Fannie Mae ‘Meaningfully Downgrades’ 2021 Home Sales Forecast
Citing new-home supply problems and tight inventory, Fannie’s latest forecast calls for a 4.2% uptick in 2021 home sales – a cut from 6.3% predicted a month ago.
FHA Makes It Easier for Student-Loan Buyers to Get a Mortgage
People with student-loan debt should find it easier to buy a home with an FHA loan. The agency updated its calculations to “remove barriers and provide more access.”
Homeownership Coalition Wants 3M More Black Homeowners
NAR is working with a 100-organization group to boost Black homeownership – 3M more by 2030. The coalition’s “3by30 initiative” includes a 7-point plan. NAR VP Bryan Greene says Realtors will keep working to improve federal and local policies that help raise ownership levels.
Most Common Real Estate Marketing Mistakes?
Focused marketing will likely yield better results, but many agents start with a broad campaign. The latter usually reaches a lot of people but results in fewer leads.
Inflation Ahead? Top Economist Says It’s Complicated
The pandemic boosted consumer demand, but supply chains can’t keep up, causing inflation. But after this temporary condition ends, what’s next? Economists can’t agree.
Economists Evaluate Commercial Real Estate’s Recovery
REIT magazine interviews: Five economists generally agree that commercial real estate is recovering from pandemic shutdowns, though that will vary by sector and geography. Still, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, and the U.S. will recover faster than the rest of the world.
Airbnb: No Listings Coming from Pandemic-Era Evictions
Airbnb wants to “send a strong message” that helps keep people in homes and won’t accept new short-term rentals if told a tenant was evicted for nonpayment of rent.
RE Q&A: House Paid Off but Ex-wife’s Name Still on Deed
A divorce decree that awards the house to one spouse is akin to a set of instructions – and difficult situations can arise if those steps aren’t completed.
Uptick in Lender Complaints Over Maternity Leave
When considering loan applications, lenders can’t consider maternity leave without violating a Fair Housing Act protected class. But complaints suggest some do anyway.
Hydrologist: The 100-Year Flood Isn’t What You Think
If a home in a 100-year flood zone was submerged five years ago, it’s not necessarily safe for 95 years. Each year it has a 1% chance of flooding, regardless of history.