In the Pandemic, Online Home-Buying Picks Up Speed
It’s a competitive and scary market for first-time buyers due to fewer listings, rising median prices, widespread use of tech tools and buy-it-now pressure.
Which Metros Have Largest White-Black Homeownership Gap?
LendingTree compared Black homeownership rates relative to their share of a metro’s population. In Fla., the biggest gap was in Jacksonville, the smallest in Orlando.
Feb. Consumer Confidence Continues Optimistic Trend
If consumer spending drives the economy, a rebound in confidence reflected in the Feb. and Jan. reports suggests a slow emergence from the darkest days of the pandemic. Consumers’ attitudes about their current finances rose for the first time in three months.
U.S. Home Prices Up 10.1% in Dec. – Highest Since 2014
Fueled by low interest rates and high buyer demand, home prices surged 10.1% higher year-to-year in Dec., according to the Case-Shiller 20-city home price index.
Condo Q&A: How Does Developer-to-HOA Handover Work?
Developers have almost exclusive control over a homeowners association until turnover, and some owners preparing to take over their HOA ask for transfer advice.
Tech Companies Hope to Solve 3 Buyer Problems
Three new types of software can help buyers estimate repair costs and flood insurance costs before purchasing, and buy a home while still saving for a down payment.
‘Here It Is: Literally the Worst House on the Street!’
A Zephyrhills listing got national attention after promoting it as a fixer-upper rather than tear down. “The roof leaks, the floor creaks and there’s a terrible draft.”
Flood Insurance Data Report Finds Many Policies May Be Underpriced
The firm responsible for flood-risk estimates on realtor.com concluded that many current flood policies don’t charge enough to cover actual risk. Their data could become even more important in 7 months when FEMA starts quoting individualized prices for flood policies.
Building Air Treatment Systems Will Be Common by 2030
Over the next decade, expect more clients to ask about a home or building’s ventilation and clean-air systems that mitigate pollution and remove germs in the air.
Washed-Up ‘Old’ Millennials Still Can’t Afford a Home
Report: The oldest millennials are turning 40 soon, but 58% couldn’t afford a home before they turned 30, and two out of three have no money toward a down payment.