Student Loans Hurt Ability to Save for a Down Payment
NAR: 47% of home buyers said student loan debt was the biggest obstacle to down payment savings; 43% said high rent or mortgages; 36% cited credit card debt.
Jan. Pending Sales: Down 2.8% by Month, Up 13% Year-to-Year
While down a bit compared to Dec., pending sales hit a Jan. record high. The South region, which includes Fla., was the sole area to see a modest month-to-month rise.
Success as an Agent in 2021 Means Nailing Digital Curb Appeal
If 97% of recent homebuyers used the internet, then digital curb appeal – how good a listing looks online and in the listing preview from a search – is vital.
Which Is Cheaper: Buying an Existing Home or Building New?
It depends. Average cost of a new home in Dec. was $302.8K; it was $309.8K for an existing home. But factors like location, custom options and lumber costs affect prices.
FHFA Extends Foreclosure and Eviction Bans to June 30
Homeowners with mortgages held by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac cannot be evicted through June 30, nor can renters in buildings acquired by the lending giants. Forbearance was also extended for three additional months, allowing some owners to skip mortgage payments for a total of 18 months.
Miami Developer Returns Deposits as Construction Prices Soar
Could others do the same? Builders cite rising lumber prices, closed building material factories and a worker shortage for construction costs up 20% or more.
Mortgage Rates Keep Rising, Hit 2.97% This Week
Rising rates say good things about the U.S. economy, but it’s not great news for homebuyers. Still, most experts predict something a bit above 3% for most of 2021.
Contracts, Forms, Riders: Changes Coming on March 9
A number of changes – lines for association information, wording changes, references and a new rider for the Vacant Land Contract – will go into effect on Tuesday, March 9.
Q&A: Must I Sue My Mother to Get Off the Mortgage?
Mom didn’t qualify for a mortgage and her daughter agreed to help by co-signing the deed and the loan. But Mom stumbled financially and won’t leave. Now what?
Dear Anne: Is My Career Over? I Face an Ethics Complaint
A member listed a house in “mint condition,” but to the seller’s surprise, the buyer’s inspector found roof problems. The result: A “busybody” agent not involved in the transaction filed an ethics complaint. Can he do that? Does she need a lawyer? Could her license be revoked?