Aging Housing Stock Fuels Home-Improvement Boom
Lowe’s says same-store sales rose 5% in 4Q 2021, in part because the housing stock is aging and more frustrated buyers are opting for 30-plus year-old homes.
29 Mortgage Servicers Committed to Homeownership
Which mortgage servicers are consumer friendly? Fannie Mae provides feedback to companies and says 29 have shown a commitment to improving homeownership.
Fla. House Passes ‘Hometown Hero’ Amendment
The drive to offer an additional property tax break to people like teachers and the military now goes to the Senate. If approved, it will then be considered by Fla. voters.
1 of 5 iBuyer Homes Sold to Institutional Investors
A Bloomberg analysis of 100K property records found that big investors bought 20% of homes purchased by iBuyers – and twice that amount in some Sun Belt cities.
Treat Top Tool with Respect: Your Phone
Today’s phones are the most expensive tool that people take for granted, yet there are small changes you can make to maximize efficiency and extend their life.
NAR: Jan. Pending Home Sales Drop 5.7%
Buyers have difficulty finding a home, says NAR’s chief economist. He won’t be surprised to see demand decline given current “mortgages, home costs and inventory.”
Fla. Builders Can’t Keep Up with New-Home Demand
Some buyers camp out overnight to be first in line when a new-home development debuts, and a new Westlake community with 4,500 lots says it’s still not enough.
Housing Test: Is it Harder on Buyers or Renters?
A CoStar analysis found rising rents across the Sun Belt with Orlando topping the list (up 24.3%), followed closely by Tampa (up 24%).
CFPB Wants to Remove Bias in Algorithm Appraisals
An automatic appraisal that uses historical data can simply mirror existing discrimination, says the national consumer agency, now reviewing loan algorithms.
NAHB: Jan. New-Home Sales Lower but ‘Still Solid’
New-home sales dropped 4.5% in Jan., but builders say demand remains strong. They blame supply-chain issues that increase costs and slow construction time.