March Home Starts Rebound After Frigid Feb. Drop
March housing starts rose almost 20%, and building permits, a sign of future activity, rose 2.7%. Lumber prices, which tripled in just one year, remain a major challenge.
That Suburban Homebuyer Could Be a Foreign Government
Some large, international commercial buyers have started to invest in single-family suburban homes, viewing them as less expensive than apartment building investments.
Fair Housing Month: NAR President Appeals for Unity
Realtors “can be a force for good and bringing people together,” NAR President Pres. Charlie Oppler said during a special program that honors Fair Housing Month.
How Many Homes Does the U.S. Need to Catch Up? Almost 4M
Why is the inventory of for-sale homes so tight? A new analysis by Freddie Mac found that supply will meet demand only if the U.S. adds 3.8M new homes. The housing need now is 52% greater than it was in 2018, just three years earlier – and it’s even worse for entry-level homes.
Mortgage Rates Fall Again – 30-year Loan Down to 3.04%
After two months of rising mortgage rates, they dropped lower for the second week in a row, with the average 30-year, fixed loan down to 3.04% from last week’s 3.13%.
Proposed Zoning Change Could Encourage Affordable Home Builds
A proposed infrastructure plan would reward cities that change their zoning laws to allow more apartments and garage conversions in areas zoned for single-family homes.
NAR Says 5 Fla. Realtors Are Now C2EX Ambassadors
The Commitment to Excellence (C2EX) program boosts industry professionalism. Ambassadors will promote the latest “C2EX Challenge” and work directly with other Realtors.
Powell Defends Fed’s Consideration of Climate Change Risks
Should an agency that controls money policy worry about climate change? 12 senators said no, but the Fed chair says its concern is limited to potential financial impacts.
This May Be the Best Month Ever to Sell a Home
Study: April is the best month to sell a home – more buyer interest, less competition, higher list prices and faster sales – and given market conditions right now that strongly favor sellers, there may never be a better time for homeowners to post a for-sale sign in their yard.
Frustrated Homebuyers Ask Google for Help
In the past month, the question, “When is the housing market going to crash?” surged 2,450%, and “Why is the market so hot?” doubled over just one week.