Cryptocurrency Uncertainty Leads Lender to Nix Pilot Program
United Wholesale Mortgage, the U.S.’s second-largest lender, decided it won’t be the first to accept bitcoin, citing its incremental costs and regulatory uncertainty.
Sept. Single-Family Starts Flat – but Up So Far This Year
Starts dropped 1.6% overall, but single-family changed little with multifamily down 5%. Year-to-date, however, single-family starts are up 20.5% compared to last year.
FHA- and VA-Loan Buyers Struggle to Compete for Homes
FHA, VA and other government-backed loans are often favored by first-time and low-income buyers. But in bidding wars, cash offers or conventional financing seem less problematic to sellers. As a result, low-income buyers face yet another hurdle if they hope to become owners.
New-Home Builders Doing Great Despite Challenges
The Oct. builder sentiment index rose 4 points higher to 80. Any 50-plus score indicates optimism, so today’s hot market still overshadows supply-chain worries.
Real Estate Analytics: Unlocking Value in Commercial Real Estate
Commercial brokers have always crunched data to make sure an investment makes financial sense. But high-tech analytics can take that analysis to a new level.
NAR Research: Student Loan Debt Makes Home Buying Difficult
How much does student-loan debt impact buyers? A three-year NAR study calls for reform, noting that millennials are “drowning in student loan debt.”
Fannie Mae Changes Homeowner Education Requirements
Starting in 2022, homeowners with an affordable loan backed by Fannie Mae can fulfill the education requirement using a qualified third-party vendor.
Another Reason to Move to Fla.? Home Heating Prices
The usual move-to-Fla. reasons – sun, beaches and no income tax – omit one item: home-heating costs. A harsh NE winter this year could push natural gas prices 50% higher.
Report: Fla. Closing Costs Are 2.32% of Home Price
In the U.S., closing costs, including taxes, were up 10.5% year-to-year, and almost $7K for an average price home. In Fla. it’s a bit higher: $8.5K for the average home.
Fla.-Owned Insurer’s CEO Cites ‘Sea of Red Ink’
The head of Citizens Property Insurance calls losses among all state insurers “absolutely staggering.” He blames the marketplace itself, saying it impacts every company.