Office Market: Owners Deferring to Employees on Return Plans
Office managers aren’t sure about future space needs because they aren’t sure how many workers will return. In a tight labor market, many are letting employees decide.
Little Change in 30-Year Loan Rates – But Above 3% Again
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.
82% of Unmarried Couples Prefer Homes Over Big Weddings
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%).
5 Ways to Bring a Stale Listing Back to Life
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.
Builders Say the Labor Shortage Hit a Record High
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.
HUD Unveils Strategy to Deal with Climate Change
HUD’s “Climate Action Plan” has broad goals: Help communities prepare, set green building/electrification goals, create jobs and revise environmental review policies.
‘Zillow Offers’ Lawsuit Alleges Execs Failed Shareholders
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.
NAR Installs 2022 Leadership
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.
Oct. Home Starts Dip 0.7% – but Permits Jump
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.
Florida Realtors Wins NAR Platinum Global Award
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.