Industry Says It Supports $15K First-Time Buyer Tax Credit
However, a tax credit for first-time buyers, part of Pres.-Elect Biden’s housing plan, won’t do much good if a low inventory keeps pushing prices higher.
First Affordable Housing REIT Puts Spotlight on Growing Sector
The affordable housing sector has proved resilient, and the new real estate investment trust (REIT, which trades similar to stocks) will focus on Opportunity Zones.
Legal Q&A: Is a 4-Year-Old Roof Approval Still Valid?
Also: The banging and slamming from an upstairs unit feels almost intentional, and it goes on all night long. What can lower-unit owners legally do?
Personal Protection: Some Realtors Add New Weapon. Literally
NAR says about 1 out of 7 Realtors carries a firearm if working with a stranger, though men are more likely to carry a gun while women prefer pepper spray.
NAR’s 2020 Buyer/Seller Survey Finds 14 Pandemic-Led Changes
There’s increased demand for the suburbs and home offices, and more sellers want to upsize. They also have a greater feeling of urgency and rely more heavily on tech.
Lenders Promote Foreclosure Help for Reluctant Homeowners
A coalition of financial firms rolled out “Not Ok? That’s Ok,” a push to tell at-risk homeowners that a number of programs offer help, but they have to ask for it first.
The EB-5 Investor Program’s Future Is a Bit Cloudy
The immigration program gives green cards to foreigners who invest at least $900K in approved investments, often real estate – but the program’s future is in doubt.
NAR 3Q Sales Report: Home Prices Going Up Everywhere
Two out of three (65%) metro areas had double-digit price gains in the July-Sept. time period, and single-family home sales rose in every area NAR tracks.
Average 30-Year Mortgage Rate Rises to 2.84%
A robust stock rise fueled by the possibility of a pandemic vaccine pushed mortgage rates slightly higher, up from 2.78% in last week’s survey.
Fla.’s Housing Market in 3Q 2020 Shows Strength Amid Pandemic
Florida Realtors’ data: Single-family home sales up 13.7% year-over-year, condo sales up 13.5%; 3Q median sales price up 13.2% in both categories. Chief Economist O’Connor cites pent-up buyer demand and record-low mortgage rates as “driving factors.”