Tag: News

Hope for Turnaround After Contract Signings Fall Again

Pending home sales continued to fall in October as higher mortgage rates shook buyer confidence. Read more from NAR’s latest home sales report. Pending home sales fell for the fifth consecutive month in October as rising mortgage rates brought many housing markets to a halt. But now that rates show signs of stabilizing, economists say …

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21 Real Estate Wins in Government Spending Package

The omnibus bill cleared Congress on Friday and now goes to President Joe Biden’s desk for his signature. Congress gave final approval Friday to a bipartisan bill to fund the government through Sept. 30, 2023, clearing the last major piece of legislation for the year. The bill now goes to President Joe Biden for his …

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Cooling Inflation Boosts Home Affordability

As the economy improves, mortgage rates could dip as low as the 4% range, bringing buyers back to the market. The inflation rate has been calming in recent months, contributing to falling mortgage rates through the holidays. Consumer prices are still running well above the typical 2% inflation rate, but November’s level of 7.1% was …

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End Rate Hikes

The Fed today would do well to consider the wisdom of Wayne Gretzky. Mortgage rates fell on the day Silicon Valley Bank went bankrupt. In times of panic, financial market investors seek out the safest asset. Nothing is more secure than U.S. government bonds; they will be paid. There are, however, interest rate risks that …

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Help Amplify the Message That Homeownership Is a Win

Here’s how you can help spread the word about the benefits of owning a home and support advocacy efforts to expand housing access. Homeownership is a financial windfall for most households, with homeowner wealth soaring 40 times higher than renters. Over the last decade, most owners have earned more than $100,000 in equity, according to …

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Help Amplify the Message That Home ownership Is a Win

Here’s how you can help spread the word about the benefits of owning a home and support advocacy efforts to expand housing access. Homeownership is a financial windfall for most households, with homeowner wealth soaring 40 times higher than renters. Over the last decade, most owners have earned more than $100,000 in equity, according to …

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What Homeowners Should Know About Solar Panels

Increasing energy costs are spurring more homeowners to go solar, but an abundance of choices in the field can make the decision daunting. Help homeowners weigh the options with these five considerations. Key Takeaways: Installing solar panels or modules to convert sunlight into electricity and conserve energy is not a new concept. Back in 1954, …

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A Home Gym? No Sweat

Many homeowners are still reluctant to work out in gyms as COVID-19 remains a threat. Here’s how they can outfit a space without spending a bundle. Key Takeaways: In the 1980s and ‘90s, when houses were getting bigger and fancier with all sorts of specialty spaces—theaters with stadium seating, giant aquariums, rathskellers, and sports courts—some …

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A Primer on Home Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

One of the newest amenities builders are including in housing developments to attract buyers is electric vehicle charging stations. Learn more about this feature that’s growing in popularity among your clients. Key Takeaways: As more car manufacturers add electric vehicles to their fleets, those who own or lease them know the value of having a …

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Survey Reveals Least Popular Decorating Colors

More than a third of survey respondents ranked these two colors as their least favorite. America’s least desired colors for home decoration: orange and pink. This is the result of a survey of more than 1,500 consumers by Modsy, an online interior design service. More than a third of survey respondents ranked these two colors …

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Gardening Tips

Landscape designer Michael Glassman(link is external) started his fall yard and garden work shortly before Halloween. Late October to mid-November is the perfect time to weed, prune, and mulch to prepare for chilly winter and then the spring growing season. Even those homeowners who live in a warm climate have their work cut out for …

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Know Your State’s Laws Around New Residents With Pets

Your clients who are relocating across state lines may be surprised at the requirements for pets that are coming with them. Consult this state-by-state breakdown. Many home buyers keep their pets top of mind when shopping for a property, with 43% of pet owners saying they’re willing to move to accommodate their furry friend, according …

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