasting one when selling your home is crucial. One of the first things prospective buyers will notice when they tour a home is the landscaping. Whether it’s featuring trimmed hedges
What is a Kick-Out Clause and How Do You Use It?
Every real estate transaction involves risk, whether you are the buyer or the seller. And during a real estate transaction, either party can include specific contingencies to help mitigate some of the risks. Common contingencies may allow either party to
Mortgage applications rebound following drop in rates
After six consecutive weeks of dips, mortgage applications rose 8.6% in the latest report from the Mortgage Bankers Association. The jump in applications can be traced to mortgage rates falling to the lowest level in two months, prompting a small
FHFA sets extensions and expirations on loan flexibilities
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced on Wednesday that due to “low usage” it is no longer extending expirations on certain temporary loan origination flexibilities for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The regulator is also advancing permanent changes to be made in
What do Home Inspectors Look for?
A home inspection is a standard step in the homebuying process. While you may certainly wave this contingency in your offer letter, it’s recommended to have any home you’re looking to buy inspected. And not just anyone can perform the
Fudge says HUD will focus on housing discrimination
As lawmakers take up housing-related bills in Congress, Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia Fudge laid out her priorities during an address at the Mortgage Bankers Association’s spring virtual conference. Fudge hailed the passage of the American Rescue Plan
HUD releases $8.2 billion in relief funds for Puerto Rico
Plans initiated by the Biden administration in February to release billions of dollars in aid to Puerto Rico are now coming to fruition with a revised distribution of $8.2 billion, according to a Monday release from the Department of House