– Merger could create huge single-family-home landlord Two institutional investors – businesses that buy multiple single-family homes to rent out – could merge in a $4.3B deal that controls 82,000 U.S. homes. What to mention first in a listing? Quartz countertops Demand for easy-care but expensive quartz continues to...
– Surprising drop in owners optimistic about selling Are owners less inclined to sell? The percent who thought it’s a good time hit a record high in Fannie’s June survey – but it dropped a surprising 11% in July. Fannie, Freddie postpone new credit scoring models Buyers who hoped...
– Mortgage rates move a bit lower The average FRM hit 3.90% this week, down from last week’s 3.93%. The 15-year loan held steady at 3.18%, and the ARM changed little at 3.14%. Why the tight inventory? Blame the boomers Buyers need more for-sale homes, so Realtor.com conducted a...
– Housing crisis officially started 10 years ago this week While trouble brewed earlier, the meltdown officially began when a French bank started blocking withdrawals from U.S. mortgage-debt hedge funds. Fla. home sales, median prices up in 2Q 2107 Florida Realtors data: Single-family home sales up 3.7%, median price...
– It's getting easier to qualify for a mortgage For mortgage lenders, it’s about competition. They see rising home prices and more qualified buyers, so they’re easing standards to attract more business. Millennials: Live with Mom and save for downpayment Many first-time buyers choose to live with Mom and...
– CRE report: Polarization top issue affecting real estate What top risk factors threaten real estate? CRE’s annual list of the top 10 also includes technology, generational changes, retail disruption and health care. GI Bill will pay for military vets to learn commercial RE A CCIM program offered in...
– Amazon's Alexa adds more real estate skills A survey found that 72% of Americans in smart homes want voice control, so Coldwell Banker rolled out a service that offers company news and real estate trends. Fannie Mae posts $3.2B profit in 2Q; to pay $3.1B Taxpayers bailed out...
– Average mortgage rates steady: 30-year at 3.93% Rates were virtually unchanged, though up a smidgen compared to last week’s 3.92%. For all of last year, the 30-year FRM averaged 3.65%. Floridians keep pulling the plug on phone landlines Is cold calling dead as a marketing tool? A new...
– Commercial Realtors income up 11% year-to-year NAR’s annual report also found a 19% increase in sales transaction volume, which indicates a growing economy and an uptick in the number of Realtors who choose to specialize in commercial real estate. Freddie Mac to restrict 1% downpayment mortgages While Freddie...
– Study: Best U.S. cities to flip homes What’s the best city in Fla. to flip a home? A WalletHub study found that Tampa ranks sixth out of 150 national metros, though Orlando (No. 16) isn’t far behind. Consumers cast doubt on mortgage servicers J.D. Power survey: Mortgage servicers...
