COVID-19 Resurgence Pushes Drop in U.S. Consumer Confidence
Attitudes about current conditions fell sharply this month as the pandemic spread, but there’s hope for the future: The mid-2021 expectations index rose 3.2 points.
RE Q&A: Are Dec. 31 Fireworks Legal in an HOA?
A new law, effective April 8, 2020, prevents an HOA from enforcing or adopting rules that ban fireworks on the Fourth of July, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
New Stimulus Bill Includes Money for Rent Assistance
A complex pandemic stimulus bill compromise appears to offer relief for landlords even as Congress extends a rental ban to Jan. 1, 2021. It also bolsters Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans ($284B more) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) grants ($20B more).
If Everyone Could Work from Home, 45% Would Move
Given the chance, many American workers would never go back to the office – and new freedom would turn most of those people into new homebuyers or suburban renters.
RE Q&A: Are Jan. 31 Fireworks Legal in an HOA?
A new law, effective April 8, 2020, prevents an HOA from enforcing or adopting rules that ban fireworks on the Fourth of July, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Is It Time for LEED and Energy Star Programs to Be Updated?
Some experts think the environmental programs created “an amazing foundation,” but a new system that also analyzes utility costs would be a better gauge of performance.
Congress Passes Housing Bill to Help Vets Post-Disaster
The president is expected to sign the bill. It helps veterans who lost their home during a national disaster by ending a VA loan “repeat purchase fee” to rebuild.
Report: iBuyer Purchases Down Nearly 80% in 3Q
iBuyers purchased just 0.2% of homes sold across 418 U.S. metros in 3Q because, “The hotter the market, the less attractive it is for home sellers” to use an iBuyer.
Bottom Line on Mortgage Changes? More Loans, Higher Risks
An underwriting change for qualified mortgages (QM) eases bank oversight. It should enable more buyers to qualify for a loan as it increases risks in the mortgage market.
Are Americans Really Fleeing Big Cities? Not So Much
In 2019, an average 1.91% city dwellers moved to smaller towns. In 2020, it rose slightly to 2.18% – but in some Fla. metros (Tampa, Orlando), it was less than 1%.